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Fashion

Intern Year Memories in Smitten Scrubs

{Smitten Bliss Scrubs c/o Smitten Scrubs via Scrub Shopper}

The last time that I wore a pair of scrubs was several years ago as an intern physician doing internal medicine. And they were the standard pale blue hospital scrubs that you practically live in as an intern rotating through the hospital wards as part of the internal medicine, family medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, and ob/gyn teams. I recall running up and down the hospital stairs in them, zipping through the emergency medicine floor in them, and getting various bodily fluids splattered onto them despite my best obsessive-compulsive attempts to keep them clean. Then, the routine was to fall asleep on the couch in my scrubs within seconds upon returning home from a 30-hour shift. Hence, scrubs have provided me with memories both exhausting and accomplishing.

As a psychiatrist, I no longer wear scrubs, though I miss the ease of getting up in the morning without having to dedicate minutes contemplating what to wear to work. Therefore, when Scrub Shopper reached out to me to promote the relaunch of one of their brand lines, Smitten Bliss, I was excited to wear and experience the new generation of scrub designs and styles.

The following is my opinion regarding the Smitten Bliss line scrubs that I received:

Warmth – I was out running errands on a cold, chilly, yet crisp day in so-cal. These scrubs kept me pretty warm and I was able to wear them without having to wear layers underneath nor a jacket over it.
Comfort – the scrubs are made with polyester & spandex and provide enough stretch to allow ease of movement.
Style – these scrubs are far more stylish than the standard hospital scrubs! The material is of high quality. They come in a variety of colors (berry, heather grey, royal blue). The ones I’m wearing are in navy. I also love the pink trim, which adds a pop of color.
Sizing – I love that the pants come in petite sizes (which is perfect since I’m 5’2”). The top in size small was slightly longer in length than I prefer, but I’m sure would be perfect for those taller than me.
Functionality – The pants and top have several pockets, which are much needed while on the job.

And what I really like about Scrub Shopper is their Give Back campaign in which Scrub Shopper offers donations to Susan G Komen, Doctors Without Borders, St. Jude’s, the Abandoned Pet Project, and the Greta James Scholarship Foundation. Customers will have the option at checkout to choose one of those options, and they will donate $1 per order to the organization of their choice.

And as an added bonus, Scrub Shopper and I have collaborated to host a GIVEAWAY for one of my followers on Instagram to receive a free pair of Smitten Bliss scrubs! Check out my link here for simple rules on how to participate!

Do you wear scrubs to work?? And if so, what is the most important factor about the type of scrubs you choose (cost, style, pockets, color, etc)??

March 1, 2017 7 comments

Fashion Psychiatry

How A Determined Schizophrenic Woman From NYC Is Breaking Stigma About Mental Illness

written by freudandfashion

{Schizophrenic.NYC buttons, bracelets, stickers}

In just a little over a year since I last interviewed Michelle Hammer (founder of Schizophrenic.NYC, a clothing line aimed at promoting mental health awareness), her company and mission have gained an exponential amount of support from the media and community. Since hundreds of thousands of people with schizophrenia are living on the streets, Michelle’s clothing line donates a portion of its profits to organizations that help the mentally ill homeless population of New York City. Being diagnosed with schizophrenia herself, Michelle demonstrates that people with schizophrenia can succeed, have a career, and live a normal life. She breaks stereotypes about a diagnosis highly stigmatized. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to catch up with Michelle to get an update on Schizophrenic.NYC and her thoughts on living with mental illness:

1. It has been over a year since I last interviewed you on my blog. What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment in the last year?

I would have to say that I have accomplished a lot in the past year, but what I have accomplished the most is changing the way people view mental health and how they respond to it. I’ve talked to many people at my pop-up shops about the mental health issues in NYC as well as across the country. People always seem surprised when I tell them the statistic in NYC is that 1 in 5 New Yorkers have a mental health issue. When people hear that they now understand that mental illness is so much more common than what they originally thought. Also, many people that I know are now much more comfortable about talking about their own mental health struggles. I have had people tell me that, because of me and my openness, they now feel more open to discuss their issues with their family and friends. If everyone would be more open, then more people can see how common mental health issues really are in society.

