The Physician Health Program Of BC and the UBC Resident Wellness Office are the two biggest resources for doctors and residents who feel stressed out or suicidal.
President of the Doctors of British Columbia, Dr. Charles Webb says they see a high volume of requests in two areas.
“The biggest portion of requests we see are relationship issues and burnout which is extremely common where the insomnia and the altering sleep cycles get to a point where burnout is a problem.”
Webb adds the support is not just available for doctors.
“Residents have to access to counselling for individuals and couples along with group support if they need it.”
He says it’s not far fetched to see why a high volume of residents or doctors suffer from stress or suicidal issues.
“I don’t think anyone who goes through training would not experience stress because of the hours worked and the amount of material one has to study in order to become a full-time doctor.”
A recent study shows 740 interns in the United States found suicidal thoughts increased dramatically during the first three months of residency.