MedicsTake Five
The one page on this site that is not a joke. A minute to breathe, and a list of people who will answer if you need more.
Ready when you are.
About a minute: five slow breaths, in for four and out for six. Nobody is scoring it. Nothing is recorded.
If it is more than a bad day
Burnout is real, it is common in this work, and it is not a personal failing. If you are struggling, or you are worried about a colleague, these are free and confidential, and the people who answer have heard it before.
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Physician Support Line
For physicians and medical students in the United States: free, confidential and anonymous, run by volunteer psychiatrists. No appointment needed.
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern (closed on federal holidays)
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
For anyone in the United States, including nurses, techs, residents, students and every other clinician: free and confidential, any time.
24 hours a day, every day
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Crisis Text Line
Free, confidential text support with a trained crisis counselor, if talking out loud is too much right now.
24 hours a day, every day
In immediate danger, or in a medical emergency, call 911.
The Physician Support Line is for physicians and medical students. Nurses, techs, therapists and everyone else on the team: 988 and the Crisis Text Line are for you too. Details checked against each service's own website on September 29, 2026; hours and numbers can change, so please confirm on their sites. This page is a courtesy, not medical advice, and not a substitute for care.