2. Congratulations on being featured on numerous renowned news platforms such as Buzzfeed and Daily Mail! It’s a testament to how much heart and hard work you put into growing Schizophrenic.NYC and spreading your mission. What do you think it is about Schizophrenic.NYC that the media is most drawn to?

I am so grateful to have been featured in such awesome publications as Buzzfeed, The Daily Mail, and Mashable. I think people are drawn to Schizophrenic.NYC because it was started by me, a girl with schizophrenia, who wants to change the way society sees mental health. It’s often thought that people with schizophrenia cannot build their own business, or work any type of “regular” job. By breaking down that stereotype and barrier I am doing something the general public thought could not be done.

3. Part of Schizophrenic.NYC’s mission is to make a difference in the way that the mentally ill homeless population is treated. What do you think people should consider when they encounter homeless people on the streets? What do you think is the biggest misconception about the mentally ill homeless population?

It’s hard to say what people should do when they encounter homeless people on the streets. When I walk by a homeless person who is yelling at nobody, and exhibiting obvious symptoms of schizophrenia then I start to feel sympathetic. I know that if these people had the support of friends, family and a doctor they would be able to get the treatment they need, and they would be able to function in society. I would say the biggest misconception about the homeless population is that they are a lost cause, and none of them can be helped, which is completely not true. If someone is homeless and mentally ill, they need to get the right help. Here in NYC we need more outreach to help these homeless people who are suffering.

4. A lot of my readers/followers are future mental health clinicians or are in the medical field. Do you feel that people with schizophrenia are often misunderstood when seeking treatment/support? Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give mental health/medical practitioners about how to approach someone diagnosed with schizophrenia?

When I first was diagnosed with schizophrenia I got very depressed. I thought nobody would ever love me or want to associate with me because of my diagnosis. I think that something I should have been told was that with the right medication and monitoring that I can live a perfectly normal life. I am not my diagnosis. I am me. Just because you get diagnosed with schizophrenia doesn’t mean your life is over. It’s just the beginning of getting the best help you can, and living the best life you can.

{Michelle Hammer, creator of Schizophrenic.NYC}

For more info on Schizophrenic.NYC, check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

December 15, 2016 2 comments

Fashion Personal

What My Former Boss Told Me About My Wardrobe

written by freudandfashion

{Westlake Village, California}

Though my social media name has the word “fashion,” my fashion sense during the initial stages of my professional career most definitely did not reflect any sense of the word. During college, I apparently believed that it was appropriate to wear flip flops, cut off jeans, and a hooded sweatshirt as both a research associate/front desk clerk for the research center I worked for. Even the more junior researchers wore slacks and pencil skirts, but I’m not sure why I didn’t put two and two together. I vaguely recall the manager asking if I could possibly dress more conservative, but gave her the excuse that driving directly from class to work allotted minimal time for me to change clothing, therefore I promised to at least change my shoes. I honestly thought that I was a rockstar for upgrading my flip flops to the more conservative tennis shoes, but apparently even that wasn’t good enough. And if that wasn’t enough to get me to change, imagine how I responded when I overheard several of my more senior coworkers having a rather loud conversation within earshot discussing the importance of ‘implementing’ a dress code. And yet, I still didn’t realize their words were directed towards me! It wasn’t until my research supervisor had a one-to-one conversation with me that I finally got the message about my wardrobe. He kindly informed me that the center would like for me to not only dress more conservative, but to also dress more professional. He emphasized the fact that since I worked at the front desk, I also served as a representative of the center, and therefore it was important for me to dress professional. To be honest, I was shocked throughout the entire conversation and thought “why didn’t they just tell this to my face sooner?”

