September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In an effort to increase awareness of this issue and help destigmatize mental health conditions and suicidal thoughts, TeamHealth provides useful tips for managing stress and defining warning signs and action plans for those that may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, or those who know someone who is.
One of the most well-known resources is The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline telephone number is 1-800-273-8255.
Mental health issues and suicidal thoughts are an especially prevalent issue in the healthcare industry. According to Medscape’s 2018 national physician burnout report, 42 percent of physicians surveyed report feeling burned out in their current position. Burnout is defined by feelings of exhaustion, neglect and a lack of control.
As a part of TeamHealth’s commitment to physical and mental well-being, we invest in programs to help lessen and aid in clinician burnout incidents. In 2016, we enhanced available wellness resources through our LiveWell WorkLife Services to help colleagues combat personal challenges—burnout, depression, anxiety, financial and legal issues and more.
Through LiveWell WorkLife Services, you receive unlimited telephonic consultation, support and educational resources and have 24/7/365 access to speak one-on-one with a masters-level counselor. If personal therapy sessions are needed, associates, spouses or children can attend up to three in-person therapy sessions per year per issue, and the sessions are 100 percent covered if referred through LiveWell WorkLife Services. Other benefits and resources include access to:
- Legal support
- Mediation
- Financial support
- Adult/Elder Services
- Child/Parenting Services
- Convenience Services
- Life Learning
- Chronic Condition Support Services
- Critical Response Support
These health resources and personalized support services help our clinical and non-clinical associates find the balance, encouragement and care needed to live the healthiest lives possible.
For more information, visit our suicide prevention awareness page, and to access LiveWell WorkLife Services call 844-526-8300. Please contact Megan_Norman@TeamHealth.com with questions.