As a physician, you may be able to recite the symptoms of depression from memory:
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- A change in appetite causing weight loss or weight gain
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Anxiety, agitation, irritability or restlessness
- Aches, pains or other unexplained physical problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Frequent or recurring thoughts of death or suicide
You may also recognize these symptoms in yourself. If so, you are not alone. Depression and suicide among medical students, residents and physicians are receiving more and more attention in the news and academic research. And, physicians and physicians in training who are struggling with these issues are speaking out to help remove any stigma.
If you feel you are in a crisis for any reason, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They are here to help.
For an assessment to help gauge whether you may be depressed or at risk of suicide, click on the Solutions tab.
