Tag:

anxiety

“Wedding Planning Anxiety Is Real. Here Are 5 Ways to Cope”

I was never one who dreamed about having the most perfect, magical wedding, so I assumed wedding planning would be a breeze once the time came. But, I was wrong. And I’m sure many of you can relate because anxiety related to wedding planning is actually a common experience. Now that I’m currently in the midst of planning my own wedding, I realize that even as a psychiatrist knowledgeable of various techniques and ways to cope, the process comes with various anxiety triggers. For example, wedding planning may bring up issues related to the following: complex family dynamics, issues with communication, struggles with perfectionism, time management, financial issues, and the list goes on.

In addition, we may find that wedding planning tests our abilities to cope with anxiety. As someone who had seen a therapist for several years, this process has motivated me to recall the skills I learned from my therapist, reflect on my training as a psychiatrist, and utilize the therapy techniques that I regularly share with my patients. So check out the article I wrote for Healthline HERE for tips on how to cope with wedding planning anxiety, which can most definitely be applied to daily life as well!

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As of 2023, I have begun working as the CMO of a new startup centered around wellness and mental health called Murror. Check us out!

March 29, 2019 0 comment

Psychiatry

“5 Things To Know Before Attending Your First Psychiatry Appointment”

written by freudandfashion

Seeing a psychiatrist for the first time can feel really stressful, especially if you’re not sure what to expect or had bad experiences seeing psychiatrists in the past. It’s quite common for patients to feel really nervous seeing a doctor (White Coat Syndrome, for example), so I can imagine how much more anxiety-inducing it would feel to see a psychiatrist, especially since more personal questions about your history are likely to come up. After the first appointment, my new patients often tell me how anxious they were leading up to the appointment and how long they’ve been putting off seeing a psychiatrist out of fear.

Your mental health is extremely important, so I hope that anxiety won’t get in the way of you receiving the treatment and support that you deserve. Knowing what to expect during your first appointment might alleviate some of this stress, so check out the article I wrote for Healthline HERE on things to know before attending your first psychiatry appointment!

February 26, 2019 0 comment

Featured

Video: A Psychiatrist Goes To Therapy

written by admin

(SEE VIDEO BELOW)

Not many people talk about being in therapy, but as a psychiatrist, it’s my goal to break the stigma of seeing a therapist because it can be an amazing source of support. In this quick video, I talk about my therapy journey and how it has helped me grow into the person and physician that I am today.

Note: I originally created this video for my IGTV on my Instagram (@freudandfashion), so I apologize for the quality! Let me know your own thoughts about psychotherapy in the comments below! Thanks for watching.

September 30, 2018 1 comment

therapy

The Power of Self-Help Books

written by admin

I’m big on self-help books (for myself and for my patients). Below is a list of some of the books I have in my library (pictured above). I select books based on reviews/ratings and also recommendations from my patients and other mental health professionals. I received some additional wonderful self-help book recommendations via comments made on my Instagram post, so I’ll be adding more to my list soon! (Note: these books are to be considered as resources/information only and do NOT replace treatment with your psychiatrist nor other mental health professionals)

The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook

The PTSD Workbook

Mind Over Mood

The OCD Workbook

Mastering Your Adult ADHD

Managing Social Anxiety

Mastery of Anxiety and Panic

If you’d like to add to the list, please leave a comment below!

April 5, 2018 1 comment

Psychiatry

Advice on How To Cope With Burnout

written by freudandfashion

{Napa, California}

Hello my blog friends! For those who aren’t on Instagram, I wanted to share what I wrote on my post today about coping with burnout:

One of the hallmarks of burnout is that taking time off from work doesn’t renew your energy/interest in the work you do. After a relaxing Thanksgiving break, I felt super motivated to return to work and start seeing my patients today, yet the way I felt at my previous job during this exact time 2 years ago was a different story. There are numerous factors that contribute to burnout (many are difficult to pinpoint & identify, which is why people often feel they were blindsided by it).

There are different ways to deal with burnout, and though the hope would be that your employers quickly make changes to improve your situation, the likelihood of that can be pretty low. Therefore, you must be PROACTIVE and take action if you want your quality of life to improve. Depending on your situation, this can be anything from taking an extended time off, working out issues with your employer, cutting back on work hours, or finding a new job/career. One of the 1st things to do is get support (from a trusted friend, family member, union, mentor, colleague, therapist, etc). And definitely ADVOCATE for yourself (I can’t stress this enough!). Often in our careers, when we are given unrealistic expectations that challenge our values/views/identity, we are left with feelings of failure and self-defeat, but the only way to improve our situation is to stand up and recognize our value and worth.

Thought of the Day: Have you ever experienced burnout from your job? If so, what did you find to be most helpful at overcoming it?

