Author's posts
When words aren’t enough: the heartbreaking truth about suicide
They died by suicide—that is the politically correct way to say it. I want to be politically correct, but I am not sure words can dampen the impact. Someone just lost a friend, a son, a partner, a child. Somehow, we believe if we say the words prettily…
The many losses of a long psychiatry career
At the beginning of a career – sometimes when viewed through rose-colored glasses not yet spoiled by reality – you hope to be able to lose loss to stay away. Somehow you feel like if you just try hard enough – practice psychiatry in the best way …
Do they care if women die? Exploring women’s rights.
I was faced with a stark question—one that, though I have spoken openly about women’s rights, somehow I had not distilled into the succinct question posed by a coming-of-age woman living and attempting to digest our country’s policies. Simply put: R…
Matthew Perry’s enduring impact: Advocating for substance use disorder awareness and treatment
The sitcom Friends was a cultural phenomenon that produced waves of nostalgia in those of us who came of age in the late 90s and early 2000s. The decade it was on spanned the era of transition from landlines to cell phones and the advent of the interne…
Lessons from VA hospitals: Meeting basic needs improves wellbeing
I started my career at a state hospital but transitioned to a VA hospital in 2007. I had been a resident at the hospital and was familiar with the unit and population. The unit had 19 beds, and typically these were filled. Often, admissions were for cr…
Postpartum depression or psychosis: Understanding the reality behind Lindsey Clancy’s story
The recent case of Lindsey Clancy has weighed heavily on my heart over the past several days. According to her husband, she was a young mother who was suffering from postpartum depression or psychosis and receiving treatment in an intensive outpatient …
Remembering Twitch: a star who shone bright
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen “Twitch” Boss. He was a talented DJ and dancer who brought joy to many with his infectious personality and smile. He will be remembered for his incredible talent and the joy he brought to…
