Under the stethoscope: Unveiling the surge for suicides and mental health concerns among medical professionals in India - A comprehensive literature review

Medical professionals in India are experiencing a sharp increase in burnout, depression, anxiety and suicide, especially among students, residents and physicians. Key contributors include academic pressure, long hours, poor support systems and mental health stigma. Anesthesiologists and female doctors are particularly vulnerable, with the COVID-19 pandemic worsening the crisis. Despite growing awareness, evidence-based interventions and safe disclosure mechanisms remain limited. Strengthening nationwide screening, a counseling and institutional mental health policy is urgently needed.