November 30, 2016 4 comments

Psychiatry

Have You Been Hit With Autumn Anxiety?

written by freudandfashion

I noticed a pattern in several of my Instagram posts the last few weeks: a sense of being hard on myself, feeling like I haven’t been productive enough, lacking any sense of accomplishment, feeling as if there’s no time in the day to get through my task list, etc. Such a surge in self-criticism didn’t sit well with me, so I wanted to gain more insight and determine the trigger (as if I don’t psychoanalyze enough in my day to day life). It wasn’t until I started noticing the anxious tone in my voice each time I told some of my patients to schedule their next appointment in 3 months (which would be around January 2017) and went on to wish them an early “Happy Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Hannukah/Qwanzaa,” etc, that an a-ha moment occurred in my mind — Oh my goodness, it’s almost 2017!

So I started researching if there was such a phenomenon related to Autumn anxiety. And much to my relief, I discovered that several others have experienced it and written about it as well! I didn’t find much research on autumn anxiety in medical databases, however, my Google search engine churned out a few articles that validated my experience (isn’t validation of our own experiences/opinions ultimately what we look for anyway?):

Wales therapist Ginny Scully named the phenomenon “Autumn Anxiety” after observing a pattern in her clients as the summer season ended where they experienced an increase in generalized anxiety and anticipation, without really knowing what they were supposed to be anticipating. She noted in the article that people who are more sensitive and aware of changes in their surroundings tend to experience these feelings.
The transition into Fall triggers a sense of loss. Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a psychiatrist, believes the key element to consider is loss, particularly since many consider the summer season as a time for partying, relaxation, leaving work early on Fridays, and having longer summer nights to enjoy. Therefore, once summer ends, life quickly starts to feel more stressful.
The days become shorter, which means less bright light exposure during the autumn season compared to summer. Bright light has been shown to have effects that decrease anxiety.

Have any of you also experienced an increase in anxiety during the transition from summer to autumn? Reading the information I discovered above at least validated my experience and helped me realize I wasn’t alone!

October 12, 2016 15 comments

Series

Questions I Bet Your Psychiatrist Never Asked You

written by freudandfashion

Why I created this series:

Every psychiatrist has their own style, but I’ve always been interested in asking patients more open-ended questions if I think it will provide me with a greater understanding of who they are as unique individuals. Unfortunately, I believe that the art of psychiatry has dwindled down to a checklist which subsequently churns out a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the minimum criteria needed to properly meet billing requirements. Such a practice may lead to a lack of connection in the therapeutic relationship, therefore, I sought to create a series that explores the unspoken thoughts that a person may have when meeting with a psychiatrist. If you would like to contribute to future questions in this series, please email me at freudandfashion@gmail.com or add me on Snapchat (freudandfashion).

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

How do you think medical doctors treat patients with mental illness differently than those without mental illness?

RESPONSES:

I didn’t really notice much of a difference in the way medical doctors treated me with a mental illness, until I had to get surgery on my wrist. My surgeon went on extensively that I was at a higher risk for abusing the pain medication post surgery. I had to go to lengths to prove to him that I would be able to minimize this risk, and wean myself off the pain medication as soon as possible. After this experience, I wondered if a patient without mental illness would have gone through as much scrutiny.

~ Logan, pre-med student

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Doctors treat patients with mental illness differently than those without a mental illness. From experience, doctors treat people with mental illness like they are stupid, incompetent, and incapable of doing anything for themselves. They get treated with less respect as well.

~ Allyson, student

__________________

It depends on how much the doctors actually know about mental illnesses. The majority, unfortunately somehow equate people with mental illnesses as mentally challenged individuals. Most doctors know, before they even meet you, that you have a mental illness due to the fact that the doctors generally see what kind of medications you are currently on prior to walking into the examination room.

I literally have had some very rude doctors that would be new to me and upon opening the door, they don’t say hello…my name is…or anything. They will have their nose in the charts or x-rays and then don’t look you in the eye and tell you what they recommend and then just walk out. It really pisses me off when they act so arrogantly. I generally never do return back to see a doctor who treats me like that. Then there are those that seem a bit nervous about meeting me; however, once I start talking like the college-educated woman that I am, they seem impressed and/or astonished that a person with a mental illness could have such insight.

So it angers me and depresses me that most doctors will tag a “stupid idiot” label on someone who is taking psychotrophic medications or acts as though nothing I say is true for I might be having delusions…yet, with each new doctor I encounter, I hope to go away feeling satisfied that I for one don’t meet the stereotype that our society has created for people with mental illnesses.

