doctors & depression (my story, statistics, coping) | Dr. Rachel Southard
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มี.ค. 2024
- The rate of depression/SI in resident physicians, and physicians in general is alarming. I experienced depression during my first few months of residency, and I didn't expect it to be THAT bad. In this video, I discuss my experience, statistics, my coping strategies, and why I believe the rates are so high.
This is a very delicate topic, so please be kind.
Articles Referenced in this Video
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
www.acgme.org/globalassets/PD...
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"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." - Robin Williams
"If you're that depressed, reach out to someone. And remember, s**cide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." - (also) Robin Williams
Robin williams died from suicide i wish he had taken his own quotes to heart😞.
Robin williams died from suicide i wish he had taken his own quote to heart
@RachelSouthard Hello Rachel! I know depression is the worst type of pain that a person feels. But I would like to share my experience that It is very much treatable through Ayurveda therapies( ancient wisdom of sages)in India. Once you try those therapies you will feel the changes all over the body. The therapy not only works on the mind but also on your gut and complete body tissue levels. Must try things you will actually love and enjoy it.
@@pinkrose372he died from lewy body dementia, go read his wife’s essay about it
Hi Rachael, you may or may not see this, but something so helpful to me in situations that feel overwhelming is my faith. I don't know your religion, but when I put so much pressure on myself, when there are so many doubts when I feel like I'm about to reach my breaking point, I look to God, I just sit and pray and read the Bible and find so much peace (Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.) This was the verse I spoke over myself daily in my dark season.
I also talked to people and found ways to distract myself from my thoughts and emotions, but all those things were temporary fixes, it was like a band-aid to an injury that needed surgery, I needed permanent internal healing, and I found that by drawing closer to Jesus. I pray you find that peace that surpasses all understanding Rachael, I really mean it, amen🙏
People who don't go through it can't appreciate it. To be spending hours a week learning and reflecting on how you did something, how you could have done it better, wondering how others interpreted it, wondering if what you did was enough. To spend YEARS of your life where every move you make is evaluated and could make or break your future. A future that is so dependent on a system that doesn't allow for emotion or mistakes and is hinged on hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt. Where you get paid minimum wage but your decisions can and will change someone's life, and potentially end it. For people to disregard all the additional effort you are putting in OUTSIDE of your 80-hour residency weeks to make these videos for those who are in medicine or hope to be there someday is so disappointing. You don't owe anyone anything except yourself. Be kind to yourself Rachel. You know how hard it is and that's enough. Much love for you.
THIS. I appreciate you so much.
Shes not paid minimum wage shes a doctor thats a reach she doesnt flip burgers at burger king but she is still underpaid for the amount of stress she has to go through.
@@pinkrose372if you include the additional studying hrs it does translate to minim7m wage.
I found myself crying without any reason a lot during the last year of medical school, unable to attribute a valid reason and feeling at a loss because I had no idea how to cope with my negative emotions. My sense of personal achievement dwindled and I felt submitted to a system that didnt value the effort I was putting in. Meanwhile the school's philosophy was strong on promoting values that we must act for the greater good setting aside any personal benefit as if I must keep sacrifing to perservere. Eventually I wasnt noticing that I wasnt paying attention to my personal needs and had to be hospitalized for my mental health. My peers complaining about their own issues got too much since the reciprocity wasnt there. So many people in medicine go through these experiences because of the demanding academic environment, and I think voices like yours are infinitely valuable so we dont feel alone ❤ thanks for your comment, opened my eyes to what I was unknowingly feeling.
@@pinkrose372if you calculate her total wage and the amount of hours she works including study time, it is definitely below minimum wage.
From someone who went the other route and quit, it saved my life. Your life is not defined by your profession, and there is purpose beyond medicine. You are allowed to choose yourself. It’s not a weakness, walking away from something you’ve worked towards your entire life is the bravest thing I’ve done. It will be okay. When a plant is struggling to thrive, we don’t blame the plant, we blame the environment. Love yourself enough to change your environment if you need to 💗💗💗
Did you complete medical school? I recently graduated and I want to quit so badly because of how badly my mental health is but don’t know what my next step is
@@noraaa8479 Did you get professional help? First step is to take care of your mental health for you to be able to address this situation with more clarity.
