Content Warning: The following article discusses suicide prevention and physician mental health, including references to suicide and emotional distress. We encourage readers to engage with this content at their own pace and seek support if the material feels difficult or activating.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month: a time to break the silence, reduce stigma, and take action to prevent suicide and save lives. On September 17, we observe National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. This day honors the physicians and medical students who have been lost to suicide, which remains a leading cause of death among medical residents and fellows.
This day also provides an opportunity to spread the word that suicide is preventable and effective help is available. This month’s well-being tip aims to renew our collective commitment to supporting each other and cultivating hope.
As medical students, you are entering a field that is both profoundly meaningful and inherently demanding. Experiencing stress, overwhelm, or other mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness, and seeking support is a sign of strength and professionalism. Your well-being is essential, not only for you, but for people who care about you, and your future patients.
This newsletter outlines why prevention matters, how to recognize warning signs for suicide, practical steps for yourself and your colleagues, and clear resources.
Understanding Warning Signs
Warning signs for suicide are not always obvious, and they can look different under the demands of medical training. Trust your instincts if something seems “off” with yourself or a peer. Common warning signs (drawn from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and physician-specific guidance) could include:
Talking or writing about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, trapped, like a burden, or having no reason to live
Increased substance use (alcohol, medications, or other substances)
Withdrawal from friends, family, study groups, or previously enjoyed activities
Dramatic mood changes, persistent sadness, irritability, anxiety, or agitation
Declining academic or clinical performance, absenteeism, or neglect of self-care/hygiene
Fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, or giving away possessions
Expressions of unbearable pain or feeling that things will never improve
Reckless behavior or increased isolation during high-stress periods (e.g., exam seasons, transitions into clinical years or residency)
Risk factors can rise during major transitions. Recent losses, academic setbacks, relationship strain, or untreated mental health conditions also elevate concern. In addition, past suicide attempts would be a significant risk factor. It is important to know that these risk factors do not mean someone will act on suicidal thoughts. They signal that support is vital.
Steps to Take for Yourself
Seek help early and build protective factors. No one needs to wait until they are in crisis to seek support. Early help-seeking improves outcomes and models healthy help seeking behavior for your peers and future patients. Actionable steps for self-care and help-seeking include:
Build daily protective self-care practices. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, movement, and connection even in small doses. Schedule non-negotiable downtime.
Make time to connect. Social connection is one of the strongest protective factors against suicide because it helps to buffer stress, provides a sense of belonging, and creates a network of support around you. Medical trainees can prioritize connection by scheduling regular check ins with loved ones and friends, joining study groups, volunteering, connecting with a mentor, and taking time to check in with others who seem lonely or isolated.
Normalize mental health care. View it the same way you would treat a physical health issue, promptly and without shame. Confidential therapy is available through MSCC and referrals are available.
Reach out at the first warning signs. If you notice persistent low mood, anxiety, exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest, any thoughts of self-harm or feeling like a burden to others, contact a mental health professional. A list of mental health resources can be found at the end of this newsletter.
Supporting Colleagues
Be the one who notices and acts. If you are concerned about a colleague’s wellbeing, there are some actionable steps you can take to help connect them with support:
Check in privately and specifically. “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed more withdrawn lately (or mentioned feeling overwhelmed). How are you really doing?” Listen without judgment.
Ask directly if appropriate. Research shows that asking about suicide does not increase risk. “Are you having thoughts of harming yourself or of suicide?”
Stay with them and connect to help. Do not leave someone in acute distress alone. Help them call 988, text the Crisis Text Line, contact MSCC, or reach the Physician Support Line.
Follow up. A simple “How did that appointment go?” or ongoing check-ins shows you care and reduces isolation.
Reduce stigma in your social circle. Share resources, speak openly about the importance of mental health, and challenge perfectionistic culture when you safely can.
Know when to escalate. If there are immediate concerns for safety, call 9-1-1 or Campus Safety at (319) 335-5022 while staying with the person if safe to do so.
Medicine is built on the belief that people can heal, recover, and flourish, even when faced with challenging circumstances. No matter the challenges you face or where you are in your medical training journey, you deserve the same compassion and care you offer to the patients you care for. When we speak openly about mental health, prioritize connection, and seek support, we co-create a community where hope thrives and lives are saved.
Resources
If you are struggling, confidential help is available. Contact MSCC by calling 319-335-8056 or stop in at MERF 2181 between 8am-5pm M-F.
Additional Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (available 24/7) : Call or text 988; chat at 988lifeline.org
UI Support & Crisis Line (available 24/7): 1-844-461-5420
CommUnity Mobile Crisis Response (available 24/7): 1-855-581-8111
Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141 (physicians & medical students, available 8am-1am)
Field of Memories Event
September 16 from 10 am-3 pm in the MERF Courtyard
Join us for the Field of Memories, a community event honoring lives lost and raising awareness during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Stop by for a few minutes to write encouraging messages or a memory for someone. Together, we can foster remembrance, connection, and hope.