Women have certainly made remarkable progress in the workplace, having broken barriers and paved the way to continue making a mark in this society. However, the notion that working women are impervious to stress and adversity is a flawed one. It's a common misconception that as working women, we are invincible and can handle anything that comes our way.  

In reality, women continue to face a myriad of challenges in their professional and personal lives, including gender bias, workplace harassment, and the persistent wage gap. Despite these challenges, women are often expected to maintain a façade of strength and resilience. This leads to us masking our struggles and suffering in silence. 

We are good at dealing with life's chaos but we are *often* better at putting on the “everything is fine” mask.  

This can take a toll on our mental health and well-being, and prevent us from seeking the support and resources we need to thrive. This is a reminder that it is essential to recognize that being strong does not mean being invulnerable. When life gets overwhelming, it is always okay to ask for help. I am a firm believer that by breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all working women. Besides, strong working women like us deserve to thrive and be more. 

“I Can't Deal With This Right Now” Mentality 

We all experience moments in life where we feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to cope with the challenges we are facing. For me, this feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward often leads to the thought "I can't deal with this right now." It feels like I am drowning in a sea of responsibilities and emotions, unable to catch my breath or find a way out. 

I recall a particular time when this mentality overwhelmed me. I was working for this demanding job, trying to maintain a healthy relationship, and dealing with personal issues all at the same time. It felt like every area of my life was pulling me in a different direction, and I was struggling to keep up. The thought of dealing with it all was overwhelming, and I found myself constantly pushing things aside, hoping to deal with them later when I felt more equipped to handle them. 

I took action when I realized this mentality was preventing me from reaching my full potential. I learned that being vulnerable and asking for help was not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. Through this journey, I learned that we are all capable of overcoming the "I can't deal with this right now" mentality. It takes courage, resilience, and a willingness to be vulnerable, but it is possible. When we give ourselves permission to ask for help and prioritize our mental health, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities for growth. 

So, if you are feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope, know that you are not alone. It is okay to ask for help and take a step back to focus on your mental well-being. You are capable of overcoming any challenge that comes your way, and with the right support and resources, you can thrive and achieve your goals.  

Do you ever feel like life is throwing too much at you, and you don't know where to turn? I know that feeling all too well, which is why I created my YouTube channel to help women like you navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace. My channel is dedicated to providing helpful insights and inspiring stories to help you navigate both your personal and professional lives successfully. Whether you're struggling with work-related stress, relationship issues, or just feeling stuck in life, my videos are designed to empower and uplift you. 

Stigma Around Mental Health 

From a young age, most of us women are taught to prioritize our physical appearance and to hide any emotional struggles we may be facing. We are expected to be strong, resilient, and put-together at all times, and seeking help for our mental health is often seen as a sign of weakness. My journey with mental health began in my early twenties when I started to experience symptoms of anxiety. At first, I tried to ignore these feelings, telling myself that I was just going through a rough patch and that I would snap out of it soon enough. But the more I tried to push these feelings aside, the worse they became. 

I vividly remember the day I decided to take action. I was feeling overwhelmed and alone when I realized that I couldn't keep going on like this. I worried that seeking help would make me seem weak and that people would judge me for not being able to handle my problems on my own. When I started to open up to friends and family about my struggles, I was met with a range of positive and supportive responses. Today, I am in a much better place than I was back then.  

Through that experience, I have learned to prioritize my mental health and to seek help when I need it, no matter what others may think or say. This is why I am grateful to have found a supportive community of women who understand what it is like living within these negativities. But I know that there are many other women out there who are still struggling in silence, weighed down by the stigma that surrounds mental health.  

Sister, you are not weak if you ask for help - in fact, it takes incredible strength and courage to do so. 

If you are looking for a support system, join my community of strong and thriving women here. Together, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.  

Of course, the journey of navigating this will never be easy and it takes a great deal of patience and courage to overcome it. You can join the Brave Enough Women's CME Conference 2023, where you can connect with like-minded women who are also on the same journey of self-improvement. This is an opportunity for us to come together, share our experiences, and learn from one another.  We offer limited scholarship opportunities for you to attend. If you want to apply for a scholarship, click HERE. Scholarship applications close on May 15.  

3 Mental Health Challenges Working Women Face 

As women continue to break stereotypes in the workplace, we face unique mental health challenges that can take a toll on our well-being. Balancing career aspirations, family responsibilities, and personal development can be a daunting task. So it is not uncommon for working women to experience anxiety, stress, and burnout. Let's explore three common mental health challenges that working women face and consider some suggestions on how to cope with them. 

Burnout 

As someone who has experienced burnout firsthand, I know how debilitating it can be. I used to work long hours, take care of my family, and never put myself first. I was constantly stressed, exhausted, and lacked motivation. It felt like I was running on fumes, and I was on the brink of a breakdown. 

