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Survey reveals nearly a third of medical students experience mental health problems

The survey in Student BMJ showed almost 15% of students considered committing suicide while at medical school 

Support for medical students with mental health problems is not good enough, according to a survey published in Student BMJ. 

Of 1,122 online respondents (representing around 2% of UK medical students), 30% said they had experienced or received treatment for a mental health condition and almost 15% revealed they had considered committing suicide while at medical school. 

But more than 80% of medical students with mental health problems said they received poor or only moderately adequate support from their medical schools.

Student BMJ editor Matthew Billingsley said: ‘Students often have a relentless timetable of exams as well as having to balance the emotional strain of seeing sick patients and uphold high professional standards.’

In response, the Medical Schools Council said it wants to work with Student BMJ and colleagues across the sector to promote initiatives on student mental health.