Mental Health Crisis Among India Doctors: The risk of many types of health problems is increasing rapidly year after year all over the world. Whenever it comes to diseases, the team of doctors stands firmly to get rid of it. Medicine is known as a noble profession and doctors have been given the status of God in society.

Doctors are also called the superheroes of our society, from the coronavirus epidemic to any kind of health crisis, doctors have always stood as a shield for society. But have you ever wondered how healthy are the doctors who become saviors in the most difficult diseases?

World Doctors Day, is a day especially for doctors. The team of doctors is always engaged in serving the patients, but who will take care of the health of those who keep us healthy? This year's theme is also based on this, 'Behind the Mask-Caring for Caregivers'.

Doctors and Mental Health Problems

Across India, millions of doctors, and junior and resident medical professionals are struggling with continuous working hours, increasing emotional pressure, and mental health crises. Amid our troubles, we rarely notice this.

According to RTI data from the National Medical Commission, between 2018 and 2023, 119 medical students in India committed suicide, 58 of them postgraduate students. This means that almost one suicide occurs every 15 days, which is a systemic emergency.

Rising cases of suicide

A survey conducted in 2024 found that almost 1 in 3 postgraduate medical students had experienced suicidal thoughts. More than 10% had planned and about 5% had attempted suicide in the past year. June 2025 alone saw several reports of resident doctors ending their lives. These were often found in hostel rooms, leaving behind shocked families and unanswered questions.

Behind the statistics lie many painful stories – young doctors have to work 36-hour shifts without rest, and despite all these efforts, they are often victims of violence.

A study by the Indian Medical Association-Goa found that 42% of the doctors in the state showed symptoms of burnout, which is a serious indicator.

What do health experts say?

Dr Ravindra Chawla, a mental health expert at a private hospital in the capital Delhi, says, "Even the strong hands holding the instruments for surgery can sometimes tremble in silence. We should also understand the pain of doctors by putting ourselves in their place for once."

Dr Niranjan Hiremath, senior cardiologist and surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, says, "In the last few years, we have seen dramatic changes in healthcare, especially during a global pandemic like Corona, which raised many types of challenges.

Doctors also need care, compassion, and mental empathy. Burnout is a silent but serious problem, especially in a high-pressure section like cardiology, where every second counts." Beyond the stethoscopes and machines, we are human beings, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and husbands and wives, who not only take care of their patients but also bear the burden of responsibility for themselves.

This year's theme Caring for Caregivers means recognising that empathy must go both ways. We must foster a culture where doctors are not only trained to save patients' lives but are also able to speak about their problems without any stigma.

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