Residency is a defining chapter in a budding physician’s career – a period marked by learning, growth, and long hours of dedicated service. But behind the white coats and stethoscopes, many residents silently endure an overwhelming burden of stress, emotional exhaustion, and mental health challenges. The grueling pace, lack of sleep, and unrelenting expectations can lead to depression and suicidal ideation.

At The Practice, we believe preserving the well-being of physicians in training is a professional imperative. Recognizing the signs of clinical depression and knowing when to seek help can be lifesaving.

Why Residency Is So Emotionally Demanding

Residency places immense pressure on young doctors.

• Long hours and sleep deprivation: Residents frequently work 80 or more hours a week with irregular or insufficient rest, impairing their physical and emotional resilience.
• High-stakes environments: Constant exposure to trauma, suffering, and patient deaths can have a cumulative psychological impact.
• Lack of support: Many residents feel isolated, especially if they move away from their families and friends.
• Fear of judgment: Due to a persistent stigma surrounding mental health, many residents worry that disclosing depression or burnout symptoms will damage their reputations or careers.

Statistics and Warning Signs

Studies have shown that depression is highly prevalent among medical residents. Approximately 20% of medical residents meet the diagnostic criteria for depression, while 74% experience burnout. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among medical trainees. These numbers point to an urgent need for systemic reform and a more compassionate approach to supporting young physicians.

It’s not always easy to recognize when you are struggling, especially if dissociation is a hallmark of your depressive symptoms. Watch for these red flags in yourself or your colleagues:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or team members
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Inability to take joy or interest in life
• Irritability, anxiety, or emotional numbness
• Comments about being a burden or not wanting to go on
• Neglecting responsibilities or showing signs of cognitive decline

When and How to Seek Help

Act quickly if you are depressed or burned out. Seeking help is a sign of strength, even in workplaces that prize stoicism and perfectionism.

• Start by talking to someone you trust, such as a colleague, supervisor, mentor, or friend.
• Use institutional support where available, such as employee assistance programs, confidential counseling services, or wellness centers.
• Consider professional treatment outside your workplace. The Practice offers a confidential recovery and mental health program tailored specifically for physicians.

How The Practice Can Help

We provide:

• Private, physician-specific treatment for depression, burnout, and suicidal ideation
• Multidisciplinary evaluations to assess your emotional, psychological, and physical well-being
• Supportive, stigma-free care in a serene and private environment
• Aftercare planning to ensure a successful return to training and long-term mental wellness

Residency may be challenging, but treatment is available to help you heal. Reach out to us today if you’re struggling. Your well-being matters – to your future, to your patients, and most of all, to you.