Most of us at some time have had to choose between protecting our team and protecting ourselves, and it doesn’t feel like a choice at all. But even though we do have choices, many of them come loaded with guilt, fear, and shame that makes them feel impossible.
The key is to recognise them as impossible choices rather than real options. When one path triggers massive shame or threatens our identity as a good doctor or professional, our brain files it under “not an option”. We end up choosing the patient, the team, or the deadline over ourselves, even if it pushes us toward burnout.
In this quick dip, Rachel outlines how we can name these choices, give ourselves informed consent, and reframe them with a power mantra. There’s also a powerful NHS framework that can help you make the same kind of informed decision you’d help your patients reach.
