Citation

Chan LF, Salleh Sahimi HM, Raudhah Binti Mokhzani A. Crisis 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Publisher Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/0227-5910/a000852

PMID

35176880

Abstract

The mental health sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic have far-reaching consequences globally. As front-liners and first responders, healthcare workers are an at-risk population in terms of psychological distress and suicidal behavior. Healthcare worker suicide risk may be exacerbated by preexisting or emergent mental health conditions, occupational hazards, structural gaps in organizational systems, and socioeconomic factors. In this editorial, we highlight the urgency of prioritizing healthcare worker suicide prevention. Focus areas include risk and protective factors for suicidal behavior, the impact of COVID-19 through the lens of work-life balance, gender disparities, and moral injury. The evidence base for interventions, including the therapeutic potential of posttraumatic growth from lived and living experience, are outlined.

The tragic loss of healthcare workers to suicide in the wake of the pandemic has galvanized stakeholder advocacy for policy reform within the institution of medicine. The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act was unanimously passed in the United States Senate on August 6, 2021. If this legislation becomes a law, relevant agencies will be mandated to improve mental and behavioral health among healthcare providers with governmental funding. Its aims include reducing and preventing suicide, burnout, and mental/behavioral health conditions in healthcare professionals. In addition, the study and development of policy recommendations on improving mental and behavioral health among healthcare providers, removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and identifying strategies to promote resiliency will be required...

Language: en