74. Stop Physician Suicide Part 2: Reaching Out to a Colleague in Distress

74. Stop Physician Suicide Part 2: Reaching Out to a Colleague in Distress

Author: Dike Drummond MD September 13, 2023 Duration: 35:12

 Part 3 of this Series "Coaching a Suicidal Physician Client" is AT THIS LINK

Behind the white coats and stethoscopes, there lies a profound truth - doctors, too, are human.

Joining me again are I.C.F.-Certified coaches on our team at TheHappyMD.com - Pam Pappas MD and Penelope Hsu MD, to continue the three-part series on recognizing and preventing physician suicide. In part one, Dr. Pappas and Dr. Hsu bravely shared their own experiences with suicidal ideation. In part two, we discuss what to do if you suspect a colleague is having suicidal thoughts and how to reach out to express our concern. We also explore the barriers to seeking help including imposter syndrome, shame, and guilt. 

While we may not be able to prevent every instance of physician suicide because of their never-show-weakness programming, we have the power to make a difference through our compassion. Whether we're colleagues, friends, family, or just part of a tribe, we can reach out and give support to someone who might be in a tough spot. Our job is to look out for each other and make sure we have each other's backs even if they tell you to go away and leave them alone. You’ll never know when a simple yet genuine gesture of empathy can save someone’s life.


“If you do reach out, you're not going to get rebuffed. If you can hold on somehow through all that darkness, the love that you would give is right there for you. They're going to be there. You just have to say something.” - Penelope Hsu MD


“An antidote to shame is the self-compassion. If we're the safe place, then people feel safe to tell their story and somehow the shame starts to ebb away.” - Pam Pappas MD


 Subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts:

https://link.chtbl.com/JoH0AMKR


Episode Highlights:

~~ Social isolation and the theory of suicide

~~ Fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, and community

~~ Trust your instincts and reach out to show you care

~~ Breaking down the wall of impostor syndrome and cracking the shell of shame


Resources:

Preventing Physician Suicide Part 1:

Recognizing You Are At Risk - The First-Person Experience of Suicidal Ideation https://bit.ly/Suicidal_Ideation-1


Physician Support Line https://www.physiciansupportline.com/

888-409-0141


Connect with Dr. Hsu:

Book a Discovery Session with Dr. Hsu: https://www.thehappymd.com/physician-coach-penelope-hsu-md

Website: https://drpenelopehsu.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penelope-hsu-3796395/


Connect with Dr. Pappas:

Book a Discovery Session with Dr. Pappas:


Dike Drummond MD hosts Stop Physician Burnout: Physician Leadership Skills To Help Us Lead The Charge To Physician Wellness, drawing directly from his work with over 40,000 physicians since founding TheHappyMD.com. This isn't a theoretical discussion; it's a resource built on frontline coaching experience, offering concrete tools for doctors who feel the strain of modern practice. The focus is on actionable leadership skills that serve a dual purpose: fostering personal resilience and creating systemic change. You'll hear strategies designed to build genuine influence with hospital administrators, cultivate trust among colleagues, and implement sustainable wellness frameworks. The conversation operates on three interconnected levels-individual well-being, team dynamics, and organizational culture. Each episode breaks down a specific, proven technique or shift in awareness that physicians can apply immediately, moving beyond simply identifying problems to actively leading solutions. The tone is pragmatic and empathetic, recognizing the unique pressures of medical careers while providing a clear path forward. Tune into this podcast for a grounded, experience-driven guide to reclaiming professional satisfaction and driving the movement toward a healthier medical community from the inside out.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Stop Physician Burnout: Physician Leadership Skills To  Help Us Lead The Charge To Physician Wellness
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