Why would I trust a medic, who doesn’t take their OWN health seriously, to take MY health seriously??? If anything, seeking help when needed and speaking up about it makes you all the more qualified.
Right there with you. The trauma of medical training and the clinical experience are things we don’t talk about enough. The ER burnt me to the ground but I built myself back up better than ever after a full year off of work (a with the help of various prescriptions). They saved my life and I don’t regret it.
Thank you, Jake, for your courage and openness. Your vulnerability has helped many people. I also am determined to fight the stigma so that people know it's okay and wise to reach out for help whenever they need it. The statistics you shared about medical students were really sad. I taught at a medical college in China, and one of our students jumped from a third story building and took his own life. We need to care for our fellow human beings, and we need to help people get effective help when they are hurting. I am so thankful for the network of friends we have, and the kind of friends who never give up on us. Being that kind of friend to others is my honor.
Thank you, Susan. Stories like this are heartbreaking reminders of why this work is so important. We all need a strong support system, and I’m grateful for people like you who are making a difference.
Thank you. I feel the same way about you and others who are open about their own experiences. Today I am leading a discussion about anxiety and depression in a fellowship group I am in. I had a private counseling practice for years. I still do some Relational Spirituality Coaching. As you know, the needs are vast. But we can continue to help people find recovery and hope by openly talking about the struggles.
I hit a crisis point in my nurse's training. It coincided with a 3 month psychiatric rotation. Fortunately, one of my instructors took time to listen and point me in the right direction for help. Strategies learned then helped me recognize burnout at several other points in my career. Early recognition and course correcting immediately has helped me preserve my love of nursing.
Thanks for showing up and speaking out. Your courage is to be admired.
Dr. Jake, thank you for daring to be so candid and vulnerable. We all have issues to various degrees and there is nothing wrong with getting help. In fact, that was the most responsible thing for you to do, in your position of helping others.
I would much rather go to a doctor who can relate to my issues than someone who can’t.
Hi Dr Jake, your inspirational story & sharing session, hopefully will resonate with others throughout the world, especially "The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Act". To me it's a wake up call but never too late! The world will be better a place to live! Thank you Dr Jake.
Burn 🔥 out and toxic environment in health institutions definitely needs addressing. This will help out the workers to be in good shape as well as the clients be taken care of. They need mentally sober humans to serve them. Good job 👏 Dr. Jake
I think you are awesome! I’m a nurse who has struggled over the years with depression. I have had to take some time off periodically to “re-group”. Health care workers are compassionate humans- not perfect and we are subject to all the pitfalls of caring for humans and trying to care for ourselves, not an easy balance.
I would let you take care of me in a heartbeat! ❤️
I have a daughter with bipolar disorder and she has a sunny disposition and bears her struggle most of the time with grace. The amount of effort, angst, and pure diligence it takes for her to get the medication right to manage her disorder is unreal. Sometimes her employer is understanding - sometimes not. Maybe someday, hopefully we will treat mental health and physical health issues with the same care and compassion.
Thank you, Annie! Caring for others while prioritizing our own well-being is tough, and your daughter’s resilience is inspiring. I also hope for a future where mental and physical health get the same compassion. ❤️
I have taken Wellbutrin for many yr's likely 10+ (maybe I should count or does it matter 🤔) It's generous in several ways that you share. I have considered stopping the Rx and always find a reason or events to continue. I tell myself it's akin to thyroid Rx once on a "stable dose" your have what:s referred to as euthyroid. The e.g. analogy I offer to patients is you "no longer have a thyroid condition" (yes you must remain compliant) ...consider it a "vitamin for your thyroid". So maybe my taking Wellbutrin is my "vitamin".
I too am just sharing & not offering counseling on use of an antidepressant...I will however continue to reference Eltroxin/Synthroid as a 'vit for your thyroid".
Why would I trust a medic, who doesn’t take their OWN health seriously, to take MY health seriously??? If anything, seeking help when needed and speaking up about it makes you all the more qualified.
Agreed!
It is so powerful to be vulnerable - people connect with authenticity when people like yourself are brave enough to take off the mask
Thank you Sally-Anne! I believe that authenticity fosters real connection and meaningful conversations. Appreciate your kind words!
Right there with you. The trauma of medical training and the clinical experience are things we don’t talk about enough. The ER burnt me to the ground but I built myself back up better than ever after a full year off of work (a with the help of various prescriptions). They saved my life and I don’t regret it.