But then I realized that I needed to prioritize my well-being. I started carving out time for myself, whether it was going for a walk, reading a book, or just taking a few deep breaths. I also learned to say no to commitments that didn't align with my priorities and boundaries. It wasn't easy, but gradually, I started feeling more energized and motivated. 

Now, I make self-care a non-negotiable part of my routine. I know that when I take care of myself, I'm better equipped to handle whatever life throws at me. And as a woman, I want to inspire other women to do the same. We can't pour from an empty cup, and it's okay to put ourselves first. So, take care of yourself, prioritize your well-being, and know that you deserve it. 

If you feel like you are on the edge of burnout or in one, you need a breather and a reset. The Brave Enough Retreat for Women Physicians can help you. This extraordinary retreat is specifically designed to successfully navigate burnout and learn strategies to prevent it all within a supportive group of women advocating for your self-growth and improvement.  

If you want to recharge and renew yourself, join me and other incredible women in June at The Brave Enough Retreat for Women Physicians here.

Can’t make the retreat in June? You can join us at the Brave Enough 2023 Fall Retreat here. These retreats provide an amazing opportunity to gain insight into the challenges women face, and how to establish ways to build resilience and courage against it.  

Imposter Syndrome 

“I always feel like an imposter, like I don't belong, and that my accomplishments are not enough.” 

This is called imposter syndrome and it affects many of us. It can manifest itself in different ways such as feeling inadequate, questioning our abilities and skills, or even feeling like we don't deserve success. Imposter syndrome can be a debilitating condition that can harm our lives, especially our mental health if we don't address it properly. It is important to recognize these signs and take steps to overcome them. 

As a woman in medicine, I know the impact that imposter syndrome can have on one's confidence and sense of self-worth. I used to constantly doubt my abilities, no matter how many accolades or accomplishments I achieved. It felt like no matter what I did, I was never good enough. But then, I realized that I needed to shift my perspective. I started keeping a journal of all my achievements, no matter how small they seemed at the time. Whenever I felt like a fraud, I would refer back to my list and remind myself of all the things I had accomplished. 

Gradually, I started to believe in myself and my abilities. I realized that imposter syndrome was just a mental roadblock, and it was within my power to overcome it. Now, I want to inspire other women to do the same. We are all capable and deserving of success, and it's important to recognize and acknowledge our achievements. So, if you're struggling with imposter syndrome, know that you're not alone, and there is a way forward. Keep record of your accomplishments, seek support from those you trust, and most importantly, believe in yourself. 

Imposter syndrome can be a serious issue for many people, but it doesn't have to be. To prevent Imposter Syndrome, we must fully know ourselves, right? I have something for you! It is the Enneagram and I have a course all about it. Sign up for my Enneagram course, Understanding You: Move from Conflict to Confidence. With the help of Enneagram, you will be able to know who you are deep down, understand your emotions, and recognize the ways you make decisions. You can also gain a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of others around you. You can sign up here. 

Have questions about the Enneagram? Want to ask them before you dig into the course? I am hosting a free webinar, "What is the Enneagram and How Can It Help Me?" and it will help bring clarity to all of your Enneagram questions. This webinar will provide you insights into how the Enneagram can help you thrive in both your personal and professional life. Save your spot here. 

Work-Life Control (or balance)  

Work-life balance refers to the ability to control the amount of time and energy we devote to our work as well as the amount of time and energy we devote to our personal lives, which includes family, friends, hobbies, and self-care. This has been a critical issue for working women who often feel torn between their professional and personal responsibilities. Many working women struggle to find time for self-care, hobbies, or family time, leading to feelings of guilt and stress. 

However, when we can maintain a healthy balance between work and life, we can feel more fulfilled, reduce stress and burnout, and improve our physical and mental health. Let's start with setting boundaries. This can simply mean learning to say no to work demands when necessary and carving out time for personal and family time. Through this, I had to learn how to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities to make sure that I am not overworking myself. This has been especially challenging since becoming a mother, as there are now more demands on my time than ever before. However, with some careful planning and dedication, I have been able to find the balance between work and home life that works best for me. 

Thrive Sister, Thrive 

Mental health is an important issue for women, and we must make sure we are taking care of ourselves not only physically but also mentally. Yes, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to take time for ourselves. But no matter what circumstances we face, we have the power to push through. We can choose how we react, and respond in any situation, and how to take control.  

Despite all life's chaos and what we are mentally going through, we deserve to thrive in life. As working women, we are tried and tested against all odds and we manage to find ways to navigate and eventually succeed. But if everything seems overwhelming, it is never a shame to ask for a helping hand.   

So, sister, hang in there tight, we got this. You got this!