@@lhm1586 I’ve been going to therapy for two years now and I’m on SSRIs, nothing really helps when I’m still in this stressful route in life it feels like a lost cause and the only way out is by quitting medicine all together I just need to know what alternative routes to take especially after dedicating 7 years or my life to it.
I also quit medical school. It also saved my life and well-being. I am way happier and although sometimes I am sad and have a hard time forgiving myself, I realized I am overall more successful in life by enjoying more time for myself, family, friends, and my job.
Depression in residency is SO common. More people should be open like this
Hey you're in EM right
yea@@mannagarwal5390
Agreed, but there should be some outcome to overcome from these kind of steess
I’m a dental hygienist and I completely regret going into this field. It’s miserable! I just recently quit, not sure what to do next but I’m praying that the right path will come my way
I did it for 10 years and I want out too! How long did you do it?
Hope you are doing okay
Can you share why it's miserable?
This is a conversation that needs to be had at every workplace
well yeah....if she is bawling every other videos over plain work, some co-worker would want to go: wth is up with you bro? dont want to wake up? its a job. you're not even in THAT demanding of a specialty compared to the other stuff.
I won’t be able to watch the rest of your video. My 24 son took his life June28/2022 and it is still too fresh. Thank you for sharing this. My son suffered with autism, anxiety, depression, ocd and several other disorders. He was medication resistant and he was starting to experience psychotic episodes. He wanted to be a social worker, not a doctor, but life was too difficult. If you can help one person then this is worth it.
Sending you love 🤗❤
❤❤❤❤
🩵🩵🩵🤍🤍🤍🙏🏾🙏🏾
So sorry for your loss 😞😭🙏❤️ and thank you for sharing. Your story will also helps to make a difference for other people too ❤️❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Not a doctor, but I am a suicide widow. My husband was diagnosed bipolar, but it was never severe, with mild to moderate mania in his teens and 20s. He was never suicidal. From diagnosis, he on medication for 15 years, and he never had one episode while medicated. It became a non-issue in our life. He was an extremely hard-working business owner and wonderful husband & dad. The week he turned 45, after having no episodes since he was diagnosed at 29, he thought it was safe to take a break from his meds, stopping them abruptly. He hung himself 3 weeks later. I found him. Four weeks later, my mom was diagnosed with terminal lung and brain cancer, dying months later and the same year my best friend died of cardiac complications from Type 1 Diabetes. I never had any sign of depression, but now, I am on an antidepressant. Severe grief lead to depression which I couldn't shake so finally went to my doctor.
Terrible story. I’m sure your husband was a great man. So sorry. I’m studying to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I’m hopeful I can prevent stories like yours.
As a medical student who felt depressed during my surgical rotation, this brings me to tears. It is so real and I am so sorry and I really needed to watch this video.
This video hits home. A CT surgeon who I knew well recently died from suicide. I would have never guessed he was struggling. 20+ years as an established physician with a good practice and family. It is absolutely heartbreaking that this is the reality we live in.
Soo sorry. 🙏🏻
I'm so sorry for your loss. If i can ask why did he/She did that?
I can’t thank you enough for sharing this, Rachel! This is the type of video that saves lives. Best TH-cam video I’ve seen all year, hands-down. Grateful to know you, and looking forward to meeting you in person one day. Your patients are lucky to have you.
Great seeing you here Dr. Goodman! I love your TedTalks and love how you are also getting rid of mental health stigma especially in medicine. So thank you ❤
I was at my lowest during residency. I quit, and now I'm the happiest I've ever been. My family and friends are not disappointed, but supportive. I'm so glad I did it. I wasn't happy at all during it, and I wouldn't have been happy when it was over either working as an attending
What do you do for work now? I'm considering quitting the medical field but I'm not sure what other options are out there...
