Reflections on psychiatry/thread
Some days I find myself overwhelmed by the true responsibility I find myself wielding. The power that comes from it, the fear I must counsel and the insanity I must often make sense. Today was a day like this. Today I made some realisations.
Some days I find myself overwhelmed by the true responsibility I find myself wielding. The power that comes from it, the fear I must counsel and the insanity I must often make sense. Today was a day like this. Today I made some realisations.
I refer mainly to acute psychosis and its treatment, including the need to bring people into the hospital. This can be a shock, not just to them, but to their families. A family has its own culture, as well as a greater one. An admission can mean different things to each one.
For many, they see the admission of their loved one as a failure of their own function, as if they are to blame for one's sickness. I rarely saw this in general medicine, as if physical illness had a special exception from blaming one's self.
In my role, I am not just the one who needs to recognise and plan for sickness, to understand and help, to signpost recovery and know my limits, but also to understand the significance for the family and loved ones. As I become more senior, this is a greater lesson.
When faced with a family who find themselves angry, critical, scared, or at odds with the reality I feel I am imposing, I must remember that such a reality is already present in their minds, but not separate from their sense of themselves.
Many feel that they have not done enough, or find their perspectives questioned, their expectations and confidence shattered. It is also my role to learn from this, and seek it out with a kind ear. I will admit, I have far to go with this and much to learn.
Mental illness does not just harm the individual, but also the family. To see a loved one suffer is not unique, but to feel blame for it seems unique to psychiatry (and perhaps paediatrics,) but we must remember that there is no fault.
The family is the true enduring force in helping someone recover, and for that, they need the space to support them, but also to receive help, counsel, and explanation. We must not forget this, and I will make it my own task to remember each time.
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