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14 DALLAS MEDICAL JOURNAL • January 2021
Taking stock of 2020, Turning 2021
mentally fit might seem like a lofty goal.
Fortunately, there are evidence-based
strategies that can help us ameliorate the
impact of chronic stress as we pursue our
goal of mental fitness in 2021.
Recalibrate “Normal”
We have endured a collective trauma
in 2020 that has given way to a crisis of
meaning. The chronic stress might make
you feel irritated, impatient, angry, and
sad, and you might experience feelings
of disconnection, difficulty concentrating,
and a range of other cognitive effects. You
might also be navigating anxiety, depression,
or fatigue. These are all perfectly
human, adaptive responses during such
a difficult time. Welcome and honor the
full spectrum of emotions that make you
human because they are here to teach you
important lessons about your triggers, coping
skills, and current emotional state.
Practice Self-compassion - As physicians,
we have several personality traits
that lead us to pursue careers in medicine,
including perfectionism and self-denial.
While these traits can serve us well in
doing our clinical work, they also give way
to unrealistic personal and professional expectations,
including denial of personal vulnerability.
Some days your best IS enough.
You are a doctor, but you’re also human.
Acknowledge and accept your vulnerability.
Seek Help - Part of recalibrating normal
is to also normalize seeking help. Extraordinary
stresses cannot be overcome with
ordinary measures. Although we all have
the ability within us to heal, we sometimes
need support in the journey to self-realization
and optimal mental fitness.
Reflect and Release
Unprocessed traumatic memories and
stress can become sticking points that
cause our mental and physical processes
to suffer. As such, it is imperative that we
reflect inward and take intentional steps
toward improving our mental fitness. The
journey to recovery can be slow, intentional,
and at times, uncomfortable, yet immeasurably
rewarding. As with any form of
recovery, the first step is acceptance. Give
yourself the permission to grieve the many
losses of 2020, including loved ones,
colleagues, and even your routines. This
isn’t always at our forefront, but in addition
to attachments to other people, we also
develop powerful attachments to our work,
things, and places.
We know that neuroplasticity and trauma
go hand in hand. Just as traumatic events
can forge neural pathways, so can positive
and effective therapeutic experiences that
help us cope and heal. The psychiatrist’s
toolbox is equipped with evidence-based
Dallas medical professionals look
to the Dallas Medical Journal and its
community of peer contributors as
a valued resource for Dallas County
medical information. Our goal is to
provide insights on various topics,
including patient advocacy, legislative
issues, current industry standards,
practice management, physician
wellness, and more.
The Dallas Medical Journal
selectively accepts articles from
industry professionals that meet our
editorial guidelines. We always seek
original, informative articles that
ultimately will be a useful source to give
our professional readers a broad yet
unique reading experience.
If you are interested in submitting
an article for consideration, or have
additional submission questions,
please email Pamela Lowery at
pamela@dallas-cms.org.