The moral of the story is an important note about communication. Oftentimes, we indirectly communicate our thoughts and assume that the person we’re communicating with should understand/comprehend exactly what we’re saying, but that’s not always the case. I talked to one of my patients today about the importance of directly communicating how she feels about her teenage daughter on a deeper level rather than engaging in their usual angry conversations with one another (anger tends to be a secondary manifestation of deeper emotions such as hurt and pain). I truly appreciated my supervisor for having such an honest conversation with me. To this day, I still think about the conversation almost each time I contemplate what to wear to work. Needless to say, that was a pivotal moment in my style transformation and marked the beginning of me discovering and cultivating my own personal and professional wardrobe (yes, I no longer wear cut-off jeans to work).

Photo by Alex M & Jen F

July 20, 2016 4 comments

Fashion Psychiatry

Schizophrenic Connection

written by freudandfashion

{Schizophrenic.NYC tank top}

As a psychiatrist, I treat nearly all mental health diagnoses, but among the patients that have been most memorable and have broken the most stereotypes in my mind are those diagnosed with schizophrenia. As an intern and resident physician, I allotted more time to talk with my patients with schizophrenia because they were generally the ones who spoke the least and typically given the least amount of time to interview during patient rounds on the inpatient psychiatric wards. I recall the shock on several staff members’ faces during the staff morning meetings when I’d discuss my schizophrenic patients, for I had a tendency to present unexpected, personal info such as a patient’s favorite food, previous hobbies, where they grew up, and more specifics regarding their background (brief patient case presentations typically consisted of logistical info pertaining to timeline of their involuntary holds, compliance with medications, reports of agitated behaviors/incidents, participation in group meetings, etc). They are human beings with stories of struggle trying to cope with their illness, and when stable, have the potential to live normal lives.

Unfortunately, many people diagnosed with schizophrenia lack support and access to the care they need, and many end up living homeless on the streets. The 2012 U.S. national survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that an estimated 46% of homeless adults staying in shelters live with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Among the most vulnerable are those living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Given those alarming statistics, I was ecstatic to discover Schizophrenic.NYC, a clothing line whose founder, Michelle, was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 22. Fueled by their vision to see less mentally ill people living on the streets of NYC, their goal is to donate and support organizations that support the struggle of the mentally ill homeless population. I had the wonderful opportunity to connect with Michelle and get more info about Schizophrenic.NYC and her thoughts on living with mental illness:

Being diagnosed with schizophrenia, what do you believe is the most common misconception of people who have schizophrenia?

I would have to say that the most common misconception about schizophrenia is that people believe that schizophrenic people cannot live normal lives. Most people’s experience with schizophrenics are the homeless people on the streets who are yelling, screaming, or just plain talking to themselves. It’s hard to understand that there are people living with this illness who live normal lives and can thrive in society (with medication of course). The problem is that these functioning schizophrenic people keep their illness a secret. If everyone would share their story it would make people more aware that mental illness is extremely common and can afflict anyone. Just because you have a mental illness does not mean that you’re “crazy.”

2. Research shows that early identification and assertive intervention of a person’s 1st psychotic episode can improve longterm outcomes. What advice would you give to the youth who might be struggling with early symptoms of schizophrenia, but are too afraid or unsure how to navigate ways to seek help?

It is very hard for a youth with schizophrenia to get help. People with schizophrenia often believe that the people around them are trying to hurt them and are plotting against them. Early identification can only happen if the person has the self-reflection to understand that they are having a problem. Teens need to learn in school about the signs and symptoms so they can understand if they are having a problem. I would advise anyone who thinks they are having symptoms of mental illness to try to talk to someone they trust. Admitting that they see a problem is just the first step…and it’s the hardest one of all.

3. What organizations/people/resources have been most integral in your ability to manage your symptoms?

I am lucky enough to have a great support system. I have my friends, family and doctor that I rely on. My best friends, who are my former roommates, know all of my struggles and without them I would have never made it through college. My family has always supported me and has never treated me differently. My doctor is a great person to talk to and of course provides me with the medication I need to control my illness.

