The mass media portrays us as "healthcare heroes," or soldiers fighting a battle. For some people this language may ring true, but for others, it feels wrong.

This week you'll hear voices from diarists based in California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. They include a geriatrician, a pediatric and an adult emergency physicians, an ER nurse, a hospitalist and historian of medicine, and two medical students.

*This episode includes themes of mental health crises and suicidal actions. Listener discretion is advised.

Hosted by Emily Silverman

Produced by Emily Silverman and Adelaide Papazoglou

Illustrations by Lindsay Mound

This series is brought to you by the California Medical Association, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and donations from our listeners.

Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.com. Follow @thenocturnists.