Ep 67. Eating Disorders, Perfectionism, and Military Mindset: Dr. Jillian Rigert on Healing and High Performance

Dr. Jillian Rigert didn't just survive perfectionism. She nearly died from it. And now, she's turning that pain into a lifeline for others.A Martha Beck Wayfinder Master Coach, Air Force veteran, oral surgeon, and physician, Jillian has walked one of the most demanding paths imaginable, only to discover that the very drive that carried her there almost destroyed her. In this raw, courageous, and deeply moving conversation, Jillian opens up about how perfectionism spiraled into suicidal ideation, anorexia, and a medical discharge from the military, and how finding her voice became the first step toward reclaiming her life.This is a conversation about what happens when high achievement stops serving you, and what it truly means to start over with compassion, authenticity, and purpose.⚠️ Trigger Warning This conversation explores trauma and strong mental health themes including suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and perfectionism. Episode Takeaways:How perfectionism starts as a badge of honor and how it quietly becomes a cageThe moment Jillian realized achievement wouldn't fill the emptiness and what happened nextThe intersection of perfectionism, shame, and suicidal ideation in high-achieving environmentsHow anorexia became a coping mechanism and what it truly represents beneath the surfaceWhy eating disorders are so widely misunderstood, even within medicineThe one attending who modeled her humanity and saved Jillian's lifeWhat helpers get wrong and what actually supports someone who is strugglingHow shame heals in relationship, not in silenceWhat success looks and feels like when you finally strip away perfectionistAbout the guest:Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD, ACC, TIPC is a Martha Beck Wayfinder Master Coach and Trauma-Informed Professional Coach who partners with high achievers navigating life and career transitions. She has had an expansive career, holding degrees in dentistry and medicine with a specialty in oral medicine and head and neck cancer. She is also an Air Force veteran. Jillian is currently completing a master's degree in marriage and family therapy with focus in trauma and is an advocate for approaching holistic wellbeing through a systemic, biopsychosocial and spiritual lens. Connect with Dr.Jillian Rigert:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianRigertDMDMDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-rigert/Website: https://jillianrigertcoaching.com/About the HostDr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.Connect with Dr. Shabbir📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx TalkPerfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s  🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization?Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking ✅Want to work 1:1 With Dr. Shabbir?Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy  ✨ What Type of Perfectionism is Sabotaging Your Success?Take the FREE 3-minute quiz and discover your predominant perfectionism pattern (Self-Critic? Frustrated Fixer? Performer? Sustainable High-Achiever?). You'll get a personalized podcast episode designed for YOUR type + a complete resource guide with tools for boundaries, impostorism, nervous system regulation, and more.👉 Take the Quiz: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/quiz ❌ DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.❤️ Enjoyed This Episode?Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share it with a colleague, peer, or friend who nee