Anyone who reads health care news has probably seen the stories: Many physicians struggle with depression and other serious mental health issues. Some have lost their battles.

“It is important that our medical community be open to discussing these concerns in themselves and others,” said Candace Backer, LCSW, LCAC, coordinator of ISMA’s Physician Assistance Program. “This module is one way to start the discussion. Hopefully, it will provide some ways to manage these health concerns.”

The “Solutions” page has a self-administered inventory to evaluate depression. It also contains links to podcasts, videos and articles, some with first-person accounts of physicians who found hope after dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. In addition, a four-minute video for medical trainees and other physicians shows ways to help a colleague in despair.

The new pages can be found at www.ismanet.org/doctoryourspirit. And, as always, the ISMA Physician Assistance Program is available to support and help any physician in the state with any problem, confidentially or even anonymously. For help or information, email Candace Backer or call the Physician Assistance Program at (800) 257-4762 or (317) 261-2060.