The Stigma of Mental Health-330478

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Michael Foti, a clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, shared his personal journey with anxiety and depression following the first wave of COVID-19. His experiences as an intern during the pandemic involved intense emotional and mental tolls, exacerbated by the loss of patients and his mother. Dr. Foti described his battles with mental health, marked by severe panic attacks and depression, which were initially misunderstood as work-related stress. Realizing the stigma around mental health, he emphasized the importance of acknowledging mental illness as an illness that requires proper treatment and self-compassion. He advocates for change in healthcare institutions to support mental health and prevent burnout among physicians. Now, teaching at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Foti is dedicated to mental health advocacy, urging others to seek help and embrace fulfilling careers that align with personal happiness and work-life balance.

Keywords

mental health

COVID-19

anxiety

depression

healthcare

advocacy