As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it is slowly morphing from an acute, high-intensity stressor in our lives to a chronic one. This is remarkably similar to the experience many physicians have after an adverse outcome or in the midst of a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Physicians and nurses frequently tell me that after an abrupt bad outcome or when a lawsuit is filed, they feel a shock-wave of anxiety and confusion. Over time, that shock-wave may evolve into a more lingering sadness or distress. And in the midst of it all, feelings of anxiety and questions about whether we’re good enough can permeate our thoughts.

Today, I’m privileged to bring you part of an interview with Dr. Melissa Welby, where we talk about these very things. In particular, we explore:

anxiety in the midst of medical practice and daily life,
the nature of anxiety and how to know when it is becoming a bigger problem
the relationship between previous traumatic experiences and how we process anxiety today.

Dr. Welby is a practicing psychiatrist and popular fellow blogger whose written work explores every area of mental health. Take a listen to our conversation, and then consider exploring things further with her posts on building coping strategies for times of distress and catastrophizing anxiety. Then join me next time.