White Coat Counseling

01/31/2024

I get a lot of requests from physicians to help them with burnout, and even though it's not an actual DSM-V diagnosis most of us know what it means. A study published today looked at a form of yoga, breathwork, and meditation (practiced daily) in helping Turkish physicians to manage their burnout.

Not surprisingly, this daily practice helped most of the docs feel less exhausted, less disengaged from patients and practice, and less burnt out. But I suspect that any daily practice that involves exercise, yoga, meditation, journaling, creativity, etc. will help - we just have to find the time and energy to do things for ourselves on a regular basis. Giving ourselves permission to take care of us is hard, partly because we've been trained to put ourselves last - and we often have a lot of messages that run through our heads that work against us too.

If you're stuck in burnout or depression or numbing your feelings, please reach out. There are paths forward, and they don't all involve daily commitments to exercise.

This randomized clinical trial assesses the potential efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga to reduce psychological distress and improve wellness in physicians compared with stress management education.

08/29/2023

So many physicians avoid getting treatment for alcohol and drug issues - and even for mental illnesses like depression - due to arcane licensing laws that ask for treatment histories and then discriminate against those doctors who admit prior issues. We cannot as a society ask our doctors to take care of themselves while punishing them for doing exactly that.

Fortunately, there is finally a shift to remove these questions from licensing applications. All physicians should be able to seek treatment without fear of losing their livelihood. If you need help either with mental health challenges, alcohol or drug use, or even just finding happiness, I am licensed in Wisconsin, Florida, Maine, and Washington. Please reach out.

Nearly half of all doctors have reported they don't seek mental health care because they don't want their medical board or employer to find out.

08/28/2023

Even when things are bleak, keep yourself open to moments of joy. I try to live mindfully as much as possible, which means I work on being with whatever is going on for me emotionally at that time. That intentional living in the here-and-now also means I’m available for moments of exhilaration and laughter. And that’s how I ended up getting a photo with the Weiner Mobile.

04/05/2023

Three slow abdominal breaths can be enough to activate the parasympathetic system and start to calm our bodies and brains. Take a moment today - even if you're running behind! - to breathe, check in on your emotions, and remind yourself that you can be ok regardless of what is happening around you.

02/22/2023

Even though we are past the most difficult part of the pandemic, depression and burnout among doctors are INCREASING rather than decreasing. It's the worst it has been in 5 years. Please, seek treatment if you are struggling. I provide confidential therapy for physicians and treatment works. You do not have to struggle alone.

Burnout can lead to a cascade of problems for physicians, including disrespect from coworkers and signs of depression, a new Medscape report shows.

11/11/2022

As the holidays approach, some of us look forward to happy interactions with family and friends - but others of us dread the stress and dysfunction that comes with interacting with family. If you dread or dislike holidays, that's ok, and there are probably really good reasons for feeling that way.

Think about what you can do to stay out of the dysfunction. Remind yourself that you are worthy of love and kindness, regardless of how your family treats you. Avoid being drawn into old conflicts by taking a deep breath and walking away. Limit your alcohol use, since alcohol rarely makes a difficult situation better. Give yourself permission to arrive late or leave early if you need to. And try to carve out some time for yourself - take a walk, take the family dog outside to play fetch, or be the person who runs to the store for the forgotten thing from the shopping list. It can help!

10/14/2022

Physicians don't just need help with depression, burnout, or alcohol use. Often our relationships or our negative beliefs about ourselves are the source of our distress, and those are things that therapy can help address. If you are suffering and in distress, or just think that you could be happier, please reach out for support. You deserve the same compassion and care that you give your own patients.

To learn a little more about me, check out this article in Madison Magazine. https://www.channel3000.com/what-happens-when-the-doctor-needs-help/?fbclid=IwAR0tJzXBbpM7rHLsYzTE09nOIwi2X7eC9xv875Bq4YkyPpM9w2KlMgizjN0

09/22/2022

I love this recent piece by the NYT. People with mental health struggles share what prompted them to seek therapy. I could recognize my own story in pieces of theirs. If you see yourself in some of these people's stories, maybe it's time for you to access therapy too.

Covid. Donald Trump. Forest fires. Eight Americans from across the country on why they recently started going to therapy.

08/11/2022

I am grateful to Maggie Ginsberg of Madison Magazine for interviewing me for this article. As someone in recovery, I know both the suffering of being stuck in addiction and the joyful freedom of recovery. I hope this message helps other people find hope and healing.

Physician-turned-therapist helps other doctors get mental health and substance abuse counseling through White Coat Counseling.

07/19/2022

It's not going to surprise many physicians to learn that corporate attempts to fix burnout don't help. Sadly, the tools that docs get from coaches (sleep more, exercise more, get a hobby, do self-care) also do not seem to do a lot of good. That's because much of the burnout is actually either depression, or it's based on the reality that so many doctors do not have autonomy at their jobs, they feel their values are being compromised, and docs are often being told they aren't good enough based on metrics that have nothing to do with the practice of medicine.
As Dr. Fuller points out here, what we all need is a return to autonomy and connection with patients. Until we are making those systemic changes, you might need support. Please reach out if you're struggling!

Personal Perspective: Physician burnout was prevalent long before the pandemic.

05/11/2022

This recent survey of physicians at Stanford showed that 1 in 4 docs have been mistreated at work, by patients, visitors, and even other docs. No one deserves that, especially not doctors trying to help people. If you’re struggling with the emotional or mental health impacts of this, please reach out for help. I have immediate availability to support you.

WEDNESDAY, May 11, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly 1 in 4 hospital doctors are mistreated at work by patients, visitors and other doctors, and female doctors are nearly two times

04/20/2022

Doctors facing a lawsuit or disciplinary action often don't get the emotional support they need and deserve. If you are struggling with either of these issues, please reach out for support. You deserve it.

Malpractice claims and disciplinary actions are painful, often extended events that cause suffering for physicians. Emotional support is just as important for quality of life and moving forward as legal support is. I encourage every physician who experiences distress around these issues to seek coun...