@@ashleyh8352 I work in fitness now (personal training). The pay is lower than it *could've* been if I had stayed on the medical path of course, but I am definitely, definitely much happier currently. I don't work with and think about the *could've beens* though; I prioritized my mental health and safety (SI and depression are no joke) and I don't regret that at all. And with the newest changes to repayment plans for loans, currently I'm paying $0 in interest monthly, for the foreseeable future.
I left as well!
@@sigh1685 what are you doing now for work?
@@ashleyh8352 lab tech assistant, but I'm also planning to be a Nurse (RN)!
I am a clinical psychologist and I think your videos gave a great input in my decision to continue my education with a master’s in “clinical psychology applied to the hospital setting”. I really want to make the difference for both hospital staff AND patients. I think it’s really important to work with both. 2020 really taught us a lesson about this! Some of the things you talked about in previous videos were really inspiring for me. I’m really sorry to hear about your struggles and I’m super happy you’re doing better. I hope other people watching this can be inspired to ask for help when in need.
This is what strong, good people look like. It is tough, and we all need support.
Yes we need support especially when we are kind snd we want to do the right thing always even if it allowing someone to be rude to us and we have to be to strong to walk away❤🤗
Thank you for making this video. I was told by my cardiologist 3 weeks before my MCAT that I would never be a doctor because he saw that I was taking mental health medication, even though he knew that I was sexually assaulted by my best friend in college. Fast forward a few months later, I got a good score, but still full of doubts. It was nice to see this and how honest you were.
I hope you switched cardiologists after that.
That cardiologist has no idea what he’s talking about
He must not know that most of his own colleagues are on those same medications...
Some of the best doctors I've ever had are the ones that have been through the trenches themselves. My sister went through suicidal ideation and severe anxiety and depression due to a recent abusive relationship and never truly got the help she needed until one doctor came along who went through the same thing. Thanks to her, I still have my sister with me. Ive been obese (BMI 45-50) my entire life and struggled to lose weight because of hormone issues and insatiable cravings. It wasn't until I switched to a primary doctor that specialized in obesity (and also had lost over 150 pounds herself) that I was finally seen as a person and not just a number on a scale. With the medications she prescribed me, I've not only lost 30 pounds so far, but I've been able to make a complete 180 with my diet. No more fast food. All home cooked meals. Meal preps, portion control, nutrient calculations, calorie tracking, exercise. 3 months of strict habit forming so I have the tools to fall back on when I taper off the meds. Without her, I would've never made any of these changes. I wouldve continued with the struggle to fight the cravings and I would've never learned how shitty the foods I was eating ACTUALLY made me feel. So shame on that cardiologist for telling you that you'd never be a good doctor. As horrible as your trauma was (and i'm so sorry you even had to experience it), you will always have the ability to see and treat your patients better because you understand the gravity of it.
It hasn't changed much because it's like a taboo topic. Many residents are silently suffering and enduring. I'm glad that you came through.
The health care system / medical schools in the US and across the world really has to do a serious review of the residents' experience, the pressures, the insane hours they work, and the support systems that are or are not in place!!
4th year med student here ✋🏾 definitely bookmarking this for residency. Thank you so much for being vulnerable about this because this is truly the reality of it all.
Same here 🥲
went to med school in Uganda and happened to do my internship during the second wave of COVID-19. I had always observed patients die and helped nurses do last office as a student. but doing a 36hour shift and loosing over 20 patients only at A&E and then coming back after a break of 12 hours for another 8 hour shift and loosing another 20 or more and this went on for about a month, I completely lost myself, exhausted in every aspect of the human sphere and knew I had hit rock bottom, after internship, i didnt even bother looking for a job. i just sat at home for a whole year before applying to my first job coz i needed that break from all the rigor of medschool and a traumatic internship. You are strong Rachel
Oooo girl, so proud of you for this.
