In this unfiltered and deeply honest episode of Uncover Your Eyes, Dr. Meenal Agarwal is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Nina Mafrici to explore why patients are more frustrated, entitled, and emotionally reactive than ever before. They unpack the mental health ripple effects of COVID, the rising burnout among healthcare workers, and why better boundaries, communication, and emotional regulation are essential for both professionals and patients. This episode is for healthcare providers who feel overwhelmed—and for listeners trying to understand why the system feels more strained than ever.

 

Key Timestamps:

• (0:00) The emotional aftershocks of COVID: cynicism, entitlement, and rising tension
• (1:18) Dr. Meenal reflects on clinic stress: “Patients and providers are both more frustrated”
• (2:13) Dr. Nina joins to break down the emotional toll on healthcare professionals
• (3:34) COVID didn’t break the system—it exposed the cracks
• (5:24) The loss of social grace, rising entitlement, and pandemic-fueled behavior shifts
• (7:12) Why healthcare providers are more anxious than ever—and what it’s doing to them
• (8:00) The universal vulnerability checklist: sleep, food, movement, and meds
• (9:42) Setting clear expectations: how proactive communication prevents conflict
• (10:38) What boundaries really mean: not walls, but windows and doors
• (13:00) Emotional overload: when patients vent trauma or mental health concerns
• (16:00) Language to protect your role while showing compassion
• (19:00) After-hours pressure: email responders and behavior shaping
• (22:30) Bringing work home: how to mentally transition from clinic to family
• (25:00) When to seek help: red flags, shame, and the myth of “I should be fine”
• (27:30) Anxiety, depression, and early intervention
• (30:00) How to find the right therapist: fit, credentials, and where to search
• (33:00) Psychologist vs. psychotherapist vs. social worker: understanding the difference
• (35:00) DBT as a tool for anxiety, burnout, and emotional regulation
• (37:00) How Toronto Psychology & Wellness matches clients with the right therapist
• (39:00) Final reflections and where to find Dr. Nina Mafrici

 

Key Takeaways:

• COVID intensified an already strained system—and people are feeling it on both sides of the exam table.
• Healthcare providers are absorbing emotional loads they were never trained for.
• Boundaries protect both patient care and provider well-being.
• Redirecting with empathy is a skill worth learning—and sharing.
• Burnout is not weakness. It’s a signal to pause, reflect, and ask for support.

Resources & Links:

• Toronto Psychology & Wellness: www.tpw.ca
• Find a Therapist: PsychologyToday.ca
• Follow Dr. Nina Mafrici on Instagram: @torontopsychologyandwellness
• Follow Dr. Meenal Agarwal: @dr.meenalagarwal
• Subscribe to Uncover Your Eyes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more

Guest Bio:

Dr. Nina Mafrici is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Toronto Psychology & Wellness. She specializes in working with healthcare providers and professionals in high-stress careers, using evidence-based modalities like DBT and CBT to support resilience, boundary-setting, and emotional wellness.

Tags:

Dr. Meenal Agarwal, Dr. Nina Mafrici, Uncover Your Eyes, Mental Health, Healthcare Burnout, Setting Boundaries, COVID-19 Impact, Therapy Access, Psychology Canada, DBT, Anxiety Support, Emotional Regulation, Patient Behavior, Communication in Healthcare, Systemic Stress, Wellness Conversations