The Doctors in Distress 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.
2023
Amandip wins the Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero award.
2023 National Memorial Tree Planting Campaign Launched with Adam Kay
Dame Clare Gerada moves up to Patron.
Amandip Sidhu speaks at BMA Suicide Prevention Symposium.
2022
Doctors in Distress launch Zermatt to Verbier Charity Fundraiser.
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
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 is mentioned in the House of Commons by MP Gareth Johnson.
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
Doctors in Distress becomes a registered charity.
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.