A startling new survey has revealed the state of mental health of medical students in the UK with just under 15 per cent having considered committing a suicide during their studies.
The survey by Student BMJ received responses from 1122 medical students and of these 30 per cent said that they had experienced some sort of mental health condition while at medical school. Of these 343 students 15 per cent had considered committing suicide and 80 per cent (276) said that the level of support available to them was either poor or only moderately adequate.
“The number of students reporting mental illness or considering suicide is shocking,” Twishaa Sheth, chair of the BMA student’s welfare committee, said.
Medicine is believed to be one of the toughest and most intensive degrees with just six in 10 applicants managing to find a place at a medical school. Once in medical school the schedules are relentless and the pressure of exams, examining sick patients and the emotional stress involved with such activities takes a toll on their physical as well as mental health.
Experts are of the opinion that it’s not just the intensity of the course that is the primary reason behind the mental health conditions. Stigmatising attitudes to mental health problems are passed down from senior doctors, making it difficult for students to step forward when they need support.
The survey also asked students about other aspects of their health, including smoking, drinking, and drug use. Out of the 1122 respondents, only 15.8 per cent said that they smoked, while 25 per cent said that they binge drink each week, and 10.9 per cent said they have taken illegal (class A, B, or C) drugs more than once.
“Medical schools take the mental wellbeing of their students seriously. The Student BMJ survey highlights key issues and similar concerns have been raised previously”, said Iain Cameron, chair of the Medical Schools Council. “It is crucial that students who have concerns about their health are able to make this known so that they can be provided with the necessary advice and support.”
