For today’s very important episode, I am joined by Dr. Ana Blake. Ana is a family physician in rural Canada and a life coach with Anti-Fragile Female M.D, specializing in physician burnout, perfectionism, and overwhelm. In this episode, Anna shares her own story about dealing with burnout and her struggle with post-partum depression.
In this interview, we discuss the topic of suicidality. If you are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. There are many support lines for physicians. You are important and you are needed. The help lines are: Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 741-741, USA: 1-800-273 8255
In 2018, Ana went through a tough first pregnancy. Using overeating to cope, she soon began to struggle with body image issues as well as post-partum depression. When she returned to work, she was better for a short time, but soon began to feel overwhelmed. In the fall of 2019, she found herself in her office with a very real plan for suicide.
From this rock bottom place, Ana was able to find hope and find her way back. Ultimately this led Ana to coaching. Learning tools to help her cope with her emotions and internal validation led her to where she is now. So often people don’t ask for help out of fear or because of the thought that nothing can help. People will isolate and avoid the issues. As physicians, we are taught in med school to detach ourselves from feelings.
If you are struggling with burnout, the smallest changes can make the biggest impact. Rest, show yourself compassion and grace, and focus on what you need, not what you should do.
Be sure to listen to the full episode for more of Ana’s story and her great tips on managing burnout as a physician. You can reach Ana at https://antifragilefmd.com/
Dr. Blake has generously provided some resources to help you understand burnout. Download them here:
Helplines:
Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 741-741
USA: 1-800-273 8255
Find out more and join the Stress Eating SOS program at: https://weightsolutionsforphysicians.ca/sos
In this episode.
- Get your thoughts on paper and think of what you need.
- Make small changes.
- Ask yourself what your pillars of health are and if your life matches with them.
- Find your “why.” Why does this work matter to you?
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