Dear Doctor Mom, I See You

Dear Doctor Mom, I See You
by Errin Weisman D.O.

I recognize that look in your eyes, face, the slump of your shoulders, the fleeting mix of emotions in your eyes the split-second before you get the professional smile on your face.

I see you parking lot walking to your car after a long shift at the hospital. I see the silent tears you wipe away quickly so no one sees them.

Doctor mom, I know that inner dialogue well:

“Am I on the right path? Do I even care about medicine anymore? Should I find something else? Can I even find something else? What do I do? Why can’t I hack it? What’s WRONG with me??”

Once upon a time, I was exactly where you are and though what you are thinking.

I know that mix of emotions: of inadequacy, hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, overwhelm, frustration, emptiness.

It is exhausting to give so much of yourself in the different areas of your life. It feels overwhelming to feel  defeated in every single one of them.

It can be a mixture of burnout, imposter syndrome, or straight up exhaustion. And it’s more common than you realize.

The Silent Struggle
I’ve been where you are. My heart and spirit remembers the days when it felt broken and fragmented. It’s been a long time and yet it feels like yesterday. I can still feel the hot tears of frustration and despair on my cheeks.

I remember the struggle to get my shit together. I remember the dread of each Sunday workday and before each shift at the office. Every step forward required monumental effort. But I walked those steps so many times and no one else saw this struggle. Or if they did, I wasn’t aware of it.

I am a doctor, a professional healer that takes care of every person I encounter. So many people depended on me. I didn’t have time to heal myself—or so I thought.

I felt afraid, lonely, broken. In survival mode but barely surviving. Externally though, it looked like I had it all together.

Read more on wellness tips that physicians need to know.

I remember those days like yesterday and that is why I want to tell you something. A lot of somethings, actually.

You are not alone.
Not at all. Even though it may not seem like it, you are surrounded by support: your family, friends, and colleagues. We want to help you. You only need to reach out. I know that asking for help feels like the last thing you want to do right now. But I’m telling you, help is available for those who ask.

We are a #doctormomtribe and have been where you are.

Read more on the truths and challenges of being a doctor mom.

Listen to your intuition.
You can’t continue grinding like this. You can’t stay living like this. Your body and mind are telling you that it is time to make a change.

So, listen to your intuition. It is telling you to pay attention. Ask yourself, “What do I really want for my life?” The answers will come to you but you must be willing to listen

Read more on meditation on making space for self compassion.

Your current reality does not have to be your future.
You are not a victim trapped in this circumstance. You can change your life and your practice.

You determine your life. You have the power and control. You can choose differently. The life you desire is possible.

Read more on getting in the mindset for positive change when you feel stuck.

You can create a kickass life you love.
I know this because I did it. No more Sunday dreads. No more being miserable days sprinkled with shame and regret. No more tears in the car.

You are more than capable to create the life you want.

You can live the live you want and get what you want. Read more on ways to invite inspiration and how to live your best life.

Will it take work?  Will it come at a cost? Will it be worth it?

Hell yes.

Most importantly, you deserve the life you want.

Because you truly are worth it.

So, doctor mom, reach out. We’re right here for you.

About the author:

Errin Weisman D.O. is a physician, life coach, and podcaster at Truth Prescriptions.

The Mindful MD Mom Asks:

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