I’m a psychiatric RN and boy do I suffer too. My most recent and intense ideations was in November, 2 months after I graduated and into my first job. I felt so confused, ‘why do I feel like this when it’s all I’ve ever wanted’. Luckily my workplace picked up on it too and were super supportive.
Thank you for being so transparent, this disorder truly TRULY does not discriminate x
As someone who has experienced depression and suicidal ideation and also a mental health counselor, thank you so much for sharing. The more you speak out, the more awareness and less stigma there will be. So proud of you.
In Utah, a law was passed that allows physicians, nurses, mental health providers, police, fire, and EMTs, if needing inpatient care, to can go to a surrounding state for inpatient care at in-network rates. We lost several physicians to suicide, and they want them to get help and not be near where they work.
Sending you the biggest hug, Dr. Rachel. Residency is a tough thing doctors go through. I’m sending you strength and love! Keep hanging in there! ❤
I’ve been following you since my first year of medical school and I’m now an M4 and I can’t emphasize enough how powerful watching this video was. You’re so brave and I’m so inspired by you!
As someone who wants to be a doctor, this is so pivotal to hear & honestly scary. I know it gets better over time (as other doctors say) but when you're in the thick of it *as you currently are*, it seems very daunting and scary. I'm glad you have your people & other outlets. Thanks for sharing and being open about this.
I also wanted to be a doctor, went through all of premed and took the MCAT. It was then that I realized that every doctor I had ever worked with that was younger than 40 was absolutely miserable and on the verge erge of quitting every. Single. Day. I switched to becoming a registered dietitian and it was the best decision I ever could have made. Just remember you have options where you can still treat patients,love what you do, and not be treated like this
@@jassy0903honestly good for you realizing this early on, As one of the under 40 year old doctors you’re talking about I really wish I realized that from early on and changed paths
Hey Rach! I’m so happy about your transparency and highly anticipate this video. A lot of doctors and medical students are UNHAPPY even though they won’t convey that on social media. I’ve seen it reflect in their attitudes towards themselves, each other, their patients and people in general. There’s nothing noble or gratifying about the rigorous training we go through. I hope reform comes in a timely manner.
Imagine those who aren't as emotional intelligent and walk around in scrubs.....the system I believe needs to improve. Thank you for this video...for your authenticity.
Hi Rachel,
I came across your channel in 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States. At that time, I was pursuing a software engineering, computer science, and biology degree, along with several minors. I was going through a rough patch in my life, and my depression was at an all-time high. I struggled to focus on my studies and lacked the motivation to do anything. That's when I stumbled upon your videos, and they made a significant impact on me. Your videos showed me that I wasn't alone in my struggles and that success is still possible despite these challenges.
I left my first comment on your video in 2021, where I talked about adding a premed concentration to my already long list of goals and thanked you for creating the content that you do. I eventually dropped some of those minors to make room for the premed concentration. Fast forward to 2022, and I'm happy to inform you that I got accepted into medical school, an osteopathic one, no less! I'm currently in my first year as a medical student, and things are looking good. However, I still experience feelings of depression, just like before. Your videos continue to inspire me and many others, as evident from the comments section on every post. So, thank you for sharing your videos. Thank you for sticking to your guns and continuing to post raw videos like these despite the fears of the fear of the public's negative stigma towards mental health disorders. I hope to continue to see you unapologetically be yourself and, in doing so continue to inspire and lift up other people like myself.
Cheers!
After dealing in heavy SI and depression in 2017, residency was something I've been worried about because of those issues. Thanks Rachel for posting this. Makes feel like I can handle it because you've gone through it too.
healing with you
Dr.Southard thank you for the honesty. The patients who have you as a doctor are very lucky.Cheers.
It’s so refreshing to have honesty and transparency nowadays because so many people on social media try to have this perfect looking lifestyle that is just not reality. THANK YOU for being brave enough to do this video. I am a nurse and although I haven’t been in your shoes, I can definitely relate to what you are saying. There isn’t enough mental support (or care) for medical workers and I feel this is really negatively impacting the nurse and Dr professions, and ultimately patient care.
