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Freud & Fashion

...BECAUSE IT'S STYLISH TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH, ESPECIALLY HOW WE MAINTAIN OUR OWN.

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freudandfashion

freudandfashion

I'm a newly graduated psychiatrist who believes it's stylish to talk about mental health. Welcome to my diary, Freud & Fashion, created in 2010 to document my life as a psychiatrist-in-training and share knowledge and psychotherapy pearls that I learned along the way.

FoodPsychiatry

Birthday Wish

written by freudandfashion
Birthday Wish

I’m feeling overwhelmed after a nonstop day at work.  To brighten my mood, I looked at photos of my recent birthday celebration and read my blogpost from last year (here).  In contrast to last year, I feel more comfortable being myself (well, I’m still in the process of discovery, which is life-long, but at least I’m less embarrassed to admit my weaknesses, demonstrate pride in my strengths, and bring out my valley-girl twang at work).  In addition, I wasn’t carded…not even once, even though I still look like the same, questionably-legal-to-drink young girl.  Perhaps I exude more confidence?  Well, I know for sure that I’ve matured, for when my patients call me “sweetie,” “young lady,” and “hun,” I no longer take offense nor do I view myself as inexperienced and incompetent as I felt last year.  Now that I’m no longering pondering ways to look older, I plan to focus more on improving my stress management skills (to reduce development of wrinkles).

{Birthday at Nobu West Hollywood}

I know my last post was awhile ago, but I’m back from travels and life-changing experiences, which I plan to share in future posts!

June 10, 2011 2 comments
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Travel

Spring Break Away

written by freudandfashion
Spring Break Away

{Sausalito, CA.  The day was initially stormy, but the sun appeared just moments after}

I promised not to complain about weather, but it’s currently dark, cold, and intermittently rainy here.  A tiny bit of sunshine could easily brighten my mood and day.  In the meantime, I’ll takes a few moments to reminisce about recent trips to escape the dreariness until my next tropical vacation.

{South Beach ~ Miami Beach, FL}

{Oahu, HI}

{Home.  Northern CA}

April 17, 2011 1 comment
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Uncategorized

Winter Treat

written by freudandfashion
Winter Treat

I’m ecstatic that it’s Spring, though the stormy weather in Oregon makes me feel like I’m still stuck in Winter.  I was proud of myself for getting through my second Winter in Oregon with minimal complaints (for those who know me, that’s major improvement), though my survival required several trips back home to California.  A few highlights from my travels this past holiday season include discovering on Christmas day that I had won the Alexander Wang Anita handbag from Beso’s “The Hold Everything Sweepstakes” (see my winning entry here) .   I recently went to San Francisco to help my sister pick out the perfect wedding dress and felt the bag was perfect for carrying my necessities while strolling through the gorgeous city.

Photos by Marlon Santos

March 17, 2011 3 comments
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Travel

Oregon Winter

written by freudandfashion
Oregon Winter

 {View from my window}

I just returned from a weekend in Sacramento and San Francisco where the weather was perfectly chilly, sunny, and breezy.  Yet, prior to my flight to nor-cal, I experienced two snowy days in Oregon where I’m sure that I’m the only one who initially stared out the window in fear about having to commute in the snow.  I’ve grown accustomed to texting fellow residents for driving tips and religiously checking weather.com to ensure I can tackle the snowy roads without problem, but have decided that instead of being constantly worried, I’m going to savor and enjoy the rest of my second Winter in Oregon no matter how snowy, icy, or rainy the weather may be. 

{Is it nerdy that this pic reminds me of  bronchioles?}

February 28, 2011 3 comments
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Psychiatrytherapy

Letting Go

written by freudandfashion
Letting Go

When a stable patient suddenly feels depressed and can’t pinpoint a stressor, I sometimes ask if a loved one passed away around that time of year.  After pausing for moments to think, oftentimes the answer is “yes.” 

I had a rough week that I initially attributed to having a heavy workload, but realized that the theme I struggled with the most was death and grief.  I felt sad to hear news that one of my patients died and grew frustrated each time I heard the word “suicidal.”  I’m normally diligent and confident in managing my patients, but my emotions overwhelmed me.

Nine years ago, my grandfather passed away.  I regularly blame myself for not attending his funeral in the Philippines because right before he died, he asked that I stay home, focus on my studies, and make him proud by becoming a doctor.  I live with regret, but recognize that I’ll keep struggling around this time of year until I learn to forgive myself and accept that my grandfather is gone.

