Suicide is a significant and tragic national health issue that affects millions of Americans each year. In 2018, 48,344 people died by suicide in the United States, making it the nation’s 10th leading cause of death and equating to about one suicide death every 11.1 minutes (CDC, 2020; CDC, 2017). Additional research estimates that 300-400 physicians commit suicide per year.

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Week, we have decided to release an episode on this sensitive topic. Suicide Prevention Week is a call to action in the hopes to affect the lives of our loved ones, our classmates, our patients, and our communities. Throughout this week, we hope to learn how to #BeThere for one another by increasing awareness of the signs of suicide, by equipping you with the skills to talk about it, and by spotlighting some higher-risk populations.

Please check out the MIND Instagram to learn more about the events happening this week (@MIND_AT_TCOM).

For more information on physician suicide, you can listen to this inspiring TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/dominic_king_physician_suicide_what_medical_students_need_to_know

As a reminder, please reach out to the following numbers if you or anyone else are having thoughts of hurting yourself.

On call Care Team phone line: 817-734-2740

Always here with love and support,