Mental health is so important, especially in our field.
Depression is very real...I have lived with it for many years 😢. Only now have I come to terms with it and try my best every day. Thank you Dr. Rachel for giving this the voice it needs.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this video. I was struggling with depression and SI during my first semester of college. The workload was so intense. I’m doing much better now. Thank you for always spreading warmth, light, and kindness! Love you dearly Dr. Rachel!
I relate to this so much. I was depressed at one point and no one had any idea. It is scary how we can hide it so well like you said. I’m happy you’re here Rachel! I also can’t believe that I am still here pursuing my dreams of becoming a physician. Life is worth living. ❤
Thank you so much for making this video - It couldnt have come at a better time for me. I’m an M2 currently studying for Step 1 and this past semester has been so challenging for me mentally. I was in such a dark place and felt so much shame, I’m just now crawling out of it and started seeing a therapist again last week. Thank you so much for speaking up about physician mental health - Were human too and theres still SUCH a stigma that really compounded the pain I was already feeling. I hope you know you brought so much comfort to at least one medical stduent, thank you for all you do, you’re an amazing doc snd were so lucky to have you!!!!❤
Sending all the love 💗 thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities. It has made me so much stronger!
This is a conversation that needed to be had!! We love you, we support you and we are all so proud of how far you’ve come!! ❤️🫶🏻 -fellow pa student 🥹
The struggle is so very real Rachel. I admire your grace and fortitude. Always adapt as we fight for change. 🙏🏽
Thank you for shedding light on these incredibly important issues!! Its honestly crazy what y'all go through as residents and I am looking forward to positive change continuing to take place! It can't go on like this! Sending you so much love and I'm so happy to see you genuinely joyful :)
Thank you for sharing this-I can only imagine how much strength it takes to post something like this, please know it is greatly appreciated!
I’m a 4th year going into psychiatry and can really relate to this. Thank you for posting this and being so transparent
I admire you so much for being real with us. God bless you Dr. Southard
I want to hug you, and squeeze you, and love you. I am so grateful to hear that you've pushed through those hard times. You and YOUR EXISTENCE is SO important to US!!! We love you Rachel!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for opening up at talking about this. I needed to hear this today
Thank you for being raw and real with this video
thank you so much for sharing this part of your story. im sure this is going to help soooo many people, myself included. thank you for making me feel less alone, thank you for being so real and human. youre gonna go very far!!
And this is why I will always be an avid follower and fan of your channel, Rachel!! Thanks for always speaking the hard truths and sharing with the rest of the world how you are feeling. I definitely felt this one deep to the core, as a fellow 2nd year DO student, with boards coming up very soon, and all the anxiety/stress that goes along with that. Keep doing amazing things and take care of yourself, Rachel!
Thank you for being so vulnerable. I needed to hear this.
From an RN who's finishing NP school, thank you for being so open about how healthcare workers struggle with their own issues while trying to take care of others. Fortunately, I haven't had depression as an adult... but I struggled with it when I was in about 7th-8th grade. So, I completely understand how hard it is, and how hard it is to come out of. I didn't have any SI, but I would wake up and wish I wasn't here anymore. I didn't want to do it myself, though. Thanks for talking about this 🫶🏾
Thank you Rachel. Going through this is so hard and feeling isolated only makes it so much worse. Today, you have made me feel less alone. Thank you for your efforts to make change and spread awareness ♥️♥️
Rachel this came at the exact perfect time for me :’) thank you so much for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences
Thank you for this video. I'm so sorry you had to go through this and I hope it only gets better from here. Keep opening up about these issues and keep fighting for your dreams. You inspire a lot of people on this channel. Keep going ❤️💪
Thank you, Rachel, for being so honest. We've got your back, and just thank you for your videos!!!