~ Anonymous

_____________________

My family medicine doc never follows up on anything, ever. I have to remind them of everything so if I don’t bring it up, it never gets addressed. And when I try to bring it up, they look at me like I’m crazy. I guess it’s a good thing that I’m smart, knowledgeable and know a lot, but I can’t imagine what it must be like for people who don’t know anything. I just finished reading Black Men, White Coats and that book is really honest. I see it happen all of the time. I think patients are disregarded in all aspects and I think with African Americans, they treat us differently when it comes to mental health. But i don’t want to pull the race card, this is my perception of what i see.

~ Sherita, pre-med student

_____________________

Personally, sometimes I think some people don’t consider mental health as important as physical health. Maybe that’s why some doctors do not pay attention to this point.

~ Anonymous, student

_____________________

If you have any thoughts or experiences pertaining to the question, please comment below!

May 14, 2016 11 comments

Featured Guest Blogger

How An Advocate With Bipolar Disorder Gained Strength From The Online Community

written by freudandfashion

When I first became active on social media, I was pleasantly surprised to find a number of mental health advocates who were so open about sharing their stories of living with mental illness to the public. Rudy Caseres was one of the first advocates I connected with. What impressed me the most about Rudy was his willingness to share his ups and downs of living with bipolar disorder. Attaining stability hasn’t been easy, and I find myself cheering him on because he is the type of person who pushes forward and embraces each triumph. He is the type of person who will motivate you and lead by example (even if the role might have been awkward at first, I find that to be one of his most endearing qualities). Therefore, I’m excited to have Rudy contribute to my blog as he discusses his motivation to share his story and become a speaker for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

_______________________________

To have a sense of belonging — I used to not know what that felt like for the longest time. I was always the last person to be picked in team sports. I never got the lead role in school plays. I’ve been rejected by more women than I can count. Fun, fun, fun.

So, naturally, I was not too optimistic when I entered the world of mental health advocacy. To begin, I was already apprehensive about discussing my bipolar disorder in public. I had not yet told my dysfunctional family and was dreading having to explain myself to them. But I knew I could not hide the truth any longer. I did not want to feel ashamed.

It just so happened that during this time I began to be consumed by mania. I convinced myself that I was never mentally ill and that I didn’t need anyone’s help to “conquer the world.” Even though I kept telling myself it would never happen, I eventually crashed into a terrible depression. It felt as if the bottom had fallen out inside my brain. I had a real illness.

As debilitating as that experience was, I did not want it to get in the way of telling my story to the world. Well, such a task is easier said than done! My brain had tricked me into believing I was hopeless. Just getting words to appear on my laptop screen felt insurmountable. I was ready to give up on life just days after believing I had complete control over the world. This is bipolar.

I struggled at first to find peers I could be myself with. I felt insignificant amidst all of the established and well connected advocates. At first I tried to fit in like the new kid on the playground. But, like I experienced during middle school, I felt left out. Rather than giving up like I had with so many goals, I began reaching out to people online with similar stories who were also struggling and feeling lost. I was amazed by how many wonderful people were out there speaking up about mental illness in their own little corners of the world. We accepted each other and they encouraged me to also speak up and not settle for pessimistic fatalism. It was as if none of us were lost as long as we had each other’s back. So, speak up I did. Not only do I continue sharing my story online (like this wonderful blog ran by one of my many allies in the mental health world!), but I am also a speaker for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) where I share my story across the Greater Los Angeles area.* And, someday across the world!

My friends and I don’t always get along and, for sure, mental illness can make one do and say very regrettable things. But we’re all one great big, very interesting family. We have to live with our terrible, terrible illnesses, but we’re still eager to make our mark.

Despite our minor differences, we all want to live in a world that possesses the following: no one is ashamed of their mental illness, no one is discriminated based solely on their mental illness, and the word ‘mental illness’ does not have such a negative connotation. It is possible. I believe this. They do, too.

I never used to consider myself an ‘advocate.’ But, now that I know what ‘advocate’ truly means, I own the title proudly. This world is constantly revolving. People fall off while others are getting on. Some even get back on. I’m still new to this. But, I’m not the only one. I brought my family with me and together, we’re ready. We are the new advocates and we have found our place.

*Opinions expressed in this story are solely my own and may not necessarily reflect those held by NAMI. I’m only speaking for myself.

Bio: Rudy Caseres is a public speaker and writer sharing his story of living with bipolar disorder. He loves engaging with people far and wide, both online and off. You can follow him on Facebook and find the rest of his social media presence at RudyCaseres.com. Mr. Caseres was born in San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA and currently resides there today.

May 7, 2016 4 comments

Medicine

How I Connect With Our Future Doctors

written by freudandfashion

Latino Medical Student Association National Conference 2016

I realize it has been a few weeks since my last blogpost and the reason is because I have been even busier since receiving wonderful opportunities to speak at conferences. Blogging and being active on social media has provided an amazing outlet to share my views on mental health, yet speaking at conferences would also be a great way to directly connect with our future doctors and health care professionals. I’m pretty open on my blog about my previous struggles with social anxiety, so although public speaking can be challenging and highly anxiety-provoking, it has been one of my best methods for overcoming my anxiety.

