Breaking Free from Human Giver Syndrome: A Message for Women Physicians

Ending Physician Overwhelm

Send us a text

In this episode, I explore the concept of Human Giver Syndrome, a term coined by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, in their groundbreaking book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. This deeply ingrained societal expectation pressures women—especially women physicians—to be endlessly selfless, cheerful, and giving, often at the expense of their own well-being.

Many of us have experienced pushback for being “too negative” or “not a teamplayer” when we’ve tried to meet our own needs. Today we unpack three specific ways Human Giver Syndrome shows up in the lives of women physicians: the silencing of your voice, the invisible labor of emotional support, and the relentless drive to be “perfectly” selfless. Finally, we envision what life could look like if you broke free from these expectations.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What Human Giver Syndrome is, as defined by Emily and Amelia Nagoski in Burnout.
• How this toxic expectation impacts women physicians and contributes to burnout.
• Three ways it shows up in your life—and how to recognize the patterns.
• Your plan for breaking free of Human Giver Syndrome; there’s hope!

Resources Mentioned:

• Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives
  If you’re ready to break free from burnout and reclaim your life, check out Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives. This transformative coaching program is tailored specifically for women physicians, helping you rewrite the narrative of self-sacrifice and step into a life of fulfillment and joy.
  👉 Learn more here: Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives
• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA
  This must-read book introduces the concept of Human Giver Syndrome and provides science-backed tools to complete the stress cycle and combat burnout.

Link to Register for Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming their Lives

https://www.healthierforgood.com/offers/azBmHaNZ

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.