Medicine, a hard pill to swallow

💊 "Everyone is taking something for their mental health these days."

But not me.

Nope, I made it to my mid-forties. I had never been depressed, anxious, or needed medication.

Until

At 44 years old, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

But strength, spirituality, and maturity were my shields. Despite my doctor's suggestion of an #SSRI, I was convinced I could navigate this without medication.

I was wrong.

Months later, after hitting my lowest point, I confronted the darkness within.

It was time to humble myself, and I called my doctor. That week marked the beginning of my journey with mental health medication – no quick fix, no instant relief, but a path to healing.

Admitting my need for help doesn't diminish my strength, spirituality, or maturity. In fact, it might be the bravest step I've ever taken. 💪

#MentalHealthJourney #BreakingTheStigma #StrengthInVulnerability

Agoraphobia

😶 I am still overcoming agoraphobia.

⚖ During the pandemic, when staying in became the norm, I found solace in the rules. Events were canceled, and I adhered more closely than most.

🎉 It was disheartening to witness others gathering and flouting guidelines while I was writing policies on crucial issues like scarce medical resource allocation.

Even as lockdowns lifted, healthcare maintained restrictions, and the sense of crisis persisted for me. COVID wasn't over. Daily stats (admissions, infections, and deaths) were a constant reminder.

😟 The cumulative effect of ongoing restrictions, moral distress, and burnout birthed a fear of leaving the house - agoraphobia took hold.

Some days, I managed; others, I sought refuge.

As I've said, depression is more than emotional; it's physical. Agoraphobia is no different. The anxiety is palpable. Kristen Riecke, an extrovert's extrovert, became my social support - not a new role in our 25-year marriage.

🤔 Before passing judgment on a colleague's "absence," consider the unseen battles they might be facing.

#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #healthcareburnout #agoraphobia

A Sweet Suprise

I recently bid farewell to my incredible tenure at Parkview Health, and my colleague Lori Whitman orchestrated the sweetest surprise on my last day. 💖

For years, Lori, with a sprinkle of assistance from Jana Vastbinder, Brian Spahr, Jon Swanson, and others, curated a daily dose of inspiration known as the "Daily Dose Express." 💌

This daily ritual has been a beacon of encouragement for our hundreds of coworkers, and it holds a special place in my heart.

On October 26, my farewell day, Lori unearthed a forgotten quote of mine. It read:

"Who are you? When you stop answering that question with your job title, you are on the path to a happier life. You are not, primarily, a job code. You are a human; loved, infinite, creative, and unique. You are a fingerprint. The only 'you' that the world will ever know. Your job is just one of the current expressions of your ultimate self."

Little did I remember this gem, but Lori brought it back into my world at the perfect moment. 🌟 It resonated deeply with me as I closed this chapter of my career after over ten incredible years.

And yes, a tear or two may have escaped. 😢 Grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the amazing colleagues who made this journey unforgettable. Here's to new beginnings and cherishing the essence of our true selves! 🚀💕 #LifeBeyondJobTitles #GratitudeInGoodbye

Carle Health Nurse Wellbeing Event

Last week, I presented to a few hundred nurses Carle Health, thanks to the generosity of Diane Gottheil and the JOSH GOTTHEIL MEMORIAL FUND FOR LYMPHOMA RESEARCH.

Danielle Lawler, MSN, RN, CMSRN, and her team put together a great event for nurses to invest in their well-being, recovery, and resiliency.

Plus, the group was awesome. I followed a presentation by Cara Crumrine, who shared her burnout and self-care journey (awesome!).

Kudos to the team at Carle Health for investing in your most valuable resource--#Nurses!

#NurseAppreciation #Healthcareburnout #burnoutawareness #WellBeingMatters 💙👩‍⚕️🌟

School RN Trip

🔥 Burnout Alert! Which Industries Are Most Affected? 🔥

Ever wondered which industry has the highest burnout rate? It's the education sector. And right behind, in second place, is healthcare.

💬 Last week, I had the privilege of speaking with SCHOOL NURSES in Noblesville. The resonance was palpable. It's not cliche to say that we laughed and cried.

👩‍🏫 "Thank you for helping me name what's happening."

🌟 "Now I realize that burnout isn't my fault."

💙 "Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story."

It's time to address burnout head-on and support those on the front lines. Let's start the conversation! 💪🌟

Oh, and I took my 15 y/o with me. A little Top Golf never hurt anyone.

#BurnoutAwareness #Education #Healthcare #WellbeingInWork #topgolf #bucketlist