Michigan Psychiatry Professor Leads Fight to Prevent Suicides Among Young Physicians

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A deeply concerning mental health crisis continues to affect young physicians, particularly medical interns and residents, who face depression rates and suicide ideation several times higher than the general population. University of Michigan psychiatry professor Srijan Sen, MD, PhD, whose own struggles and tragic losses among peers shaped his mission, is spearheading efforts to prevent young physician suicide through groundbreaking research and advocacy.

A National Crisis Among Medical Trainees

Suicide rates among physicians, especially those in their 20s and in residency training, remain alarmingly high despite some progress in recent years. According to data from the Physicians and Suicide Report 2025, more than one in six physicians have seriously contemplated or attempted suicide, and two-thirds who have considered self-harm cite the rigors of medicine as a key factor. While death by suicide is comparatively rare in young doctors, rates have either stabilized or slightly increased, contrasting with declines in other causes of death in this group. The struggle is much broader, with about 10–15% of residents at any time experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Key Drivers: Workload, Sleep Loss, and Stigma

Dr. Sen highlights a combination of systemic and individual factors driving depression and suicide risk. The often “incredible workload” interns face, averaging close to the current 80-hour weekly limit but frequently exceeding it, leaves little time for adequate rest, family life, or social connection, fueling mental health deterioration. Work hours reductions in some training programs have demonstrated 20–25% decreases in depression rates, yet further reductions to around 50 hours weekly could amplify gains considerably.

Stigma around mental health challenges remains a formidable barrier to seeking help. Physicians’ deep knowledge of medicine and death means that suicide attempts are more often fatal than in the general population, particularly among women doctors. Sleep disruption, circadian misalignment, and lack of social support also emerge as critical factors influencing individual vulnerability, with genetic predisposition playing a role in about 35% of depression risk.

The Intern Health Study: Pioneering Insights

Dr. Sen leads the ongoing Intern Health Study, which has tracked 30,000 physicians over two decades, using advanced digital tools like wearable devices and smartphones to monitor stress, sleep, and mood. This international study spans the U.S. and China and continues enrolling participants. Key findings include a four- to fivefold increase in depression risk with the start of internship and confirmation that workload is the dominant contributor. Importantly, the study underscores the protective effect of consistent sleep patterns and alignment with natural circadian rhythms.

Promising Interventions and the Road Ahead

While clinical treatments for depression among young physicians remain consistent with those for the general population—therapies and medications—interventions specifically tailored to the residency context have shown promise. Peer support programs, cognitive behavioral therapies, and institutional cultures that provide strong support after medical errors or traumatic events are critical.

Dr. Sen emphasizes that prevention by reducing workload and supporting well-being priorities is more effective than later treatment. Open discussions by senior physicians about their own mental health struggles have helped reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking. However, the challenge remains large, especially in translating successes among interns to practicing physicians.

Expert Perspectives

Dr. Arjun Mehta, a psychiatrist not involved in the study, notes, “This work is vital. It shines a harsh light on how we structure medical training and the toll it exacts. Reducing work hours alone is not enough; a culture shift that normalizes mental health care and builds resilience is equally important.”

Implications for Public Health and Daily Life

For medical trainees and practicing physicians, the study’s findings mean that prioritizing sleep, seeking social support, and accessing mental health resources early are crucial. Institutions must continue adapting policies to ensure manageable workloads and provide stigma-free environments for care. For the public, recognizing the pressures young doctors face can foster empathy and support for systemic reforms in healthcare education and delivery.

Limitations and Balanced Reporting

Though the data are robust, most findings arise from self-reported symptoms and surveys, which can introduce bias. Also, the genetic aspects of depression risk underline that individual susceptibility varies widely. Efforts must thus balance systemic changes with personalized mental health care approaches.

Conclusion

The persistent high rates of depression and suicide ideation among young physicians demand urgent attention. The pioneering work of Dr. Sen and colleagues offers hope through evidence-based strategies targeting workload reduction and stigma alleviation. As the medical community advances these efforts, the hope is for a future where caring for caregivers becomes a foundational priority in healthcare.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

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