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Why do the smartest women ignore their own bodies until it’s too late? In this powerful episode, Dr. Julie Merriman—counselor educator, burnout researcher, and breast cancer survivor—unpacks The Self-Neglect Paradox. Learn why high-achieving women delay care, how stress rewires the brain to miss warning signs, and what it really takes to stop over-functioning and start healing. Blending personal story, research, and actionable tools, this episode offers both science and soul for women ready to make their wellbeing non-negotiable.

Smart women don’t get sick, right? Until we do.

In this honest, science-backed conversation, Dr. Julie Merriman shares her own breast-cancer wake-up call and the hard truth behind why accomplished, educated women often become the worst patients. You’ll learn:

✨ Why intelligence becomes armor—and how “knowing better” actually feeds self-neglect.
🧠 What stress does to your brain and nervous system, blocking your body’s early warning signs.
💪 How to reframe self-care as ethical leadership, not indulgence.
💛 Four research-supported tools to make your health a professional priority.

If you’ve spent your life helping everyone else, it’s time to help yourself—with compassion, clarity, and courage.

Resources Mentioned:

• JAMA (2021) study on preventive care among healthcare professionals
• APA (2022) report on mental-health providers and therapy underuse
• The Soul Joy Method™ (www.JulieMerrimanphd.com)
• Join the 7-Day Soul Joy Challenge → JulieMerrimanphd.com/SoulJoyChallenge

Hashtags: #SoulJoyPodcast #WomenInHealthcare #BurnoutRecovery #SelfNeglectParadox #DrJulieMerriman #SoulJoyMethod