a bad week (mentally & physically) | Dr. Rachel Southard

[@RachelSouthard]

Twas a rough set of nights. By the end of it, I was feeling v unwell and burnt. What do you do to keep yourself happy on streak of bad days/crummy shifts?

[@asdfjklasdfjkl408]

Self care in whatever form that may be that week... take out, going to the movies, doing nothing but showering and eating + sleeping at home, hiring help in the form of cleaners, laundry, meal prep, etc. Also, I treat myself *as much as I please* even if that means multiple trips to Starbucks or Dunkin per day to have that caffeine fix lol. Honorable mention for Amazon stress shopping sprees 🛒🤣

[@RachelSouthard]

@@asdfjklasdfjkl408 The hiring help is a tip i may consider at some point... honestly seems so incredibly helpful.

[@enelr5504]

Chocolat, peppermint tea and long walks in the woods no matter the weather (I live up north). The calm of the forest soothes and helps put things in perspective. Sometimes ranting to my husband helps, but I do not want to burden him too much. Mindfulness and stoicism help with this profession.

[@gdaym8y]

Working out and showering _before_ work always puts me in a better mood. I get there feeling and smelling ~fresh~ and like I've already been productive. That's so key when you work long shifts and know people are out and about doing life while you're stuck working lol Also writing down whatever is making me unhappy (and being brutally honest about the thing!), that gets it out of my head and I can go to work with less on my mind, helps me feel focused, present, a lil lighter. Bible time brings perspective and encouragement, too :)

[@aleksandra4720]

Getting a dog was definitely a great decision for my mental health, 100% would recommend, especially since Patrick can be with the dog while you’re at work Sending you positive vibes 🫶🤍

[@IlvaDushi]

Rachel, you are the REALEST and do not be sorry for having normal human feelings. It is so rare seeing medical professionals that are this passionate and this human. PERIOD.

[@RachelSouthard]

😭😭 SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK. thank you, my sweet friend. 💕

[@Darkquark-u5]

@@RachelSouthardthank you Rachel, you make me feel like the feelings I have are normal and human.

[@tanyamartinez1007]

I think changing the mindset to “I get to…” might help you mentally…like “I get to be a doctor”, “I get to be with someone on their journey to have a baby”, “I get to help save a baby or momma today”….even “I get to come back to Patrick after work” or whatever you need to in order to stay In good mindset

[@RachelSouthard]

I like that!

[@stephanieoregan]

I agree, this is a great way to help your mental health, I am trying to change my mindset to this ❤

[@ArethDaniels]

Love

[@Luna11420]

DO NOT feel bad for how residency burns you out. It's not right how resident physicians are treated and change needs to happen. Thank you for being so real and honest. Your passion for what you do still shines through and you are doing an amazing job!

[@trembletea]

I’m a mom in my 40s, in science but not medicine, and I really enjoy your vlogs. It’s inspiring to see someone persevere in something very hard that they’re passionate about. You inspire me in my own life.

[@dr.pruneau]

Fellow resident here, hospital-based dentist. Keep going Rachel! ❤️ you are awesome!

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you! You too!💕

[@kellyvergara4546]

Never never never EVER stop being you and human and telling us how you feel the ups and ESPECIALLY the downs. I hope to be a OBGYN someday and seeing what you go through makes me realize that mental health is sooo important and to be able to find the positive even on the worst of days is a skill that I will have to exercise every day once I’m in the field! Thank you for these videos!!

[@angelawilliams4164]

Thank you for being so real. And so transparent. I am not a doctor but I am a sterile tech and work overnight. I have three kids, and I go to school as well. This was so needed. I have started feeling this way. And to everyone that sent tips. They were very good tips. Keep your head up. We are all here cheering for you

[@jaimie4011]

Definitely not a bad rant this was so needed and welcomed. You can truly hear in your voice how much you love and care for your patients and job no matter the situation. Be strong feel all the feels and have a wonderful vacation!! ❤

[@cfield1468]