4. How has Schizophrenic.NYC impacted the mental illness community thus far?

Schizophrenic.NYC is growing everyday. I love to tell people about my mission to help the mentally ill homeless by donating to organizations in NYC that help them. I am trying to start a movement and people like that idea. It’s all about raising awareness. The more people who are aware the faster changes can be made.

5. What can we expect from Schizophrenic.NYC in the future?

I wish I knew the answer to that question! Who knows what the future will bring. As of right now, we are getting more shirts, tanks and accessories made. We will continue to spread our mission and work to make a difference. Stay tuned!

{Rorschach inkblot test design}

Photo credit: Alex M (@fitgodzilla) and Schizophrenic.NYC (middle photo)

August 25, 2015 13 comments

Fashion Travel

Quick Getaway

written by freudandfashion

{at The Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City}

Any weekend filled with food and shopping makes for a fabulous weekend in my eyes. This past week I found myself making excuses to slack on my workout routines, contemplating fast food meals instead of slaving over a hot stove, taking twice as long to type notes on my patient sessions, and feeling uninspired (or more like lazy) to type a blogpost. At that point I knew it was time for a weekend getaway, so I went to Los Angeles for a few days filled with food, fashion, and photography inspiration (I’m looking to finally invest in a digital SLR camera). I believe everyone deserves a few hours (or days) to relax and do something enjoyable in order to increase productivity. By Sunday I felt completely rejuvenated…until my delayed flight at LAX pushed my arrival home to 2:30am.

{Eggs Salmone and Spanish Latte at Urth Caffe in Beverly Hills}

August 10, 2010 0 comment

Fashion

Stretch It Out

written by freudandfashion

Even though I’m not allowed to wear open-toe shoes at work, I still buy cute and comfortable sandals in case I’m courageous enough to wear a pair. I recall wearing 3-4 inch ridiculously uncomfortable heels in high school, but those days are long gone. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with stretch heels for the sexy, summery look, plus the added bonus of comfort. I purchased the Madden Girl and Chinese Laundry versions recently, which were excellent deals. After breaking them in during a long day of errands, I found that no matter how high the heel may be, I can feel stylish enough pairing them with a slinky black dress and comfortable enough wearing them around town all day.

(top) CL by Laundry Ionia $29.94

(middle) Madden Girl Keltic $19.93

(bottom) Stella McCartney Elastic Slingback $307.53

July 15, 2010 1 comment

Fashion Psychiatry Travel

5 Ways to Look Older

written by freudandfashion

{yummy Spanish latte at Urth Caffe, Beverly Hills}

1. Wear black.

2. Be around a group of friends who look at least 5 years older than you.

3. Wear professional clothing.

4. Pile on the makeup (especially foundation and smokey eye shadow).

5. Listen to NPR to stay up-to-date with current events talk (and not so much on the latest celebrity gossip & what’s hot on the fashion runways).

For my birthday, I contemplated cutting my hair short, dyeing it black, and wearing a professional black outfit in attempt to look closer to my age. I can say with confidence that I look at least 20 yrs old. For the longest time, I got offended each time someone looked shocked that I was a doctor, every time someone told me I look like I just graduated from high school, each time I was asked if I was a nurse despite wearing my lengthy white coat. In general, I get commented on how young I look almost every other day. On my way to celebrate in Los Angeles this weekend, I was carded at the wine bar in the Portland Airport, then carded the following day at Pizzeria Mozza in West Hollywood. Yet, after my birthday, I had an epiphany. This time around, I wasn’t so bothered…if anything, I fully embraced the fact that I look younger for my age and profession. In fact, if I’m still carded at the age of 40, I’ll consider it a major compliment (and a genetic accomplishment).

Tip of the Day: Embrace who you are. If you change aspects of yourself, do it for your own happiness, and not for the sake of convincing others of the type of person you’re expected to be.

