Distressed patient: “I don’t know, I can’t really explain it. I just don’t feel like my brain is working as well.” Grumpy, new-doctor me: Internal, too-tired-sure-I-get-it eye roll and a "Hmmm... that sounds really difficult for you." In residency, I had patients describe their brains like they were thinking through molasses. Or like they knew what they wanted to say, but couldn’t quite reach the words. I nodded. I empathized. And after weeks on call with little sleep and too much coffee, I...
15 days ago • 2 min read
I’ll never forget her. She was so paranoid she didn't even give me her name, just the letter T. T was in her 30s, living alone in a top-floor apartment. She was convinced there were machines living in the attic. Machines that came down at night to inject her with unknown drugs and mess with her stuff; changing her tv channels and filling out her crosswords with the wrong answers. She was terrified. And depressed. And stuck. And very, very psychotic. She wasn’t always like this. Before the...
29 days ago • 2 min read
I'm panicked. Where's the sunscreen? Are there enough pairs of underwear? What about Benadryl? Do I need to bring bandaids? This must mean I'm stressed about packing for spring break! Which I am, because we have to leave in less than 1 hour but I'm typing this email instead of checking to see that I remembered all of the things I already know I remembered. 🙄 Ahhh.... Traveling with kids..... love the shirt! I can't bring you with me on this spring break adventure but what's the opposite? If...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
I was an art ed major in college before I switched to premed. Yes, a room full of kids with paint sounded like fun to me at that point of my life (before I experienced the terror of my own children with art supplies). The summer before I changed majors, I went to study in Paris! I imagined strolling down a cobblestone street, stopping at a charming little boulangerie, and walking out with the most perfect baguette ever created by human hands. Golden. Fluffy. Maybe handed to me by a...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Construction paper hearts... Gooey Elmer’s glue... Glitter! (Remember glitter? And how it got EVERYWHERE? Apparently the environment will be dealing with it a lot longer than I will) Candy!! This is what I remember from my Valentines Days past. In my house we didn’t buy a pack of valentines from Publix. I had to MAKE mine with scissors and markers and sequins (if I was lucky). And they usually involved some of my attempts at cute rhymes. But did you realize we’re sending valentines even...
2 months ago • 1 min read
INT. REGINA'S ROOM - FRIDAY NIGHT REGINA angrily walks on a elliptical. MRS. GEORGE enters. MRS. GEORGE: You still on the elliptical, baby? REGINA: (duh) No, I'm over there. MRS. GEORGE: Honey, I know you're not happy with your body right now but remember, real beauty comes from the face. REGINA: Don't ever talk about my body! Gahhhd! MRS. GEORGE: Okay -okay! (tries a new tactic) Let me make you a low-cal snack! I have some shrimp I can spray with that butter-flavored Pam- REGINA: Mommy, I...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Brrrrrr is the sound that comes out of my mouth when I look at the low for tonight. (and I do that weird arm motion thing too, where they're crossed and my fingers are magically making me feel warm with a reverse version of jazz hands) Still chilly here! In certain parts of the US right now, even my usually warm, sweaty Florida, we’re feeling a whole lot of winter. We’ve been seeing weather warnings for days about freezing temps which is not really a typical thing around here. But it is now....
3 months ago • 2 min read
My heart is with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in California. It’s impossible to overlook the pain and uncertainty many are experiencing right now. If you or someone you care about has been impacted, please know my thoughts are with you. In times like these, supporting each other matters more than ever. While I can’t change the larger circumstances, I can continue sending useful insights that make navigating mental health just a little easier for you and your clients. And if...
3 months ago • 2 min read
I’m cold. I mean my heat is probably set to 70 but I’ve got my Bucs hoodie pulled over my head and a previously-steaming cup of tea in my hand while I try to type with the other. You already know I’m a weenie when it comes to chilly temps, but our camping trip last weekend got down into the 30s and we’ve stayed there all week! I only have so many joggers and long sleeves. Are you dealing with some frigid January weather? Dreaming of warmer days? And learning more about neurofeedback? Huh....
4 months ago • 1 min read