July 10, 2025

Beyond burnout: Understanding the triangle of exhaustion

Apple Podcasts podcast player badge
Spotify podcast player badge
YouTube podcast player badge
Amazon Music podcast player badge
Audible podcast player badge
PlayerFM podcast player badge
PocketCasts podcast player badge
Overcast podcast player badge
Castro podcast player badge
RSS Feed podcast player badge
Podchaser podcast player badge
Podcast Addict podcast player badge
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player iconYouTube podcast player iconAmazon Music podcast player iconAudible podcast player iconPlayerFM podcast player iconPocketCasts podcast player iconOvercast podcast player iconCastro podcast player iconRSS Feed podcast player iconPodchaser podcast player iconPodcast Addict podcast player icon

Physician coach Nicole Perrotte and physician advocate and physical therapist Kim Downey discuss their article, "Love, empathy, and the triangle of exhaustion: Why humanity must come first." Nicole introduces her powerful framework, the Triangle of Exhaustion, which describes the profound fatigue experienced by caregivers, physicians, and parents of atypical children. This exhaustion is composed of three parts: the emotional fatigue from constant advocacy, the social isolation from feeling alone, and the relentless responsibility of care with no off switch. Nicole and Kim argue that our society often makes empathy conditional, reserving it for those with a specific label or diagnosis. They propose a fundamental shift toward unconditional kindness. The conversation offers three actionable solutions to break the cycle: normalize differences, create judgment-free zones, and lead with love, providing listeners with a new lens for fostering genuine human connection.

Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers

Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended