In part one of this series on physician suicide, Penelope and her colleague Dr Pam Pappas share their personal experiences of suicidal ideation. They chart the dark descent into depression and hopelessness they both experienced, as well as the turning point that ultimately saved their lives. A difficult conversation to be had, but both Dr Hsu and Dr Pappas use their own stories to educate, uplift, and inspire further conversations on physician suicide.
“I think It is far more common than we think. Isolation is the thing that keeps us from acknowledging it within ourselves, of getting support, of sharing, of leaning on anyone. My hope would be that people can hear our stories and realize it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It doesn’t mean you’re broken. It just means you’re human.” – Penelope Hsu MD