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#MentalHealthAwareness More Relevant Than Ever

Op-Med is a collection of original articles contributed by Doximity members.
Image: Shutterstock/Benjavisa Ruangvaree

Although Mental Health Awareness Month has officially ended, the issue has certainly not. On the heels of the recent high-profile deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain is the release of an alarming report by the CDC. According to this report, suicide rates have increased dramatically in the U.S. over the last two decades, in many states by as much as 30%. While experts say that this crisis is driven by many factors, including increased access to weapons with which to commit suicide, the importance of mental health awareness cannot be overstated.

Medical professionals are not immune to mental illness either. June began with the social media campaign #CrazySocks4Docs to raise awareness of clinician mental health. Doximity members have written at length about resident wellness and burnout, the stigma of mental illness, and the under-publicized crisis of physician suicide, and they are demanding change.

Mental health activists spent the month of May raising awareness on Twitter and, because mental health is a year-round issue, they are continuing to share stories and resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and parents alike.

They’re shining a light on mental illness in adults and adolescents.

Sufferers of mental illness share their stories of how they sought help and manage their mental health…

…including veterans…

…athletes…

…and high-profile celebrities, who are using their influence to raise awareness.

They’re sharing tips for people interacting with sufferers of mental illness…

…as well as resources for the people who may be suffering.

Healthcare professionals are weighing in on mental health within their own community…

…as well as offering suggestions for colleagues on how to help patients.

And if you are struggling, here are some reminders that you are not alone.

To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1–800–273-TALK (8255).

Do you have additional resources for colleagues? Please share in the comments below.

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