Burnout in Healthcare: How Depersonalization and Dissociation Manifest, and How to Overcome Them

Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

In this episode, we explore the emotional toll of burnout on healthcare professionals with Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee System. Burnout often manifests as depersonalization—a form of emotional detachment that shields clinicians from the relentless trauma they witness. Dr. Gold delves into how this protective mechanism can lead to emotional numbness, distancing healthcare workers from their patients and even themselves.

We discuss the concept of alexithymia, where prolonged detachment causes clinicians to lose touch with their own emotions, making it challenging to process trauma or empathize with patients. Dr. Gold offers practical strategies for overcoming burnout, such as early intervention, therapy, setting emotional boundaries, and advocating for systemic change within healthcare institutions. Tune in to learn how reconnecting with the meaning behind their work can help clinicians rediscover a sense of purpose and resilience in their careers.