This year, the Intermountain family, like many in our local and national community, has been affected by suicide. We are deeply saddened by these events and want to take this opportunity to share information and resources available to you, your colleagues and your family.
Here is some key information about suicide, particularly as it involves physicians and providers:
While the suicide rate among physicians in Utah is estimated to be lower than the general working age population, every provider and caregiver suicide or suicide attempt is devastating. It is a reminder of how urgent our work is to prevent and respond to these tragic circumstances.
There is never a single cause of suicide, or a single intervention to prevent a suicide. However, some of the most important areas of our current work include:
- helping clinicians proactively manage behavioral health conditions,
- creating a culture to combat the added stigma clinicians may face in seeking mental health services,
- being especially aware of clinicians’ access to and knowledge of lethal means, and
- leveraging clinicians’ existing protective factors, including social supports and problem-solving skills
Please visit intermountainhealthcare.org/zerosuicide for more information about ways to identify warning signs, reduce risk, and get help.
We also want to highlight some key resources:
- If you are ever concerned about the immediate safety of yourself or someone around you, call 911
- If thoughts of suicide arise, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to get support and local referrals to resources in our area
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a benefit available to all caregivers and their immediate family members at no additional cost. The EAP team is available to visit confidentially with individuals and groups who find it helpful to talk with a professional. Caregivers can contact an EAP professional by calling 801-442-3509.
The aftermath of suicide or suicide attempts can be a high-risk time for people who have experienced their own loss, have ongoing mental health issues or who may be struggling with the idea of harming themselves. Please make every effort to be watchful for caregivers who may be enduring particular struggles or just seem “off.” Alert EAP, Human Resources or the Office of Physician and APP Professional Affairs if there are caregivers you notice who may be acutely affected.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help and start the conversation. Talking about suicide does not increase suicide risk and could save someone’s life. You can always reach out to Mark Briesacher, MD, chief physician executive (cell: 801-598-4078), Anne Pendo, MD, SMD, Experience of Caring, or Susan DuBois, AVP, Office of Physician and APP Professional Affairs (cell: 801-718-9742). They will respond immediately.
Just as we encourage providers and caregivers to care for our patients, we also need to care for ourselves and each other. In your efforts to support your teams, please be sure to check in on your own wellbeing and respond to your individual needs.
Thank you for your support in coming together as a community to care for one another.