Week 2: Healthcare is Stressful. It’s Ok to Feel it.
One of the most damaging myths in the medical profession is that “real” medical professionals must be unfazed by the stressful, sad, and anxiety-inducing things that happen on the job. The reality is that healthcare is emotionally taxing. It’s natural to experience these emotions, and it’s unnatural to stuff them down and feel pressured into becoming apathetic.
In fact, ignoring them can lead to burnout or even depression. That’s why it’s so important for medical students to bust this myth and normalize conversations about mental health in healthcare.
Being a compassionate and empathetic doctor requires feeling. By recognizing and addressing your emotional needs, you can become a more self-aware, effective, and understanding professional. You see that self-care and emotional awareness aren’t weaknesses — they’re strengths!