Rachel, thank you for opening up and sharing with us. You have always been my inspiration, the thing that keeps me focused and motivated. Your videos helped me through the MCAT, first year of med school, and now board prep. What you are doing is so beautiful and I just want you to know how influential and inspiring you have been for me. You matter so much, and I just applaud you for opening up and being so vulnerable with us.
Thank you for sharing this with us we appreciate you Rachael!
I just matched OBGYN and I love your videos; thanks for keeping it 100 with us. It really sets expectations and how its so important to take care of you so you can better take care of your patients!
Thank you, Rachel, for posting this!! ❤
You are so strong Rachel. Thank you so much for opening up, being real, and talking about such a sensitive subject with the utmost grace and honesty. Always routing for you Dr. Southard
Dr. Southard! I remember the first time I ever watched one of your videos… it was about 5-6 months ago. It popped up on my page and I thought, this seems interesting let me watch! After that first video, I never stopped. Your realism, your genuineness, all of it inspired me to go on, into nursing! I could see how sad you were in those videos, and it shows you just how hard the healthcare field as a whole can be! Not feeling good enough. I come back weekly to watch your videos and I truly enjoy seeing how happy you’ve been! I know that things will continue to get better for you, we all go through these hiccups in life that can have us questioning everything.. I’ve been there. You are doing the best that you can, focus on YOU! Best of luck to you ♥️
Thank you for advocating for residents and for talking about tough topics like depression. So glad to hear you're feeling better. ❤
Rachel, I hope you know you are so loved and I’m so proud of you. I don’t know you in person but your videos and ability to open up are so humbling. Keep changing lives.
Thank you for being brave enough to share your story, and for bringing attention to such an important matter 💛
Rachel, this brought tears to my eyes! I started watching your videos when you first started medical school five years ago. You have overcome every adversity life has thrown you, and you continue to conquer this life! Keep making a difference, we are cheering you on!
mental health professional here
Blessings to you. I have been through such feelings a number of times, and I say that these things are never as bad as they feel in the moment. Keep yous ocial connections strong, stay active, and don't hesitate to talk to folks (as you stress in the vid). You have been an inspiration, and I look forward to seeing you continue to grow.
Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration to all of us!
You are so right, I’m a nurse and just because we have the training and education on how to promote wellness needs, doesn’t mean we are immune to becoming unwell. No one is immune. I unfortunately suffered from post natal depression with psychosis after my second son, I was so so unwell, I was a true danger to
myself, constant suicidal ideation- day and night, like a magnet, I was controlled by uncontrollable thoughts! I was so sick that it took me a long time to even understand I was unwell, I knew I was out of control and I was sick worried that my condition could slip even further and I’d become a danger to my children, thank goodness I still had a slither of insight left. Even after getting help it took over two years and around 10 different medications over the years to try and stabilise my symptoms. I really wish more Doctors could be more understanding and know the importance of really listening to their patients.
Thank you for sharing your vulnerable moments like these
As an MS4 who is about to match next week, thank you for everything that you do. Been watching you for a while now and you’ve made me feel so comforted in this process. ❤
So glad to hear you are feeling better.
I am so glad you spoke on this. I want to got to medical school but watching your journey had me worried. But hearing this today made me feel so much better. I hope more people understand how to overcome this no matter their circumstances. 😊
Really appreciate your courage in making this video Rachel, thank you very much.
Such a fantastic video. You are incredibly inspiring. Thank you for continuing to go against the grain and speaking up for those with no voice.
I admire you so much, thank you for being vulnerable
Wow. You’re literally such an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing this. I will tell you that this helped me as I’m currently going through a rough period.
Your honesty and clarity will do more healing than you can ever expect. ❤ you are so supported.
I’m really impressed by your honesty and bravery in making this video!
Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability, you are so brave for sharing❤
Rachel, been fairly recently watching you posts. Keep coming back because I’m impressed that you are so naturally human, unpretentious. You have such a wide array of fine qualities. Being depressed sometimes, given your current path, shows that you are paying attention and you’re not a robot. In view of all of your fine qualities it is clear you will succeed at whatever you decide is right for you. Don’t know if your current program is right for you. You will have to decide that. Going through life, including the low points and disappointments, is generally interesting and certainly full of life lessons. Keep paying attention, keep learning. Never know what is around the corner. Good luck in your journey. Bless you.