You’re doing great. Love your channel even though I’ve never been in the medical field and I’m a 67 yo grandmother. Your parents raised an intelligent, hardworking, caring, beautiful daughter. Patrick is so sweet to caring your bag and walk you to your car before work. Most men wouldn’t do that. What is his background and is he in the medical field? No need to answer if it’s too personal. I hope Europe was relaxing and wonderful as you deserve it. Sending good energy your way…. From San Francisco Bay Area

[@katodan0611]

Enjoy that vacation with that wonderful man of yours. ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Oh absolutely 💕

[@meganapple8805]

I am an OMS2 and I am becoming more and more interested in OBGYN! Thank you so much for showing the hard parts of your weeks as well as the great parts. I feel like I always learn important lessons/info from your videos especially when its you "ranting" lol. It may be super hard sometimes but that's the reality and I think its important for medical and non medical people to know

[@RachelSouthard]

Oh yay!! :) that makes me happy. Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words

[@genoa4967]

Thank you for making these videos. I love your personality and they are so inspirational to me as a pre-med student.

[@zarnainshah3927]

I just love how real you are. I am an IM trainee in the UK and I can't imagine working more than 48 hours a week (including on-call shifts). Love and respect for you! :)

[@RachelSouthard]

Yes, working over 48hrs a week is a nonnegotiable haha

[@adavanlandingham4124]

i feel you. The sunny happy days for everyone else while I'm stuck forcing myself to focus on practice questions as an NP student is so much less than what you go through and it helps me to know I'm not the only one. Thanks for this.

[@sophiasauvageau4779]

Hey Rachel, your videos have really helped me! I’m in school for Occupational Therapy, and experiencing some burnout. It’s helpful to get real vlogs!

[@rinoamoruso5760]

So real Dr Rachel, thank you. Be patient listen to yourself you are stronger than strong. You obviously care so much for the patients and babies,never ever let that go, its what makes you YOU! ❤️❤️❤️

[@RachelSouthard]

💕💕

[@alyssad7019]

You’re so beyond amazing. 🩷

[@RachelSouthard]

No you are!!:)

[@janeellis4926]

I have metastatic breast cancer. Feels like a battle with my oncologist re treatment. One size does not fit all. I appreciate physicians who are honest and flexible. Not at all criticizing you as I know you are dealing with some pretty scary situations. I do like that providers are becoming more flexible and involving patients in decision making. Even though I'm older I prefer younger doctors for this reason. Keep up the good work.

[@amandaholley8068]

If it gives you a good laugh, my sister saw an OB/GYN throughout her pregnancy that told her he was going to Disney World the week she was due. He said that if my niece wasn’t born before he left, she would have to wait until he got back. If I was at that appointment, I would have mentioned that babies come when they want. Miraculously, she was born on her due date and my sister had complications from her c-section. He found pulmonary embolisms that were TNTC. My niece was healthy, but those emotions were insane. The first doctor left town soon after. Very few doctors care more about themselves than the patients. You spend a lot of time and money going to school while sacrificing your health to save lives. It’s also evident that you understand how patients feel from the medication interaction. I hope you carry an epi-pen! It’s unreal that an insurance company would rather you possibly go into anaphylactic shock which would really cost them a lot of money than pay for the alternative medication.

[@kristinaf424]

NNP here and I am so grateful for your honesty and bringing awareness when it comes to being a provider in the OB field. Although I am on the other side, I feel your expression of safety to my bones when it comes to the difficult/exhausting conversations when we as providers just want the best/safest outcomes although that might not be the desired plan. Flexibility and working together is a team effort but sometimes as you said it can be hard when recommendations are not wanted. We just have to continue reminding ourselves we are doing amazing things and the impact we are making outweigh the tough days! Sending all the positive vibes your way :)

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you

[@kristinaf424]

❤️ Your so welcome, we’ve got this!!

[@AshleyStuart]

I love your attitude so much and how you use positive things to look forward to when you're struggling. I love so much, this is temporary. I'm currently in school to become a pharmacy technician in Canada and it's a process. This is temporary is something I like to remind myself of too because the training is rough. I don't understand the pharmacy system in the U.S. but is there no way because you have an allergy to the medication that they can give you an exception for a different medication. If not, that's terrible! Hope you enjoyed your vacation!

