For my next Clinical Psychiatry News article, Gina Henderson, the editor, asked me to write about how integrating three fields of medicine—functional/orthomolecular, energy, and psychiatry—creates a whole different way of treating mental illness.
While I procrastinated writing this article (not knowing how to summarize my 19-year journey of discovery), a number of clinicians approached me to ask how they could do what I do.
Their requests made me appreciate the path that has allowed me to create a new, effective way for treating mental illness. It is freeing many patients to live their highest potential, and I am grateful to be a part of their success.
Read on for more reflections on this topic and check out the new podcast teaser for more on astrologist Ken Bresee's wisdom on how universal energies play a role in our daily lives.
Creating Requires Courage and Curiosity
Not everything is about being smart
During medical school, I thought my IQ had suddenly dropped by half. All the other medical students seemed to be doing okay with the tremendous academic load. Heck, they even had time to go skiing or rafting! I was glad if I could get enough sleep once a week.
The constant testing emphasized memorization, which I found difficult without knowing why the information was relevant. In fact, asking "why" was no longer a part of the curriculum. All the questions came from the attendings, and they always involved regurgitating data.
Without knowing why the data was important, my eyes glazed over during lectures and skimmed through chapters without the ability to retain "relevant" information.
I hated medical school. But, looking back on it, I grew from its militaristic training style, and I would do it all over again for my patients.
After medical school, I conformed to expectations like everyone else. I prescribed medications and provided psychotherapy. However, I remained curious and had the audacity to ask questions.
Some of those questions had no answers. They were tough questions that were brushed aside because attendings didn't want to admit that they didn't know the answer.
One question I asked was about medication withdrawal. The answer I got was that "research" showed a patient needed to take the medication for two years, then they can come down on the medication "slowly."
Of course, that answer was ridiculously inadequate and oversimplified. But every resident in the room took it as the final gospel. There were no follow-up questions and no challenges to the attending's response.
As I look back at what I've accomplished over the past 19 years in holistic psychiatry, I am surprised other clinicians aren't also able to do what I do. Why didn't they learn how to integrate functional/orthomolecular and energy medicine?
I am far from being the smartest in my medical school class. In fact, I often felt out of place there like a duck running among leopards. I guess being smart isn't always the most important thing after all. After some reflection, I came to the conclusion that it was my curiosity and courage that allowed me to walk new paths and add new tools.
And perhaps, a little something unselfish, like compassion for my patients.
Have a terrific week!
The Holistic Psychiatrist Podcast (Ep. 20):
The Influence of Universal Energies on Mental Health
Check out the teaser for the new episode out tomorrow!
How do planets circling billions of miles away affect our personal lives? Ken Bresee, renowned astrologist, shares his insights on the profound impact universal energies have on our moods, personalities, and circumstances. He also helps us make sense of astrological terms with respect to planetary positions. Most importantly, we explore the concept of free will within our solar system’s energetic milieu and how to create the best possible outcomes with our lives.
You can reach Ken Bresee at 505-920-6408 or at k.astrodude@gmail.com
Click here for the full episode available on Wednesday.
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