Doctors in Distress is a UK based independent charity that promotes and protects the mental health of all healthcare workers and prevents suicides in the medical profession.
Our Programmes
Doctors In Distress: Our Story
Doctors in Distress was founded in 2018 by Amandip Sidhu following the suicide of his brother Jagdip. Jagdip was a consultant cardiologist. He was overworked, burned out and felt he had nowhere to turn. He believed taking his life was the only answer.
Amandip established the charity so no other healthcare worker would have to experience the same pain as Jagdip.
At the time of writing, healthcare workers are facing immense pressure. A 2023 survey shows that 34% of staff are suffering from burnout and 37.4% are emotionally exhausted because of work and the mental impact of the pandemic is still being felt by many on a daily basis.
At Doctors in Distress we strongly believe in the power of talking. This is why we have set up our peer support groups – spaces where healthcare workers can access support away from work and speak with other people experiencing the same stresses. Our groups are a place to share, to reflect, to receive advice and to support others.
We are also working with decision makers to ensure that mental health support is prioritised for all healthcare workers. Whilst the stigma around talking about mental health remains, change will be limited. We are working with leaders to facilitate transformational change within the healthcare sector to support staff and reduce the stigma.
Amandip wins the Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero award.
Dame Clare Gerada moves up to Patron.
2023
2023 National Memorial Tree Planting Campaign Launched with Adam Kay
Amandip Sidhu speaks at BMA Suicide Prevention Symposium.
2022
Doctors in Distress speak at EMSOS Conference.
Doctors in Distress launch a highly successful ‘Blue Monday’ broadcast and social media campaign to raise money for support groups for ITU staff.
2021
Doctors in Distress launch first support groups for Nurses with Long-COVID and Shielding Nurses with CHSA.
2020
Doctors in Distress launch first support group programmes for doctors suffering from Long-COVID and the Black Medics Forum.
Doctors in Distress is mentioned in the House of Commons by MP Gareth Johnson.
Our chair Dame Clare Gerada publishes her book: Beneath the White Coat: Doctors, Their Minds and Mental Health with proceeds going to Doctors in Distress.
Professor Dr Subodh Dave cycles from lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for Doctors in Distress.
2019
2018
Amandip Sidhu’s brother Jagdip Sidhu dies tragically by his own hand.
His brother Amandip starts Doctors in Distress and is invited to No10 Downing Street to speak with health secretary Matt Hancock.
Doctors In Distress: Our Story
2023
2023 National Memorial Tree Planting Campaign Launched with Adam Kay.
Amandip Sidhu speaks at BMA Suicide prevention Symposium.
Dame Clare Gerada moves up to Patron.
2022
Doctors in Distress launch Zermatt to Verbier Charity Fundraiser.
2021
Doctors in Distress launch first support groups for Nurses with Long-COVID and Shielding Nurses with CHSA.
Doctors in Distress launch a highly successful ‘Blue Monday’ broadcast and social media campaign to raise money for support groups for ITU staff.
2020
Doctors in Distress is mentioned in the House of Commons by MP Gareth Johnson.
Our chair Dame Clare Gerada publishes her book: Beneath the White Coat: Doctors, Their Minds and Mental Health with proceeds going to Doctors in Distress.
Doctors in Distress launch first support group programmes for doctors suffering from Long-COVID and the Black Medics Forum.
Professor Dr Subodh Dave cycles from lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for Doctors in Distress.
2019
2018
Amandip Sidhu’s brother Jagdip Sidhu dies tragically by his own hand.
His brother Amandip starts Doctors in Distress and is invited to No10 Downing Street to speak with health secretary Matt Hancock.
As Featured in…