Thank you for sharing these kinds of videos. I’ve been watching you since 20K subscribers. You are such a light in this world and in your field. I have more respect for you than you know. I know I only “know” you through a screen and what you share on TH-cam but I feel like I know your heart. Sending you lots of love from mine.
Youre genuinely so brave and we need more people like you shedding light on matters like this. Youre starting a much needed movement in healthcare and we are all here for it to support and be part of it any way we can. Thank you.
I'm in residency training too and I relate so much to what you said. I suffer from depression too and every single day is such a battle. I'm sending you positive thoughts and vibes.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm a 2 year med student in Brazil and I've been struggling with anxiety and depression for a really long time. Watching your videos really has been helping me to keep fighting towards becoming a doctor.
i´m so proud of u for talking about it. I love enjoy your journey and I think it´s so important bring this kind of subject cause a lot people feel the same way. I admire u so much!
Rachel,
I've been watching your videos since I was a freshman in college and now I'm an OMS-1; when I started watching you, I think you were an OMS-1 and now you're a PGY-1. It's so bittersweet! Your resilience has always been such an inspiration to me; thank you for being so transparent and sharing your struggles with us so we don't feel alone. So much love and appreciation for you forever and always!
Bless your heart and soul Rachel ❤ thank you for sharing all these hard feelings, you make such valid arguments ❤
You are so brave and I really appreciate you openly talking about something so important!! Thank you 💕
Thank you for sharing this and being vulnerable and open about mental health. Stay bright and best of luck 💞
thank you so much for posting this. I am a hospital social worker and have so much respect for the residents I work with.
Rachel I love that you’ve made this video. During my first semester of medical school I became so depressed and questioned if it was for me. I passed all my courses but left with depression and wanting to quit that I took a leave of absence for one year. That year reinforced this was the path for me. Currently an MS3 and still very much in love with this path even on the hardest days I know I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I am terrified of residency but seeing this video gives me hope. Thank you!!
Thank you thank you thank you for this video! I feel like the true experiences of residency are soo sugarcoated, and I love how honest you were about it. I'm also hoping and praying for better. I can't thank you enough for this video
Rachel...you are a true warrior. Not many individuals take the time to share their experiences to help others. You are a gifted, compassionate communicator. All the best on your journey.
Super duper important conversation you are having! Thank you for putting compassion over fear and for making this video 💙
Really glad you're doing better Rachel. Please continue to be good to yourself.
I’m happy your program caught on and reached out!
Thank you so much for sharing. I also struggle with depression and this year as an MS2 there were points when I didn’t think I would make it. It forced me to stop and reconsider what it meant to take care of myself and ask for the help I needed. Now, I’m studying for Step 1, and even though it is still stressful I’m taking care of myself and remembering my “why”. Thank you again for sharing and helping to push back against the Mental Health Stigma in medicine 💜💜
Your patients are so lucky to have you Rachel. I can resonate with everything you described here as I went through this in my career as a teacher. I had to leave which was the best thing for me but now I feel lost and need a new purpose. I’m glad you have made this video and it will help so many people. ❤
This is REALLY important to talk about. Thank you for sharing your experience. So proud of you always
Thank you for sharing- RNs feel this way too in their first years after school- such a tough profession to truly know about while in school- I can imagine it’s soooo tough as a resident… either way the feelings are the same. So glad you are doing better. I’m doing better and I didn’t think that would happen unless I quit… and look- here we are!😌
This video speaks volumes to your kind empathetic heart. I hope you are able to make the changes to want to make. I’ve been in that dark place and am so grateful I came out the other side. You are an amazing physician and human for bringing awareness to this topic. So many people will be able to relate, and maybe this video is what sparks them to get the help they didn’t want to admit or realize they really needed ❤