Helping Residents Cope with a Patient Suicide


Having a patient commit suicide is one of the most difficult events to deal with during a psychiatrist's career, but is especially hard during residency. It is common for residents to blame themselves and to experience a myriad of emotions in response to the suicide.

This is intended to provide you with options for support to help you learn from the suicide and grow as a psychiatrist and as a person. It was initially developed by Columbia psychiatry residents who had patients who completed suicide. It was revised by several faculty members who have also had experience with suicide and want to help residents through the process.

Developed by Christina Mangurian, MD
Chief Resident 2006-2007, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry

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