May 31, 2010 0 comment

Fashion Psychiatry Travel

Sweet Relaxation

written by freudandfashion

3 Simple things I did for me this weekend:

1. Sipped refreshing watermelon lemonade on the sunny deck of a cute local cafe (http://lemonadela.com/).

2. Shopped by the Santa Monica pier and bought the perfect white dress to pair with strands of blue beads (http://zara.com/#/en_GB/woman/collection/4).

3. Slept in without the annoying buzzing sound of my alarm clock.

I’ve noticed that my weekend getaways back home to LA have become more relaxing (and less tightly packed with scheduled activities) over time. With work being busy, my sleep has decreased and frequency of tension headaches have been high, but I keep chugging along knowing I’d be able to catch up on sleep once the work week was over. I’m devoted to work and the quality of care provided for my patients so much that I’m willing to stay late for impromptu family meetings and do last minute check-ins on those struggling the most. The second most common question I’m asked by patients and staff (after “Are you old enough to be a doctor?”) is “Wow, you’re still here?” To address the stress and overwhelming feelings that some of my patients experience from devoting nearly 100% of their time towards caring for others is asking them to take time to do something for themselves. It’s difficult to truthfully take care of anyone until you take care of yourself first. What little things have you done for yourself recently that makes you happy?

May 5, 2010 1 comment

Fashion Psychiatry

Time Crazy

written by freudandfashion

Skagen Rose Gold $115

My fashion obsession this week focused on stylish timepieces. Perhaps the wear and tear of my current watch became more apparent as I would nonchalantly and discretely attempt to glance at the time during long appointments last week. I’m a pretty anxious person and have somehow managed to break the habit of constantly being tardy (flashback to the day I failed my Honors English final for being 30 seconds late). Mission accomplished to find a summery men’s watch and a moderately feminine, yet simple watch for work. Affordable, yet noticeable…at least until I pay off my med school loans.

March 26, 2010 2 comments

Fashion Psychiatry therapy Travel

To eat, or not to eat?

written by freudandfashion

Los Angeles…home of the trendy, superficial, and fit. Last week I was on vacation and spent the week back home in southern California. In preparation for my trip, I packed my most stylish outfits and made reservations for the most trendy, new restaurants in Hollywood. I spent the first day back with my boyfriend out in Beverly Hills and made a goal to have my favorite Sprinkles or Crumbs cupcakes. It wasn’t until I noticed the presence of tall, model-esque girls at my every turn that I changed my mind about indulging in decadent desserts. Later that night, my mood turned from excited and confident to irritable and self-conscious. I tried on the cute outfits I had packed and felt horrible when I looked in the mirror. I have a BMI in the normal range, yet I felt moderately obese compared to those girls. I was reminded of feelings growing up in southern CA at the age of 7, when I first began to diet and count calories. Now that I look back, I realize that I met criteria for a nonspecified eating disorder, considering that I lost significant amounts of weight eating only lettuce and water for weeks at a time. At the young age of 7, I believed I was fat even though my weight was considered normal.

Tormenting myself recently about not being 5’10” and a size 0 lasted only a few days. Overall, I feel happy about my temporary loss of self-esteem. I’ve treated a few patients with eating disorders and can’t help but relate my experiences to theirs. An estimated 1 to 2 million women in the United States meet criteria for bulimia nervosa; 500,000 women meet diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa. More males are also seeking treatment of eating disorders now compared to the 1980s. A number of factors (biological and psychological) are noted to be associated with the disorders, including preoccupations with a thin body and social pressures about weight.

I tell myself and my patients to eat healthy, but that it’s okay to give in to small indulgences (a small piece of dark chocolate after dinner, a cup of frozen yogurt for snack, etc) once in awhile. So, after a run through Santa Monica Blvd., I took my own advice and walked to Crumbs in Beverly Hills. I ate half of my lemon cupcake and felt both confident and guilt-free as I walked passed the skinny fashionistas on Rodeo Drive.

the remaining half of my delicious Crumbs “Cupcake of the Week”

the gorgeous lobby of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

February 22, 2010 2 comments

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