TED Radio Hour Processing The Pandemic
Jul 31, 2020
Laurel Braitman, a TED Fellow and writer, leads workshops for healthcare workers to help them navigate stress and trauma. In this discussion, she addresses the emotional toll of the pandemic on healthcare professionals, particularly highlighting the dual struggles of caring for patients while confronting societal injustices. Braitman emphasizes the healing power of reflective writing and the importance of community support. She also sheds light on the necessity of open discussions about mental health and the role of vulnerability in fostering connection during challenging times.
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Surgeon's Sacrifice
- Laurel Braitman's father, a cardiac surgeon, worked through immense pain, even after leg amputation.
- He prioritized his patients' perception of strength, highlighting a broken system neglecting healthcare workers' well-being.
Overlooked Well-being
- Physicians' emotional well-being is often ignored in training, with vulnerability potentially jeopardizing careers.
- Despite the high rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among medical professionals, their humanity isn't prioritized.
Shame and Vulnerability
- Brené Brown defines shame as the fear of disconnection, driven by the feeling of not being good enough.
- Vulnerability, the willingness to be seen, is essential for connection but can be excruciating, hindering authentic interaction.