February 12, 2011 2 comments
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FoodPsychiatryTravel

Organizing Thoughts

written by freudandfashion
Organizing Thoughts

After returning from a child psychiatry conference in LA, I had a busy week adjusting to a new work schedule and became overwhelmingly anxious trying to multitask solving patients’ problems and my growing list of “things to do.”  Last night I realized that if I had a patient with a similar situation, I’d tell them to write an actual list of “things to do” (I tend to to be lazy to write lists and instead take “mental notes” which clearly didn’t work for me last week) and rank them in terms of priority.  I wrote a list this morning and already checked off two items (change my tires, drop off dry cleaning) and up next includes laundry and cleaning my messy apartment.  Lists should also include relaxing, rewarding activities as well (balance is key!), so after cleaning I’m off to a pedicure party and dinner with girlfriends.  I’m looking forward to tackling the upcoming work week already.

Here are some pics from my most recent trip to LA:

{Liquid Nitrogen Caipirinha at The Bazaar}

{liquid olives–I”ll never think of an olive the same way again}

{an amazing $8 cup of tea} 

{dessert display at the SLS Beverly Hills} 

{Rodeo Drive at night}

 

February 6, 2011 0 comment
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Travel

New Year’s Resolutions

written by freudandfashion
New Year’s Resolutions

I spent New Year’s weekend in Los Angeles and had a perfect, relaxing New Year’s eve at home and away from fixe prixe restaurants and nightclubs (I truly believe Oregon life has changed me).  I initially told myself that I wouldn’t create resolutions for the new year, but later sided with tradition and the need for goals to strive towards personal improvement.  Here are a few from my list:

1.  Make daily efforts to de-clutter my apartment.

2.  Master techniques using my D-SLR.

3.  Spend less time vegging on the couch watching tv after work.

4.  Write blog posts more frequently.

{Santa Monica sunset}

January 9, 2011 1 comment
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Psychiatry

1.5 Years

written by freudandfashion
1.5 Years

2010 proved to be a remarkable year for me.  I’ve transformed from a former struggling medical student (constantly questioning my career choice with each brutal beating from complicated exams, all-nighters, and Attendings pimping me to the point of ridicule) into a now PGY-3 (Postgraduate year) making medical decisions on my own and witnessing the positive impact I can have on patients’ lives.  And, after 1.5 years of living here, I can admit that Oregon is truly growing on me (which I never thought I’d say, but who wouldn’t appreciate smog-free skies, environmental-friendliness, genuinely friendly people, traffic-free roads, abundant green landscapes, etc).  I’m thankful for the lessons learned in 2010 and can’t wait for the experiences to come in 2011.  One and a half years of residency left to go!

December 30, 2010 4 comments
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Travel

Meaning of a Pomegranate

written by freudandfashion
Meaning of a Pomegranate

{Pomegranates growing in my parents’ backyard}

This year marked the first Thanksgiving spent in my family’s new house, which I feared might be a sad experience  since I knew how much my family loved our previous home.   As soon as I walked through the door, I immediately felt a sense of comfort walking into a wide, gorgeous space that had astonishing similarities to our last home.  Even more comforting was seeing my entire family together smiling and laughing with no visible signs of the overwhelming stress that took place just weeks before the holiday.  Yet, what struck me the most about this house was discovering a pomegranate tree in the backyard.  At that moment, I immediately recalled fond childhood memories of picking and eating pomegranates from the tree my grandfather planted in my parents’ first home.  It’s one of the fruit trees my grandfather meticulously cared for, and to me, represents regeneration, strength, and growth.  Not only did I feel thankful for spending a momentous weekend with family, but also for being reminded of my grandfather watching over us.

December 4, 2010 2 comments
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PsychiatryTravel

Back to Work

written by freudandfashion
Back to Work

After returning from a week-long vacation, I dreaded the pile of catch-up work and voicemails waiting for my much-needed attention.  I assumed that I’d be in vacation-mode and perform sluggishly on my first day back, but surprised myself at how easily I resumed my normal routine.  Even more surprising was noticing the level of comfort I had while interacting with new patients whereas in the past I’d be concerned about whether or not my patients would feel connected to me or question my knowledge being a mere resident instead of a full-fledged Psychiatrist.  One word to describe this new-found feeling? — Confidence.  Confidence may come easily for some, but for me (and most, I assume), it required self-evaluation and rising after feelings of inadequacy and failure.  Once that feeling is obtained, savor the moment the way you savor a great vacation.

November 17, 2010 1 comment
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