Physician suicidal ideation has increased to 15%, reversing previous declines, highlighting ongoing mental health challenges in the profession.
Despite awareness, many physicians feel unsupported, fearing professional repercussions if they seek mental health help.
After two years of decline, physician suicidal thoughts are on the rise, signaling a troubling reversal, says the Medscape Physicians and Suicide Report 2025.
For many physicians, the demands of medicine — long hours, administrative burdens and emotional strain — pose significant mental health challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic only intensified these pressures, pushing many to their breaking points.
Initially, reports suggested a post-pandemic decline in physician suicidal ideology, offering a glimmer of hope. However, the latest findings from Medscape’s “Physicians and Suicide Report 2025” tell a different story.
The report, released Tuesday, found that 15% of surveyed physicians had contemplated suicide — up 66% from 9% in 2023 — reversing previous years of declining rates.
Although the percentage of physicians who have attempted suicide remains below 1%, the increase in suicidal thoughts signals deep-rooted challenges within the profession. The report, based on responses from 5,741 U.S. physicians across 29 specialties, highlights the relentless demands, emotional burden, and systemic obstacles that continue to erode doctors’ mental health.
Despite increased awareness of physician mental health, more than half of those surveyed believe their profession is still failing to provide adequate support. Nearly two-thirds of those who reported suicidal ideation pointed to the demands of their career as a significant factor.
“The issue of physician suicide has always been there, but it has finally become something we can talk about very publicly,” said Amy Vinson, MD, a Boston anesthesiologist and expert on well-being in her specialty. “Things are getting better in terms of destigmatizing mental health care and providing resources, but there is obviously a lot more that still needs to be done.”
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
The report also highlights a lack of trust in employer-provided mental health resources. Many physicians refrain from seeking help for fear of professional repercussions, despite federal laws requiring mental health benefits to be on par with medical coverage.
The stats tell one side of the story, but the personal accounts of physicians struggling with suicidal ideation drive home the gravity of the situation. Thirty-eight percent of survey respondents personally knew one or more colleagues who had considered, or attempted, suicide.
“A physician is not supposed to admit weakness such as depression or, less likely, suicidal ideations,” a family physician in California said in the report. “We address suicide, but we do not address wellness to the extent needed to prevent physicians from reaching the brink of or committing suicide.”
Compared to Medscape’s 2023 report, physicians are more likely to speak with a therapist (48% vs. 38%) or a hotline counselor (8% vs. 5%), but significant barriers to seeking professional help remain. Among these barriers:
Nearly half (49%) of physicians believed they could manage their mental health on their own, avoiding professional help.
41% didn’t want to risk disclosure to the medical board.
30% were concerned about how it would appear on their insurance record.
24% were concerned about their colleagues finding out.
11% of physicians didn’t trust mental health professionals.
Medscape’s survey underscores the urgent need for systemic change in medical institutions to better support physician well-being. The 2025 report suggests that addressing burnout, reducing administrative burdens, and providing confidential, stigma-free mental health support are crucial steps in preventing physician suicide.
“These numbers highlight the pressing need for even more attention and change in the medical community,” said Jon McKenna, executive editor, Medscape Business of Medicine. “There is a need to focus on enhancing mental health support for physicians and to create an environment where seeking help is not only accepted but also encouraged. Prioritizing the well-being of physicians is essential to help ensure they can provide the best care for their patients.”
For those struggling, help is available. Physicians and medical students can call the physician support line at (888) 409-0141 to consult a psychiatrist about their mental health concerns; the PeerRxMed program pairs physicians with colleagues for support; and most states run confidential physician help programs (PHPs).
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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