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.

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