According to a recent survey of medical students, 30% report having experienced or received treatment for a mental health condition while in medical school. More startlingly, 1 in 7 have contemplated suicide at some point during their studies.
The study, "More than 80% of medical students with mental health issues feel under-supported", published in the Student BMJ this month, while identifying some shocking statistics regarding med student mental health, highlights an even bigger issue ... over 80 percent who have experienced mental distress have found the support they received only moderate or they received none at all.
"And it’s not just the intensity of the course. Stigmatizing attitudes to mental health problems are passed down from senior doctors, making it difficult for students to step forward when they need support.
A second respondent said, “The stigma with mental health issues especially comes into focus when exposed to consultants and tutors who refer to it as a weakness.” The same respondent had worked with several consultants who had stated that depression “isn’t a real illness.”
These attitudes seem to contradict some of the efforts being made by some medical schools in stamping out stigma. The second respondent also added: “When this is rhetoric we are exposed to from senior consultants on the wards—many of whom we look up to and aspire to be—is it any wonder that students struggle to come forward?”"
The study, "More than 80% of medical students with mental health issues feel under-supported", published in the Student BMJ this month, while identifying some shocking statistics regarding med student mental health, highlights an even bigger issue ... over 80 percent who have experienced mental distress have found the support they received only moderate or they received none at all.
"And it’s not just the intensity of the course. Stigmatizing attitudes to mental health problems are passed down from senior doctors, making it difficult for students to step forward when they need support.
A second respondent said, “The stigma with mental health issues especially comes into focus when exposed to consultants and tutors who refer to it as a weakness.” The same respondent had worked with several consultants who had stated that depression “isn’t a real illness.”
These attitudes seem to contradict some of the efforts being made by some medical schools in stamping out stigma. The second respondent also added: “When this is rhetoric we are exposed to from senior consultants on the wards—many of whom we look up to and aspire to be—is it any wonder that students struggle to come forward?”"
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