Pharmacists and female pharmacy technicians are significantly more likely than the general population to take their own lives, according to a study led by…
The findings"underscore the urgent need for improved workplace policies, mental health resources and stigma reduction in pharmacy settings," a statement from the university read.Pharmacists and female pharmacy technicians are significantly more likely than the general population to take their own lives, according toThe findings, published in Thursday's American Journal of Health- System Pharmacy,"underscore the urgent need for improved workplace policies, mental health resources and stigma reduction in pharmacy settings," a statement from the university read.
"Pharmacists are an invisible workforce that drive the engine of medication delivery in every health care setting," said Kelly Lee, a doctor of pharmacy and professor of clinical pharmacy at Skaggs."Every medication that reaches a patient has been touched by a pharmacist and/or a pharmacy technician. These health care workers are under unique strains, but it can be difficult to seek help. We need to make it easier." The study looked at data from around the country via the National Violent Death Reporting System from 2011 to 2022. Among the findings was a 21% increase in the likelihood a pharmacist will die by suicide than people in the general population. This number is especially elevated among male pharmacists -- 25% higher risk of suicide than men in general -- while female pharmacists had a comparable risk to women in the general population. Although pharmacy technicians overall had about a 14% lower risk of suicide, female pharmacy technicians had a 22% higher risk of suicide than women in the general population. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Census, there are 337,400 pharmacists in the United States. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report from the same year found more than 49,000 Americans take their lives each year. Lee said these findings are part of a broader issue of managing mental health and burnout in health care work."The field talks a lot about mental health, especially after COVID, but our overall work culture hasn't changed," she said."Access to mental health resources is limited, and stigma continues to be a major barrier to seeking help. "Pharmacists are highly trained, but unlike other health care providers, we're not necessarily paid for our clinical services. The lack of payment and recognition adds to the strain facing these workers." The responsibilities of pharmacists -- such as administering vaccines and managing ongoing health conditions -- have increased in recent years, not to mention wading through insurance red tape and payment for medications. To help reduce the stress on pharmacy workers, Lee said more resources and compassionate workplace policies are needed. "Employers must create environments where taking time for mental health is normalized and supported. It shouldn't be difficult for someone to seek help," she said. The research team will now focus on implementing and studying targeted interventions for at-risk health care workers, including pharmacy professionals, a statement from UCSD read. "Our goal is to prevent even a single suicide," Lee said"That means immediate access to help, reducing stigma, and workplace policies that truly support mental health." If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at
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