[@victoriadelbando3283]

You work hard! Mentally and physically Rachel! It sounds like you really care for your patients.

[@RachelSouthard]

I do care 💕

[@rachellllhines]

you are so strong girl

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you! Isn’t it wonderful!? He’s so talented

[@gdaym8y]

you're working now so you can rest later! That's what i always say when feeling burned out and tired of the grind.

[@RachelSouthard]

You’re right!

[@PinkLadyDaria]

You’re amazing, Rachel ❤ I want to be you when I grow up (although I’m at least 10 years older than you) 😅 Always happy to see a video from you 🩷🩷🩷

[@RachelSouthard]

Awh hehe you'll be better than me!

[@garrisonhope11]

Rachel, you are so awesome love you!! Applying to med school soon and very interested in OB! I love how real you keep it. It is so nice to see how helpful Patrick is for you and to see how happy he makes you. Happy for you and rooting for you!!!! Get some sleep xoxoxo ps. your vids are my self care for days off/post shifts

[@Jane-gz3nn]

so proud of you

[@RachelSouthard]

😭

[@gilliangoodman6362]

Hi, I've just found your channel ,I'm from England ,omg you work so hard and you really deserved that holiday 😊❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Welcome to our Herd!!:)

[@tara_not_tara]

Thanks for the education segment!

[@emilyencapsulated9540]

Oh Rachel I hope you feel renewed after your trip to Europe 💓 I'm so sorry it was a rough week -- sleep deprivation is just horrible for mood regulation and overall well-being. You are absolutely doing the right thing by persistently giving your patients information for informed decision-making. I can't imagine the stress of working in a high-risk specialty and encountering that push-back.... I work in outpatient primary care, and so many patients refuse every cancer screening, treatment, and lifestyle recommendations I make. Sometimes I do wonder..."Why are you here, if you don't want medical advice?" All we can do is try to build rapport and educate, but it's tough :/ Be well, friend! One step closer to building a life you love!

[@binozba8092]

Every time I have a shift on a holiday or when my family get togethers and go trips without me because everyone is available only on that day except for me. I feel so terrible but then I remember I'm having a better day than my patients who didn't plan to get sick on that day and who might not even make it to tomorrow or will be disabled for life and I want to hug those patients and take extra care of them on those days 🥹♥️

[@AbdulAli-ku9he]

Dr. Rachel super.

[@nmartin4283]

Loved the vlog, Rachel. Wish you the best ❤

[@RachelSouthard]

💕thank you. I appreciate ya

[@nmartin4283]

@@RachelSouthard I’m entering my first year of pre-med in Jan 2025. Any advice for an incoming student? I’m excited but also scared 🥲

[@deerockt]

As a clinical psychologist in my sessions with my patients sometimes I also have to ask the WHY question. "Why are you in the sessions? What are you looking for?". Which is not a game or a challenge, it's a genuine question that sometimes needs to be asked because it might happen that patients themselves try to challenge the practitioner. That can be because they're scared, they're angry, they're in pain, and that's all valid. But at the end of the day we are a team and we need to work together and at the same time the practitioner is the one that has the expertise and the tools to help, so the patient's POV is unique and essential but there needs to be space to welcome the suggestions and the direction of the practitioner, otherwise the team work fails.

[@impushon]

Hey Rachel. I'm an optometry student. And you inspire me a lot.❤❤ love from Bangladesh

[@jessicar173]

Enjoy your vacation!!!!!!!❤

[@sarahkane6853]

Thank god we have beautiful people Like you in this world that keep going when it gets this awful. I would have given up by now .

[@RachelSouthard]

I appreciate that

[@dissuade81]

Allergies are cumulative! Be careful. You should check to see if your insurance company offers a medical necessity waiver for the version of medication you are not allergic to.

[@RachelSouthard]

Good idea!

