The News That Shook Nagpur
A 22‑year‑old intern doctor at AIIMS Nagpur from Parbhani—was found dead in his hostel late Sunday. He had recently finished MBBS and was completing his rotating internship. He was living at Charak Hostel. When he failed to emerge Saturday night or respond morning calls, a worried colleague rang the warden. They opened the door to find him hanging inside the bathroom. Authorities recovered a suicide note and seized his phone for investigation. No official reason was disclosed yet. The police have registered an accidental death case and a full inquiry is underway. x.com+8ndtv.com+8thelivenagpur.com+8
💔 Symptoms & Silent Cries
We don’t know the exact signs he experienced, but often in such painful situations, common internal struggles include:
- Deep, unrelenting sadness or emotional heaviness
- Insomnia or inability to sleep despite exhaustion
- Loss of appetite or emotional numbness
- Withdrawal from peers, avoiding interaction
- Saying things like “I’m just tired” when it’s more than fatigue
- Subtle hints: pauses in chats, missed classes, changed tone
These quiet signals often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Etiology (Why It Happens)
So what leads a promising intern—fresh with his MBBS—to take such a step?
- Academic overload: long shifts, sleepless nights, constant pressure to perform
- Emotional isolation: away from family, in a hostel that feels foreign
- Perfectionist mindset: every small mistake weights like a failure
- Cultural stigma: admitting emotional pain feels taboo for budding doctors
- Poor coping outlets: no proper emotional support built into medical training
The strain becomes unbearable when success feels mandatory and rest is seen as failure.
Epidemiology
- Globally, over 300 million people live with depression—many unheard.
- Among medical students, 27–44% report depression, far higher than general levels.
- In India, formal rates among medical interns are less known—but anecdotal evidence suggests burnout and anxiety are alarmingly common.
What’s worse—most don’t reach out, fearing judgment or academic consequences.
History
Historically, medical culture glorified endurance: “You sleep when you graduate.”
Only recently have medical institutions begun recognizing mental health burnout as a systemic issue—not a personal weakness.
But protocols and counselling access still trail far behind.
Pathogenesis
Here’s what might have been going on internally:
- Prolonged stress floods the brain with cortisol, impairing emotional control.
- Lack of sleep disrupts processing and mood regulation—often worsening feelings of hopelessness.
- Internal criticism intensifies—small setbacks are amplified into feelings of worthlessness.
- Without support or intervention, up-trending despair can lead to irreversible action.
What the AIIMS Nagpur Incident Teaches Us
- This tragic event occurred at AIIMS Nagpur, a prestigious institution—and involved a 22-year-old MBBS intern. (AIIMS Nagpur, Careers360, www.ndtv.com, The Live Nagpur)
- He was found in his hostel’s bathroom, having died by hanging. No suicide note was found at the scene. (www.ndtv.com)
- Authorities have registered a case of accidental death and seized his mobile phone as part of the investigation. (www.ndtv.com)
We may never know every detail—but that doesn’t reduce the urgency to act.
What Can Institutions & Peers Do?
- Offer confidential counselling services, accessible around the clock
- Train faculty and students in peer support—so someone speaks up early
- Integrate mental health check-ins into internship rotations
- Normalize emotional vulnerability—no shame in saying “I’m not okay”
To Any Young Doctor Reading This…
You are not alone. Your life matters beyond grades. Your feelings deserve respect—and help.
📍 Mind & Mood Clinic, Nagpur
👨⚕️ Dr. Rameez Shaikh, MD (Psychiatrist & Counsellor)
📞 Call: +91‑8208823738
We provide a judgment-free zone, compassionate care, and evidence-based therapy for those grappling with anxiety, burnout, or depression.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is intended solely for awareness and educational purposes. It does not replace medical or psychiatric advice. For personalized help, consult a qualified mental health professional.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh (MBBS, MD, MIPS) is a consultant Psychiatrist, Sexologist & Psychotherapist in Nagpur and works at Mind & Mood Clinic. He believes that science-based treatment, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental health, will provide you with the long-lasting knowledge and tool to find happiness and wholeness again.
Dr. Rameez Shaikh, a dedicated psychiatrist , is a beacon of compassion and understanding in the realm of mental health. With a genuine passion for helping others, he combines his extensive knowledge and empathetic approach to create a supportive space for his patients.
