What was my goal in writing my second book?

Offering a Helping Hand: Reflections on Writing About Burnout and Moral Injury

Writing a book on burnout and moral injury was not exactly what I expected. For over a year, I have been deeply interested in these topics and felt a strong urge to share what I learned with others. As part of my writing process, I conducted interviews with a diverse group of individuals. Some of them were long-time friends, others were acquaintances, and a few were complete strangers. ??

Through these conversations and the process of sharing my own experiences, I found a path to healing. Writing this book became an exercise in vulnerability, as I revisited painful and difficult times from my past. Despite the emotional challenges, sharing these stories helped me heal old wounds. As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, I understand that storytelling can be a powerful tool for recovery, but experiencing it firsthand was profoundly transformative. ??

Several of the people I interviewed shared that the interview itself was a healing experience for them. They felt seen and heard, and hoped that their stories would support others who read the book. This feedback reinforced my belief that sharing these narratives could make a significant impact. One of my greatest hopes for this book is that it reaches clinicians who are suffering in silence. ??

Clinicians often struggle with feelings of isolation, shame, and guilt. Many are accustomed to being stoic and may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their feelings. They might think they are the only ones experiencing these struggles. However, the more I interviewed people and shared what I learned, the more the stories started to flow. This process felt very healing to me, and I hope this book will offer a helping hand to those in need. ??

We are not alone. We are all in this together, and each of us can make a difference. My hope is that if you are a clinician or have a loved one who is a clinician, this book will give you a glimmer of hope that things can be different. I encourage you to reach out to me or other healers who can help. ??

By sharing these stories, I aim to remove some of the shame and guilt that clinicians often feel. We are not robots; we are all imperfect human beings. I believe that by opening up and sharing our experiences, we can support each other and foster a sense of community and understanding. ??

In conclusion, writing this book has been a journey of healing and discovery. I hope it will provide support and inspiration to those who read it. Let us come together, share our stories, and offer a helping hand to those in need. Together, we can make a difference. ??

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