I’m a doctor & I take meds for my mental health | Jake Goodman | TEDxUofIChicago

As a doctor training to be a Psychiatrist, most in the field would advise Dr. Jake Goodman NOT to post this. But he didn’t join this field to continue the status quo. Thus, he posted this on social media in December of 2021: “My name is Dr. Jake, I’m a resident physician who treats mental illness, and I take medication for my mental health. And by the way, I’m proud of it.” Within 24 hours it had been seen by millions of people around the world. So why did Dr. Jake post this? Dr. Jake Goodman, MD, MBA is a psychiatry resident doctor, mental health activist, and content creator with over 1.7 million followers on his social media channels. As someone who has personally experienced mental health issues, Jake uses his platform to advocate for mental health, reduce stigma and discrimination, and empower those experiencing mental health challenges to seek help. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

24 Comments

  1. I get so tired of the media telling me I should wean myself off my low 10 mg of citalopram per day. That small dosage of antidepressant makes the difference between me being a happy, productive person, and one who sits in my chair and stairs at the wall. I'm 66 now–so what if my small dosage of antidepressants give me health issues when I'm old. Right now the quality of life is far more important to me that what might kill me in my 80's or 90's.

  2. Maybe the depression you experienced was a reflection of the stress you were under. Maybe your brain and body were telling you it was too much. Maybe you didn’t need medication, maybe you needed to look at what needed to shift in your life instead.

  3. I have struggled with depression since I was 15 years old. I finally found the right medicine, skilled psychiatric nurse practioner, and caring psychologist who have enabled me to live my life to its fullest. Thank God I have found peace at last.

  4. Why are you proud of it? Thats not something to be proud of. Have fun a a couple years from now when you started getring eletrical jolts threw out your whole body from that drug.

  5. Unfortunately i left my bouts of depression untreated for 10 year from 1992 scared to go to Drs, when I eventually went best decision I ever made. I wasted 10 years of suffering. Dont ever leave depression untreated like I did

  6. Use caution when talking about depression with your PC doctor. Even mild depression. If that gets entered in your profile its permanent.
    You could be denied health insurance and certain types of employment.

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