Dr. Jessi Gold, Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee, passionately addresses healthcare worker burnout and mental health. She shares personal insights into the emotional toll healthcare professionals face, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights the critical importance of empathy in patient care and the need for cultural shifts to support mental well-being in the industry. Dr. Gold also discusses systemic issues, advocating for legal reforms and better support systems for healthcare workers to combat burnout.
Burnout in healthcare workers is exacerbated by systemic issues and emotional suppression, contributing to high turnover and diminished patient care.
Dr. Jessi Gold's personal experiences reveal how childhood pressures shaped her views on emotion and success, influencing her medical career choices.
Creating a supportive culture for emotional health within healthcare is essential, as stigma and systemic barriers hinder professionals from seeking necessary mental health treatment.
Deep dives
Exploring Burnout in Healthcare
Burnout is a significant concern in the healthcare profession, particularly intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. It manifests as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a lack of personal accomplishment, leading healthcare professionals to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from their patients. Dr. Jesse Gold emphasizes that the high turnover rates and compounded stressors have resulted in many healthcare workers struggling with the emotional toll of their responsibilities. Understanding and addressing burnout is crucial to maintaining the well-being of those in the healthcare field and ensuring quality patient care.
Impact of Childhood on Professional Choices
Dr. Jesse Gold reflects on how her childhood shaped her pathway into medicine, revealing the pressure to excel academically and the perception that emotions hinder success. Growing up as the youngest child with high-achieving siblings fostered a competitive spirit that led her to associate academic excellence with her worth. Her experiences in a family environment where emotions were often suppressed contributed to a complex relationship with her feelings. This background ultimately influenced her desire to enter a helping profession, aiming to reconcile her past struggles with her professional journey.
The Importance of Emotional Recognition
Emotional recognition is vital for healthcare professionals to connect meaningfully with their patients. Dr. Gold shares a poignant moment from her clinical practice when she overlooked a returning patient, creating an immediate loss of trust. This experience served as a wake-up call regarding the importance of empathy and connection in maintaining patient care. By recognizing emotions, both in themselves and their patients, healthcare workers can foster a more compassionate and supportive environment.
Healthcare Culture and Systemic Challenges
The culture within healthcare often discourages professionals from addressing their emotional health, leading to a cycle of silence and inefficiency. Dr. Gold points out that many healthcare workers feel pressured to suppress their feelings to maintain a facade of professionalism, which can hinder their ability to provide empathetic care. Systemic issues, such as understaffing and financial pressures, exacerbate these challenges, making it difficult for workers to prioritize their own emotional well-being. Creating a culture that values conversation about mental health is essential in improving the overall healthcare environment.
Navigating Mental Health Treatment
Finding comprehensive mental health treatment can be difficult for healthcare workers due to systemic barriers and the stigma surrounding mental health. Dr. Gold discusses how many healthcare professionals experience shame and fear of repercussions when seeking help for their struggles. This dilemma is compounded by the existing challenges within the health insurance system, which often fails to provide adequate coverage for mental health services. By advocating for better mental health support and understanding, healthcare workers can be encouraged to seek help without the fear of judgment or damaging their careers.
Dr. Jessi Gold (@DrJessiGold) is the Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee as well as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry. Her main advocacy focus has been burnout in the healthcare industry, which includes issues like doctors being trained to stuff emotions, increased suicide rates for healthcare workers, and general issues with the overall healthcare system. Look for her book How Do You Feel: One Doctor’s Search For Humanity in Medicine
This episode is sponsored by Vimergy. Go to www.Vimergy.com and use offer code MENTAL for free shipping. Save up to 12% with their mix and save program.
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