To the Editor: “Doctors Face a Stigma Against Seeking Mental Health Care,” by Seema Jilani (Opinion guest essay, April 1), highlights the particular challenges physicians have in pursuing and receiving the mental health care they need.
The stigma of mental illness is pervasive in our society, though less than it was a generation ago when the biological and genetic roots of these illnesses were less well understood.
It is unrealistic to expect this stigma to be eradicated, but structures that impede physicians from getting help should be removed.
It is critical for physicians, including residents in training who work in the trenches, to have their confidentiality protected.