The toll of medical training and clinical work is immense, and we need to talk about it more. I’m glad you found the time and support to rebuild!
Thank you, Jake, for your courage and openness. Your vulnerability has helped many people. I also am determined to fight the stigma so that people know it's okay and wise to reach out for help whenever they need it. The statistics you shared about medical students were really sad. I taught at a medical college in China, and one of our students jumped from a third story building and took his own life. We need to care for our fellow human beings, and we need to help people get effective help when they are hurting. I am so thankful for the network of friends we have, and the kind of friends who never give up on us. Being that kind of friend to others is my honor.
Thank you, Susan. Stories like this are heartbreaking reminders of why this work is so important. We all need a strong support system, and I’m grateful for people like you who are making a difference.
Thank you. I feel the same way about you and others who are open about their own experiences. Today I am leading a discussion about anxiety and depression in a fellowship group I am in. I had a private counseling practice for years. I still do some Relational Spirituality Coaching. As you know, the needs are vast. But we can continue to help people find recovery and hope by openly talking about the struggles.
I hit a crisis point in my nurse's training. It coincided with a 3 month psychiatric rotation. Fortunately, one of my instructors took time to listen and point me in the right direction for help. Strategies learned then helped me recognize burnout at several other points in my career. Early recognition and course correcting immediately has helped me preserve my love of nursing.
Thanks for showing up and speaking out. Your courage is to be admired.
Thank you for sharing your story, Nancy!
Thank you for speaking up, it takes courage to rip down the walls of stigma. Keep up the great work
Thank you Brandon!
Hey Doc, you're so brave, keep up the good works!
Thank you Anita!
You’re awesome. Your courage and vulnerability has opened the door for many others who suffer in silence within the medical field. 🙏💙
Thank you Grace!
Dr. Jake, thank you for daring to be so candid and vulnerable. We all have issues to various degrees and there is nothing wrong with getting help. In fact, that was the most responsible thing for you to do, in your position of helping others.
I would much rather go to a doctor who can relate to my issues than someone who can’t.
Thank you Anne!
More Power to you Sir n to the Noble Cause you are fighting for...
Thank you!
Hi Dr Jake, your inspirational story & sharing session, hopefully will resonate with others throughout the world, especially "The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Act". To me it's a wake up call but never too late! The world will be better a place to live! Thank you Dr Jake.
Wow thank you!
Burn 🔥 out and toxic environment in health institutions definitely needs addressing. This will help out the workers to be in good shape as well as the clients be taken care of. They need mentally sober humans to serve them. Good job 👏 Dr. Jake
Thank you!
I think you are awesome! I’m a nurse who has struggled over the years with depression. I have had to take some time off periodically to “re-group”. Health care workers are compassionate humans- not perfect and we are subject to all the pitfalls of caring for humans and trying to care for ourselves, not an easy balance.
I would let you take care of me in a heartbeat! ❤️
I have a daughter with bipolar disorder and she has a sunny disposition and bears her struggle most of the time with grace. The amount of effort, angst, and pure diligence it takes for her to get the medication right to manage her disorder is unreal. Sometimes her employer is understanding - sometimes not. Maybe someday, hopefully we will treat mental health and physical health issues with the same care and compassion.
Thank you, Annie! Caring for others while prioritizing our own well-being is tough, and your daughter’s resilience is inspiring. I also hope for a future where mental and physical health get the same compassion. ❤️
jamainternal_ruddell_2025_po_240011_1736187921.42579.pdf
Thank you for sharing your story and making a difference.
I wish our son known you.
J
Thank you Jennifer!
I have taken Wellbutrin for many yr's likely 10+ (maybe I should count or does it matter 🤔) It's generous in several ways that you share. I have considered stopping the Rx and always find a reason or events to continue. I tell myself it's akin to thyroid Rx once on a "stable dose" your have what:s referred to as euthyroid. The e.g. analogy I offer to patients is you "no longer have a thyroid condition" (yes you must remain compliant) ...consider it a "vitamin for your thyroid". So maybe my taking Wellbutrin is my "vitamin".
I too am just sharing & not offering counseling on use of an antidepressant...I will however continue to reference Eltroxin/Synthroid as a 'vit for your thyroid".
Take care, JJF Phm. 🇨🇦
Love your perspective!
Super information re supporting mental health initiatives! Thank you for your courage, Dr. Jake.
Personally, I think this is one of the major concerns of this century. It is in my family.
Thank you Catherine!