The video above is a quick edit of my participation as a speaker for the Latino Medical Student Association’s National Conference, which was held at my medical school, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. I hosted a workshop on ‘medical student burnout’ and was also a panelist for the Women In Medicine panel. Speaking at my medical school was a reminder of how I’ve come full circle as a former struggling medical student and returning as a physician sharing my knowledge and experiences!

Video by Marlon Santos

April 26, 2016 5 comments

Series

Questions I Bet Your Psychiatrist Never Asked You

written by freudandfashion

During new patient evaluations, psychiatrists generally have a standard set of questions that are asked to help formulate a diagnosis based on diagnostic criteria and to develop a treatment plan. Every psychiatrist has their own style, but I’ve always been interested in asking patients more open-ended questions if I think it will provide me with a greater understanding of who they are as unique individuals. Unfortunately, I believe that the art of psychiatry has dwindled down to a checklist which subsequently churns out a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the minimum criteria needed to properly meet billing requirements. Such a practice may lead to a lack of connection in the therapeutic relationship, therefore, I sought to create a series that explores the unspoken thoughts that a person may have when meeting with a psychiatrist. If you would like to contribute to future questions in this series, please email me at freudandfashion@gmail.com or add me on Snapchat (freudandfashion).

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

What do you wish you could tell your doctors when they makes changes to your meds that you don’t agree with?

RESPONSES:

I have definitely been through this experience! I WANT to say that increasing the dose scares me as the side effects I’ve experienced were horrible. I also feel that some (not all) psychiatrists barely ask you any questions about your research on medications. I feel that they don’t want to believe that you are actually capable of being educated on the topic.

Paramedic Nat (Blog: paramedicnatsmentalhealthjourney.wordpress.com, Twitter: @paramedicnat1)

Ever heard the word ‘advocate?’ Did you get your degree for the high status and income, or are you sincere about helping those of us trapped in this system? Why not take a stand against the big pharmacy industry and be true to your patient and what is best for him or her?

Anonymous

Well, to be honest, I don’t think it would be something to say but more to feel. For example, for me, as the side effects were horrible, and as I wasn’t feeling better, she kept upping my dosage. I wish she would have FELT my side effects. I described it as best I can, but I’m not sure all docs felt brain zaps. I wish doctors would listen more to how we feel instead of maybe just push various pills and dosage on us. Those are pills for our brain, it’s nothing to joke about. I’m sure it affects us all differently. But I wished they’d be more open to the fact that for some of us, medications (or SSRIs and such) just aren’t doing any good.

Natalie, Teacher (Twitter: @natricher)

What I absolutely love and appreciate about my psychiatrist is that he lets me choose what I’m comfortable with taking. I don’t know if other patients are like this, but I know my diagnoses and I do research on different meds. I haven’t found anything that’s working greatly yet since I do have a lot of different disorders, but knowing that my doctor validates what I’m comfortable with doing makes me feel that much better.

For example, I really dislike the weight gain side effect that a lot of medications for bipolar disorder have. I suffered major self-esteem issues in middle school because I put on 50 lbs from lithium and depakote combo. He knows how hard I worked to get that weight off and feel better about myself, so we only talk about combinations that will make me feel comfortable taking…so that I actually take my medicine.

Alexandra, Advocate

I wish they would have taken the time to explain (simply) what the medication will be doing to my body/brain and why it’s more efficient than what I was previously taking.

Anonymous

I honestly would tell the doctor my concerns. I wouldn’t be rude, but I would openly say that I have concerns over it. My hopes would be that it could open up a two-way conversation regarding my care and I could find out what they have to say (and have them see where I’m coming from).

Tom V, 1st year Medical Student

I wish I could’ve sat down with her and said clearly: “I’m sorry I called you two times today freaking out, but this medicine you gave me just isn’t working right–it’s making me worse. I’ve never taken any meds before and I’m running scared here and I need someone to understand me and sit with me and talk about my options. I know we didn’t meet under ideal circumstances and you don’t know me or I don’t know you, but don’t treat me like I’m one of the people who bug you all the time. Please help me. That’s all I need is some help.”

But, I now have someone who I think is amazing and he talks to me about options and is more of a collaborative force in my health care. He is in charge of my meds, but he has listened to me and I’m glad to say I haven’t had to take one benzo, not one single one in over 6 months so the fact that a doctor will collaborate makes me very happy, and listens.

Anonymous

Photo by Marlon Santos

March 2, 2016 20 comments

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