Sometimes, we imagine that on-paper success and happiness go hand in hand. We think that "once I just pass this exam" or "once I graduate" or "once I match to fellowship" or "once I am finally secure a faculty position" or "once I just get this promotion", we'll find contentment, meaning, balance and an increased sense of self-worth. Sadly, this is often not the case and we can end up feeling disillusioned, stressed and paradoxically less self-confident with time.
Few careers in our society are respected more than physicians, but doctors frequently quietly struggle with their own mental health and self-esteem, out of line of sight. Perpetually in the role of the healer, the fixer, the helper, many healthcare professionals struggle to prioritize caring for themselves, particularly because the demands of the job will encourage, or even reward, certain types of self-neglect. But changing your ideas about yourself and what you deserve from your life is possible.
Through therapy, you can become more aware of patterns of unhelpful thinking and learn how to shift these thoughts to be more helpful, self-compassionate and balanced. This requires practice but can be a tremendously powerful skill. When we change how we think about ourselves, so too can we change how we feel and behave towards ourselves. A skilled therapist can be invaluable in this process, creating a safe and supportive environment in which you can cultivate and grow a new relationship with yourself and your life.
Dr. Victoria B. Barry, PsyD is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in providing personalized, thoughtful, evidence based psychotherapy to healthcare providers and other individuals in high stress caring professions.
