Doctor With Treatment-Resistant Depression Shares His Story of ECT, Stigma, and Recovery

What happens when the doctor becomes the patient?

In this moving episode, trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein shares his deeply personal story of living with treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thoughts, and eventually undergoing ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).

Michael describes how depression convinced him he was worthless and a burden to his family, and how—despite years of medical training—he didn’t fully recognize or understand these thoughts until he lived them himself. His story sheds light on the stigma of depression in the medical field, the challenges of receiving psychiatric care as a physician, and the humbling experience of being hospitalized alongside patients he once treated.

Now in recovery, Dr. Weinstein emphasizes the importance of speaking openly, breaking stigma, and remembering that healing is possible. His journey is a powerful reminder that depression lies—and that life can become brighter again.

Link to YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qBobGOF0fs&t=5s

Primary Topics Covered:

• The impact of family history on Michael’s depression
• How depression convinced him he was a burden to loved ones
• What it feels like to live with treatment-resistant depression
• Voluntarily admitting himself to a psychiatric hospital
• Experiencing ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) when nothing else worked
• The trauma of being restrained and placed in isolation
• Lessons learned from being “on the other side” as a psychiatric patient
• Why stories of lived experience are powerful tools for reducing stigma
• The surprising joy and gratitude he feels in recovery today

Timestamps

00:11 Introduction by hosts Terry and Anita
 01:09 Recap of previous episode on doctors and depression
 01:29 Introduction of guest: trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Weinstein
 02:22 Michael’s family history of depression and personal struggle
 03:22 Thoughts of worthlessness and being a burden
 05:13 The importance of hearing others’ stories to break stigma
 06:25 Defining and living with treatment-resistant depression
 07:50 Voluntarily entering psychiatric care
 08:45 Facing the recommendation for ECT treatment
 09:31 Being restrained and placed in isolation during hospitalization
 10:36 Lessons learned from being a psychiatric patient
 11:43 Why stories of lived experience resonate more than statistics
 12:23 Michael’s surprising recovery and optimism today
 13:37 Hosts reflect on the power of doctors sharing their humanity
 17:21 Closing reflections on destigmatizing depression in medicine

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