In this powerful episode of The Symptom Media Podcast: Bridging the Divide in Mental Health, host Dr. Lindi van Niekerk is joined by Dr. Sophie Redlin and nurse Andrea Mackay for an intimate conversation about moral injury in healthcare. Originally a term from military psychology, moral injury has become a resonant framework for understanding the inner conflict and lasting harm many health professionals experience when systemic failures or ethical dilemmas violate their sense of what is right. Drawing from their personal stories during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, Sophie and Andrea unpack how these experiences shape caregivers—and how community, storytelling, and compassion can help repair the human cost.

For more information about the resources shared in this episode you can visit:

The Moral Injury Partnership: www.moralinjurypartnership.com

To learn more about Symptom Media and its mental health resource library visit: https://symptommedia.com/

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Host Dr. Lindi van Niekerk is joined by Dr. Sidney Zisook, co-founder of UCSD’s HEAR program, and Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Drawing from personal experience and decades of clinical expertise, Dr. Moutier and Dr. Zisook delve into the hidden burdens that many doctors carry, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and the pervasive stigma that prevents many from seeking help. Their candid discussion examines the historical and cultural challenges within the medical community that discourage vulnerability and perpetuate silence and how innovative programs like UCSD's HEAR program, and the AFSP are breaking down those barriers and providing a path for others to follow.

This podcast is brought to you by Symptom Media - Mental Health Education & Training

For more information about the resources shared in this episode you can visit:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Other Important links from AFSP:

• https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-interventions-and-treatments/
• https://afsp.org/healthcare-professionals-mental-health-and-suicide-risk/https://afsp.org/get-help/
• https://afsp.org/support-after-suicide-loss-for-healthcare-professionals-and-organizations/
• UCSD'S Health & Physician Wellness Infrastructure
• Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation

If you or anyone you know is in crisis... Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

To learn more about Symptom Media and its mental health resource library visit: https://symptommedia.com/

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Continuing with Part 2 of a special two-part episode of The Symptom Media Podcast: Bridging the Divide in Mental Health, we confront the deeply personal and systemic issue of substance use among nurses. Our guests, Kristin Waite-Labott and Dr. April Lenzmeier, share their firsthand experiences with addiction, the consequences they faced, and the paths they took toward recovery. Kristin, a seasoned nurse and founder of WisPAN, opens up about her struggles with drug diversion, which led to incarceration, and how she has since dedicated her life to supporting other nurses in recovery. Dr. Lenzmeier, a nurse with nearly three decades of acute care experience, reflects on her battle with alcohol use disorder, its impact on her career, and how she now helps others through peer support and advocacy.

Through their candid stories and professional expertise, this episode sheds light on the hidden struggles of nurses with substance use disorders, the stigma that keeps many from seeking help, and the systemic changes needed to create a culture of recovery. Listeners will gain insight into the realities of addiction within the nursing profession, the challenges of seeking treatment, and the power of peer-driven support networks. Whether you are a healthcare professional, educator, student or advocate, this conversation provides a crucial perspective on protecting both nurses and the patients they serve.

Learn more about Symptom Media's mental health resource library: https://symptommedia.com/

Sign up for a free trial! Listeners get a special 20% discount on a Symptom Media subscription. Use code: 20discount

For resources shared in this episode, visit:

• Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
• InTheRooms
• How Nurses Are Helping Nurses At InTheRooms.com With Peer Support Meetings
• Nurses Peer Support Network of Minnesota
• Peer Health Assistance Programs (PAS) of Colorado
• Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses (WisPAN) wispan2021@gmail.com
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, 1-800-273-8255
• An Unlikely Addict - written by Kristin Waite-Labott
• Women for Sobriety
• Refuge Recovery
• Celebrate Recovery
• SMART Recovery
• Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
• Alcoholic Anonymous
• UC San Diego Healer Education Assessment and Referral (HEAR) Program
• Second Victim Support
• International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA)
• National Organization of Alternative Programs (NOAP)

To learn more about Symptom Media and its mental health resource library visit: https://symptommedia.com/

Sign up for a free trial today! Listeners, get a special 20% discount on a Symptom Media subscription. Use code: 20discount