[@tiffanybusby4248]

Enjoy!!! The Museé de l’Orangerie is my favorite. It is located at the opposite end of the Tulleries gardens from the Louvre. It is fairly small and has a lot of impressionists, including the Claude Monet water lilies rooms. They make me cry they are so beautiful. 🦋

[@DLG24]

Thank you, Rachel⭐

[@Dr_Analise]

Niights suck. I would just return to my home ... by public transport .. and be asleep ... its a scary and crazy time but it passed ... your doiibg well.. emotionally i was numb during that time .. was not a good space to be

[@RachelSouthard]

Nights are indeed so very rough!!

[@DaltonsFriendswood]

My husband is a teacher and it is always hard for me to go to work all summer while he and our daughters are at home. ❤

[@DanaNason-m4x]

Hope the vacation is fantastic!

[@RachelSouthard]

Oh it was 😭

[@Emily31662]

Love seeing your relationship with Patrick 💗 also I’m going to buy those scented packets!

[@himanipandey8606]

Hey Doc !!! I love watching your videos ..i love the way you share your experiences...❤❤LOVE FROM INDIA

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you my sweet friend!! :)

[@Emily31662]

Girlllllll, I have been struggling with TMJ from stress and it has been rough. Wishing you well 💗

[@RachelSouthard]

): I’m sorry!! That’s not a fun feeling

[@stephanieoregan]

FOMO is a real thing, we just gotta deal with it as it comes and enjoy our days off when we get them ❤ Lots of love Rachel 😘 won't be like this forever, right!

[@RachelSouthard]

You’re absolutely right. 💕 love you

[@Jayjay-cp3yb]

Patrick is the sweetest guy

[@jadaglenn7363]

Rachel, allergic reactions only get worse each time! 😮

[@RachelSouthard]

I know 😭😭😭 trust

[@jjust.jaz.]

girl you are rockin it 🥹 i noticed you can no longer film in the hospital?! i hope you did not get in trouble 😅

[@RachelSouthard]

Nope! Just not a thing that’s possible anymore

[@tiffanybusby4248]

Also the outdoor (but enclosed) bar at the Mandarin Oriental is like a fantasy. 🥂 Shhh, it’s my special secret spot.

[@user-hc9bl8vu9c]

I wrote a question before the end of the video, but then the last part answered almost everything! 😅But one remains, what makes patients so afraid of the C-section? How can it be so risky that's not worth a shot even if the doctor tells you a vaginal delivery is riskier?

[@Jane-gz3nn]

like she said sometimes patients are made aware of the risks of a certain mode of delivery yet due to some sort of belief system they still choose it and ignore doctor's advice. it's cultural, religious, social, etc.

[@RachelSouthard]

A c section is a big surgery, so I think that’s the primary hesitation.

[@A---ti3zz]

As someone who has had multiple abdominal surgeries I can tell you that I have had to deal with lifelong issues since those surgeries. There is a ton of nerve pain and even worse is the pain and bowel obstructions from adhesions. Surgery sucks. I do think a lot of patients think doctors care more about their own career than them so there is not a lot of trust. That being said I would never want to risk my baby’s health.

[@user-hc9bl8vu9c]

@@A---ti3zz Thank you for your answer! Makes sense. I hope you're all right now.

[@ahoward3819]

I can not see you doing this for another 20 years.

[@sarahkane6853]

Interested to hear about the new generation of OB/gyns vs the old in terms of training ? Here in Australia we have the new generation being taught to go to c section rather then trying to deliver breech births etc ? Is this similar to America ?

[@unicornhorse1632]

Same. Very very few places deliver breech vaginally. Risks not worth it

[@user-yj7es4iv2i]

i had a obgyn residentt the other day who went thru the same thing, she was on the verge of tears cause she was alone,

[@RachelSouthard]

):

[@catherinemoy]

Love the Ratatouille theme song before introducing us to the rodent squatting in your kitchen wall 😂

[@RachelSouthard]

Lmaooooo a little foreshadow moment

[@kengineer12]

Hey Rachel! I have a quick question if you don’t mind answering it (if you would like to, great!! If not, totally fine as well). Are you on any type of anti depressants? I am just curious as I’m about to start one for my mental health issues due to college, and would like to know if you’re on it and if you were how has it been. If not then you can totally disregard this. I’m a little of a health anxiety nut, so the meds thing has always freaked me out. Again, totally don’t need to answer it and understand it’s more on the personal side❤

[@RachelSouthard]

Hi! No, I’m not on any. Sorry :/

[@pennyoliver8636]

Love your vlogs from Canada !,

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much!

