Episode 10 - Dr Mark Cross on being an anxious psychiatrist and why it's okay that your patients know you're a human too.

Beneath the Armour

Welcome to episode 10! If you are a doctor or healthcare professional who suffers from intense anxiety, this podcast is for you! I I speak to Dr Mark Cross, a psychiatrist with clinical experience over three decades (further info on his bio at the end of the show notes).
Mark wrote a book last year all about his own experience with anxiety; he's something of a role model in the world of being open about his very human difficulties, whilst still operating at the top of his game in psychiatry.
In this conversation, some of the questions and themes covered are:

• What happens when you start to be more vulnerable and disclose your own difficulties to the world and people in your profession?
• How do colleagues respond? How do patients respond?
• Why it was easier for Mark to speak about his sexuality rather than anxiety, and how his sexuality has helped him develop a strong relationship with certain clients.
• The nature of anxiety difficulties being the struggle you have internally, which may not be visible to the outside world.
• How do you navigate boundaries with patients when trying to be open about your own "stuff"?
• The difference between "normal" anxiety, and that which is more debilitating.
• The importance of self-acceptance as healthcare professionals, as this determines how we treat our patients.

I hope you enjoy the episode.
About me:
My name is Nathan and I'm a coach and clinical psychologist devoted to helping healthcare professionals keep well and perform at their best.
If you are a doctor who struggles with self-doubt and confidence, then feel free to join my FREE Facebook group where I provide weekly resources for overcoming that niggling feeling that you're not good enough. Click here and sign up.
You can also check out my website at www.nathanillman.com
MARK'S BIO
He graduated as a doctor in Cape Town, specialised in the UK, and has worked as a specialist in Sydney since 2005. He holds senior conjoint lecturer positions at the Universities of NSW and Western Sydney.
Mark has special interests in sexuality issues, mental health in the workplace and improving the care and quality of life of people with lived experience, and carers.
In 2015, he received the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists NSW Branch Meritorious Award for his “significant contribution” to psychiatry.
Mark is co-author of ‘Changing Minds,’ mental health guide for you, family and friends, published by ABC Books/Harper Collins, and was the Lead Psychiatrist in the ABC TV series ‘Changing Minds.’
He is a well-respected speaker on MH issues, a SANE Australia board member, and a passionate advocate on the importance of preventative mental health.
He lives with his husband John, they have 2 sons, and a cat.

Check out his website with links to all his stuff, including his books, HERE.