Being a Psychiatrist
I chose to become a psychiatrist because of my deep love for connecting with people. Initially, I contemplated a career in cardiology due to a personal experience with a heart arrhythmia, which had me spending considerable time with cardiologists. However, as I reflected on what truly brought me joy in life, what I admired in all my physicians, and what motivated me during challenging rotations at the hospital, it became clear—it was the patients and their stories.
My own cardiologist once told me that "patients are their own best detectives." This insight has stayed with me, especially now as I complete my residency in psychiatry. As a psychiatrist, my primary mission is to help unravel the complexities in your life that hinder a good quality of life. A significant part of this job involves listening to you and getting to know you.
I've been contemplating the responsibilities that come with being a psychiatrist within the patient-physician relationship. I've come to realize that both psychiatrists and patients carry their share of responsibilities. Let me outline them below.
Responsibilities of a Psychiatrist:
To Hold Hope: Many of the conditions we psychiatrists treat are marked by intense suffering, often leading to a loss of hope for a brighter future. When individuals are grappling with depression, they don't dream of better days; they mourn the ones they believe are already lost. When anxiety takes hold, they don't envision positive outcomes; they dread the worst. In moments of psychosis, they don't seek simple truths; they embark on quests to uncover hidden ones. This list goes on. As your psychiatrist, I am committed to holding onto hope for you—a future filled with stability, passion, peace, or simply a life that can be described as "good enough."
To Educate: I have a pet peeve when a patient or client tells me they were offered medication for "sleep." I'd much prefer it if common knowledge understood that our medications are for rest, not just sleep. These are distinct, and it's crucial to have a conversation about the differences. I invested over a decade years in education to understand why people suffer, and I believe it's helpful for you to comprehend what comes next.
To Understand: At the start of my training, I was hesitant to ask questions, fearing that you might perceive it as judgment. I now realize that genuine curiosity is the only way forward. As a doctor, when I truly understand your experience, I can better assist you. Many mental health issues exhibit similar symptoms—sleep disturbances, time distortions, impaired functioning, diminished clarity of thought—but often require different treatments. As your psychiatrist, my duty is to make every effort to understand so I can offer more effective, personalized treatment.
To Guide: I'm not the one in the driver's seat when it comes to mental health treatment—you are. My primary role is to guide you toward the decisions that will improve your well-being. Guidance includes presenting you with the most reasonable and feasible options that can have the greatest impact on your quality of life. I believe in not only recommending medications but also suggesting lifestyle changes, shifts in perspective, and the appropriate length and duration of therapy.
Responsibilities of a Patient:
To Make an Effort: I always notice when my patients are genuinely trying. They attend their appointments, strive to express their feelings, and speak up when they have something to share. It's more than just showing up; it's about investing in the effort to get better. If you're not ready to try, you may not yet be ready for treatment.
To Be Vulnerable: As Brené Brown eloquently expressed in her TED Talk on "The Power of Vulnerability," being vulnerable means putting yourself in situations where you might be hurt. For many people, sharing their true feelings and thoughts is an act of vulnerability. For me to fully understand you, which is a crucial part of my role, I need to know what's in your heart and mind.
These responsibilities are not always easy to fulfill perfectly, and in my experience, neither of us will get it right every time, especially as we become more acquainted with each other. Nevertheless, I believe that this is where the beauty of a secure therapeutic relationship becomes evident. Throughout our journey together, there will always be opportunities to reflect on what's working well and what we can adjust to improve. The ultimate aim is to help you achieve a better state of well-being.
If you like what you have read, and want to consider working with me, please give me a call at 650-567-6055. I am currently accepting clients and look forward to the possibility of working with you.