[@nicoleb9280]

Rachel I can't remember, but do you go to therapy? Even if it's just biweekly, it could help. Then again I'm not sure how much you could disclose because of hippa, but it could help when you find the right person.

[@RachelSouthard]

No I don’t. To be completely honest, the last thing I want to do with the few hours I have off per day is sit and talk to someone about things that negatively impact my mood. 😕

[@nicoleb9280]

@@RachelSouthard oh boy, nevermind then🥴 I was way off mark

[@RachelSouthard]

😔

[@Bluewhale116]

Did I miss something ? You used to film in the hospital and now you don’t. Did your hospital prohibit filming now ?

[@daciaalvarado7404]

I was wondering the same!

[@nnicollan]

im just baffled by people who question their doctors authority in an emergency situation.. if your doc says that your babys heart rate is way off and it needs to come out asap.. you listen! being a baboon just adds to the stress levels of ms southward which is a big no-no - and still she's graceful about her patients wishes.. I could never. I would be the douche dr to those patients

[@finance2medicine]

Hey! Will your schedule be different as an OB attending? I’m wondering if it’s the night schedule that just doesn’t fit with you, bc you sound like you love ob very much, so I don’t want to say it’s the lifestyle of the whole specialty that doesn’t fit you?😕 wondering if you’d have a better schedule or if you’d at least be able to only work mornings/days

[@RachelSouthard]

Yes. You typically only work at night if you’re on a 24hr shift. But attending OBs typically don’t have sets of nights like you do as a resident. Working nights in any career is not suitable for really any human. It’s really off putting for your body, so it impacts health, mood, etc. I love OBGYN, but the resident schedule is what’s challenging.

[@finance2medicine]

@@RachelSouthard I got you, thanks for replying! I did nights when I worked in the ED, and it didn't suit me so I switched to working only days. I understand you don't have the luxury of that choice as a resident. Hang in there!

[@NoHellVacancies]

Inspirational

[@emilyau8023]

I'd imagine the stress is even worse for OBGYNs in states where abortion rights have been taken away.

[@amritd7530]

You’re doing great Rachel lucky to have doctors like you! I can’t get over how lovely Patrick is to you it makes me so happy 🥹

[@RachelSouthard]

😭😭 thank you! And yes, Patrick is sooo wonderful.

[@forgottenpixel]

OMG your poor lips! I have had a reaction similar to that and the burning/stinging of the lips is the worst!

[@RachelSouthard]

😭

[@Beemmeupz]

You got this🎉🎉🎉

[@Kjohn159]

Girl, you got some orbs in your video! 6:03

[@RachelSouthard]

👀👀

[@oliviamay7495]

How come you can't film in the hospital anymore?

[@sarahkane6853]

Is you not being able to film in the hospital a new thing ? ❤

[@elizabethb8266]

Why can’t you film in the hospital any more?

[@rachelhendrickson3263]

Can't your doctor write a Prior Authorization for your medication?

[@RachelSouthard]

It didn’t do anything

[@KBMac-tu2mg]

I only get 5 hours a night also . Sucks

[@margigannon1748]

I think you should push patients to do certain things if not doing it is going to lead their possible death or their baby is possible death I mean like nobody wants that

[@Et-jm4te]

Just dont pay

[@ashleynicolevaldivia4818]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cynthiamartinez-d7e]

Maybe u should bike or take the train or the bus to work tthat might help ?

[@RachelSouthard]

The hospital isn’t in a region where that’s possible :/

[@b.bendova1767]

❤

[@kassideeaufderheide8523]

ED Pharmacists here, girl you’re absolutely gonna anaphylax pls stop 😅

[@RachelSouthard]

😭😭😭😭😭 LAWD I HOPE NOT