Understanding Burnout and Finding Strength: A Personal Reflection on Ketamine Therapy for Healthcare Professionals
This morning, I listened to a podcast hosted by an old acquaintance, Sam Ko, whom I met at a ketamine conference several years ago. The topic was professional burnout among practitioners—a subject close to my heart. Having worked as a nurse anesthesiologist for 27 years (and still actively practicing in anesthesia, focusing on pain management), I can personally attest to the emotional toll this profession takes. Spending over 20 years on-call in-house for obstetric anesthesia, I have witnessed firsthand how the constant exposure to trauma can lead to burnout.
While I love my work and derive great fulfillment from helping others, the emotional weight of daily traumatic experiences is undeniable. In residency, we were trained to develop a thick skin and suppress our emotions to perform with clarity during high-pressure situations. However, this mindset does not mitigate the emotional aftermath—those moments spent alone in a call room, processing the heartbreak of losing a patient or the relief of a near-miss. Over time, this unresolved emotion accumulates, manifesting as long-term trauma.
Parallels Between Healthcare Professionals and Military Veterans
In my additional role providing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, I have treated many military veterans suffering from PTSD. I have noticed striking similarities between their conditioning and that of healthcare professionals. Both groups are taught to suppress emotions in the line of duty to maintain composure and effectiveness. While necessary in the moment, this suppression becomes harmful if emotions are not processed afterward. The result is often unresolved trauma, which can lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety.
The podcast featured an interview with a retired ER physician who openly shared his struggles with burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation. It was eye-opening to hear such candid insights into the emotional burden healthcare professionals carry. Many of us, especially toward the end of our careers, feel the weight of years spent pushing aside emotions, believing that we should simply “deal with it.” This mindset, though common, prevents us from seeking the help we need.
Seeking Help Is a Sign of Strength
One of the key messages from the podcast was that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of strength. Acknowledging the need for emotional support is essential for sustaining our ability to care for others. If you love helping people but feel overwhelmed, stressed, or burnt out, ketamine therapy combined with counseling may provide a path toward healing and renewal.
Healthcare professionals are diligent about maintaining their physical health, spiritual well-being, and medical care. However, mental health must also become a priority. Only by addressing our mental well-being can we achieve holistic health and continue to serve others effectively.
A Call to Action for Healthcare Professionals
To all my colleagues in healthcare: consider putting yourself first this year. Seek out the support you need to stay strong on the frontlines. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
If you’re interested, here is the link to the podcast: The Ketamine Startup Podcast. Take a listen, and know that you are not alone in this journey.
Stay safe, take care of yourselves, and remember—you matter too.