@drjessigold thank you!! I have shared my story and the fact that I take meds… one friend told me I helped her realize that taking meds for mental health was “okay” and she started them too. I also love your idea of leaning into vulnerability w curiosity….instead of getting stuck in the worries…. It’s a choice…
Excellent and waaaay long overdue. Realistically, there are, however, institutional stigmas which negatively impact honesty, sharing and vulnerability about mental health.
This is one way in which I think our society has improved in recent decades. My mom dealt with depression and anxiety her entire life, but many years ago, it just wasn’t acknowledged out loud. There was a lot of shame around mental health struggles. I experienced it too. These days we are better able to discuss these efforts honestly.
Vulnerability can be very hard. So many of us grew up with messages (spoken and not) to toughen up, not be so sensitive, and keep a lid on our feelings. Is it any wonder I had to discover in therapy in my 40s that I had a hard time even identifying when I was angry? Still working on these issues to this day, and your piece has encouraged me to bring my dearest friends into the conversation more. Thank you!
@drjessigold thank you!! I have shared my story and the fact that I take meds… one friend told me I helped her realize that taking meds for mental health was “okay” and she started them too. I also love your idea of leaning into vulnerability w curiosity….instead of getting stuck in the worries…. It’s a choice…
Excellent and waaaay long overdue. Realistically, there are, however, institutional stigmas which negatively impact honesty, sharing and vulnerability about mental health.
This is one way in which I think our society has improved in recent decades. My mom dealt with depression and anxiety her entire life, but many years ago, it just wasn’t acknowledged out loud. There was a lot of shame around mental health struggles. I experienced it too. These days we are better able to discuss these efforts honestly.
Vulnerability can be very hard. So many of us grew up with messages (spoken and not) to toughen up, not be so sensitive, and keep a lid on our feelings. Is it any wonder I had to discover in therapy in my 40s that I had a hard time even identifying when I was angry? Still working on these issues to this day, and your piece has encouraged me to bring my dearest friends into the conversation more. Thank you!
I am purchasing your book for my daughter - first year med student. This is important. Thank you.