Category: Life

Failure diary: Workin’ on my fitness

by M, posted in Life

One of my first attempts to claw my way out of my downward spiral was through fitness and goal setting.  “Exercise is good for you”, I told myself.  How hypocritical would it be of me to prescribe diet and exercise to my patients, and when I started feeling bleh, that would be the first thing to be thrown out of my life.  I had felt so good after completing my 3 x 10k’s for my 30th year, but that was already done.  What else could I reach for that would also add to that sense of accomplishment? Easy - clearly the next step was a half marathon. ...

Forest lit tree in Deception State Park, WA

Finding happiness through suicidal thoughts?

by M, posted in Burnout

Earlier this year, I met a doctor who by all of society’s standards was doing well for herself.  She was working as an anesthesiologist making insane amounts of money - she just bought her dream house in one of the most sought after sub-developments in town, was working toward paying off her student loans, and after being too busy to do any of the life things during residency (doctor training after med school) she just got married!  Life was finally going her way - after 10+ years of delayed gratification, she felt she was finally getting her piece of the American dream. Fast forward 10 months, right before Thanksgiving I saw her again, except I almost didn’t recognize her this time around.  Gone was the aura of excitement and happiness she had when I first met her. ...