Scarlett McNally: We can do more to prevent healthcare worker suicides
This piece comes with a trigger warning. We used to avoid talking about cancer, menopause, periods, or other stigmatised topics—adding to feelings of shame and limiting our understanding. This remains true of suicide, especially among healthcare staff. The writer Adam Kay describes NHS staff suicides as being “brushed under the carpet.”1 But talking about suicide is important, as open conversation reduces its risk.2 Some statistics stick in my head. One nurse dies by suicide each week in the UK.3 The suicide rate in women doctors is up to four times that of women in the general population.4 Unfortunately, most colleagues are oblivious to the pain experienced by a huge proportion of their co-workers. But each tragedy can cause guilt, shame, and higher rates of suicide in the loved ones and colleagues …
