05/29/2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
This is something that has been on my mind.
Through my years as an Army Medic, ER/ICU RN, and now working with physicians and APPs in recruiting, I have seen people from every walk of life struggle with mental health challenges.
Veterans. Patients. Healthcare workers. Physicians. Nurses. Successful professionals who looked like they had everything together.
While working in the VA Emergency Room, I cared for veterans battling PTSD. I’ve worked in mental health facilities and have seen firsthand how quickly life can change.
One situation I will never forget was a young man with an amazing future ahead of him — successful, motivated, multiple professional licenses — and then suddenly he was overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. Seeing someone struggle like that in front of you changes your perspective.
Since COVID, it feels like more people are struggling. Maybe people hid it better before. Maybe recent years brought more challenges to the surface. I don’t know the answer.
But I do know this:
Mental health struggles do not discriminate.
I’ve seen more healthcare professionals — doctors, nurses, caregivers — carrying burdens that many people never see.
Please check on your friends, family, coworkers, and those strong people who always seem “fine.”
If you are struggling, reach out. Help is out there.
Sometimes just knowing someone cares can make a difference.
We need to do better at taking care of each other.
— Darrell Stollings RN
Army Medic Veteran | Former ER/ICU RN
Founder, MDdocjobs
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for support.
