Starting from medical school, young, aspiring doctors may experience an overwhelming amount of stress, pressure, and emotional toll. The culture surrounding the medical field itself also demands perfection—no mistakes. As a result, medical students often struggle with mental health; as many as one in five have reported suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts. These unhealthy conditions continue to residency and on the job itself. However, many doctors are unwilling to seek help for their mental illness, for fear that they will lose their medical license, and may instead try to treat themselves. It is important to recognize, as a society, that doctors can be patients too and not overlook such a serious issue.
How can we improve this problem?