Suicide Prevention and Awareness

• Learn The Vital Signs
• Share prevention resources
• Prepare before a moment of crisis
• Check in with a physician
• Understand and remove structural barriers
• Create a culture of wellbeing

A trained peer — someone who also wears scrubs and knows exactly what you’re going through — can be an invaluable resource. They understand the challenges and frustrations of the profession and are able to lend support in tough times. Peer support offers you a shared perspective with a skilled response. 

• PeerRxMed is a free peer-to-peer program for physicians and other health care professionals. PeerRxMed offers support, connection, encouragement, resources and skill building for optimal well-being.
• Physician Support Line helps physicians and medical students navigate personal and professional challenges through a volunteer network of psychiatrists.
• American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress offers online support groups for emergency responders and health care workers.

There are several free, confidential and virtual support services available for frontline health care professionals.

• Therapy Aid Coalition provides pro-bono therapy for frontline health care professionals, including individual and group support.
• The Emotional PPE Project connects health care professionals with licensed mental health professionals who can help. This service is free and does not require insurance.
  

• Married to Doctors Podcast discusses the challenges faced by the spouses and families of physicians.
• Heroes Health is a free mobile app from the UNC School of Medicine. It helps health care professionals and first responders monitor their mental health and gain access to mental health resources.
• CrewCare is a resilience focused app for first responders and health care professionals.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offers interactive screening programs for suicide prevention, tailored for medical schools, hospitals, and health systems.
• The Emotional PPE Project connects healthcare workers in need with licensed mental health professionals who can help.
• Therapy Aid Coalition provides pro-bono therapy for frontline health care professionals including individual and group support.