EP135: How Do You Feel? Exploring Mental Health in Medicine with Dr. Jessi Gold

In this episode of the Girl Doc Survival Guide podcast, Dr. Jessi Gold, a board-certified psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee, discusses the critical issue of mental health among healthcare professionals. Dr. Gold delves into the stigmas that prevent doctors from seeking help for burnout, depression, and anxiety. She shares her personal journey with mental health, including overcoming internalized stigma around psychiatric medication. Dr. Gold offers practical advice on setting boundaries, recognizing early signs of burnout, and finding support systems. She also talks about her new role at the University of Tennessee, aiming to improve wellness through both systemic and preventive approaches. The conversation emphasizes the need for cultural change in medicine to support the mental health of doctors. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:46 Understanding Physician Mental Health 01:11 The Stigma Around Doctors Seeking Help 03:11 Personal Experiences with Mental Health 04:24 Overcoming Internalized Stigma 07:37 Self-Care Practices and Burnout Prevention 11:16 Setting Boundaries and Emotional Capacity 14:46 Advocating for Systemic Change 17:08 Role of Medical Education in Mental Health 20:38 New Role and Future Plans 25:27 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion https://www.drjessigold.com/  Dr. Jessi Gold is a board-certified psychiatrist and Associate Professor and Chief Wellness Officer in the Department of The University of Tennessee. She specializes in the mental health of healthcare professionals, focusing on the high rates of burnout, depression, and anxiety they face. Dr. Jessi Gold is dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues in the medical community, with a focus on promoting open conversations about burnout, depression, and anxiety among healthcare professionals. She’s passionate about creating systemic change within hospitals and healthcare organizations to make mental health resources more accessible. Dr. Gold frequently advocates for early intervention, self-care strategies, and peer support systems, aiming to shift the culture of medicine to one that prioritizes physician well-being as a critical component of quality patient care.