Dr. Chi is Redefining What It Means to Be Strong

Mo Clark
1 hour ago
2 min read

By Ms Mo Clark

As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, so does our understanding of what success and strength truly look like. Enter Dr. Chinyere “Chi” Okpaleke, M.D., a powerhouse physician, media correspondent, and mental wellness advocate who’s on a mission to help women step out of survival mode—and into real, sustainable peace.

Her journey? Equal parts inspiring and eye-opening.

Dr. Chi, who’s graced national outlets like KHOU and BNC News, became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic when she and her five siblings—all doctors—were featured on Good Morning America. Celebrated as a “super family” on the front lines, their story inspired millions. But behind the accolades and headlines, Dr. Chi was quietly battling something far more personal: burnout.

The Pressure Behind the Praise

Being high-achieving isn’t new to Dr. Chi. Raised in a large Nigerian-American family where excellence was expected, she knew how to show up, push through, and perform. But during the pandemic, she realized just how deeply ingrained that pressure had become—not just for her, but for so many women like her.

“Burnout became our baseline,” she reflects. “And instead of seeing it as a problem, society applauded it—especially for women.”

It’s a familiar pattern for many: always ‘on,’ always achieving, always carrying the load. From the workplace to the home, women—particularly women of color—are often praised for their resilience, but rarely given space to rest, recharge, or just be.

From Burnout to Balance

Now, Dr. Chi is on a mission to rewrite the narrative. Through speaking engagements, wellness coaching, and media appearances, she’s sounding the alarm on hustle culture and offering a better path forward—one rooted in intention, rest, and realignment.

Her message: You don’t have to fall apart to prove you’re strong.

She shares three powerful principles as a starting point for anyone ready to reclaim their peace:

• Check in with yourself—don’t let “I’m fine” become automatic.

• Let go of the need to be the ‘strong one’ 24/7—there’s power in asking for support.

• Rest isn’t optional—it’s essential. Treat it like it’s part of your success plan.

Wellness Is the New Wealth

According to Harvard Business Review, employees with high well-being are significantly more productive and innovative than those who are burned out. But Dr. Chi’s work goes beyond performance—it’s about quality of life.

She’s not asking women to abandon their goals. She’s encouraging them to pursue success with wellness in mind. As she puts it, “You don’t have to choose between ambition and alignment. You can have both.”

Leading the Shift

Now, as the world navigates economic uncertainty and post-pandemic fatigue, Dr. Chi’s message is more relevant than ever. In a city like Atlanta—where the grind is glorified and excellence is everywhere—her call to slow down, reset, and prioritize mental wellness is a breath of fresh air.

Through every platform she touches, from TV screens to community panels, she’s redefining what it means to be a woman in charge—and what it means to be well.