Under the stethoscope: Unveiling the surge for suicides and mental health concerns among medical professionals in India - A comprehensive literature review

TL;DR

Medical professionals in India are facing rising mental health issues and suicide rates due to stress and lack of support, especially during the pandemic.

Contribution

This paper provides a comprehensive review highlighting the surge in mental health crises among Indian medical professionals and identifies vulnerable groups.

Findings

Anesthesiologists and female doctors are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues.

The pandemic has worsened the mental health crisis among medical professionals in India.

There is a lack of evidence-based interventions and safe disclosure mechanisms for mental health support.

Abstract

Medical professionals in India are experiencing a sharp increase in burnout, depression, anxiety and suicide, especially among students,
residents and physicians. Key contributors include academic pressure, long hours, poor support systems and mental health stigma.
Anesthesiologists and female doctors are particularly vulnerable, with the COVID-19 pandemic worsening the crisis. Despite growing
awareness, evidence-based interventions and safe disclosure mechanisms remain limited. Strengthening nationwide screening, a counseling
and institutional mental health policy is urgently needed.