Things I've Learned After A Month Of Working In A Psychiatric Hospital (in no particular order)
1. I have no desire to be a psychiatrist.
This has been my only exposure to the mental health profession as a care provider. Until now, I've only been a student or patient. While my experience at this clinic has been positive overall, I just don't think I'm cut out for this field. A thorough explanation would take far too long. Keep reading for hints.
2. Sanity is relative.
Say what you want about customs, mores, laws, manners, trends, traditions and diagnoses, the fact is that everyone defines "normal" for themselves. While I have earned a new respect for this statement, if you do something weird, stupid or dangerous, I reserve the right to call you out for that shit. I expect the same in return.
3. Reason has its limitations.
I knew this long before I started this rotation, however there is nothing like seeing the evidence for yourself to drive a point right into your skull. Some people are simply insane . . . sitting-in-feces-screaming-at-the-walls-crazy-as-a-shithouse-rat insane. Period. They think differenty, and reason may never enter into the equation.
4. I don't respond well to threats, explicit or otherwise.
My initial response isn't violence, but, like most problems I encounter, upon recognizing it, I seek to understand and resolve it, expeditiously. This is hard enough in everyday life where (most) people are (relatively) sane. More than once on this rotation, I've prepared myself for a physical assault (adjusting foot placement, looking for possible weapons, marking exits, sizing up the potential adversary, etc. ). Thankfully, it hasn't happened, but I still keep my guard up.
5. I have little tolerance for bullshit.
I get to define what is bullshit. It's my head. I make the rules here.
6. Bad things have happened to everyone.
Again, this is something I've known for a long time. The last few weeks have only reinforced my feelings on this topic. Everyone has baggage. Compared to some, I've lived a charmed life. Compared to others, I've endured the hardships of the saints. I have no desire to get into a pissing contest about who's had a shittier life. I can be sensitive to your situation, but I won't excuse your bullshit. See #5.
7. I am not ready to have kids.
I didn't want them a month ago. I still don't want them.
I could keep going, but I'm too tired right now.
1. I have no desire to be a psychiatrist.
This has been my only exposure to the mental health profession as a care provider. Until now, I've only been a student or patient. While my experience at this clinic has been positive overall, I just don't think I'm cut out for this field. A thorough explanation would take far too long. Keep reading for hints.
2. Sanity is relative.
Say what you want about customs, mores, laws, manners, trends, traditions and diagnoses, the fact is that everyone defines "normal" for themselves. While I have earned a new respect for this statement, if you do something weird, stupid or dangerous, I reserve the right to call you out for that shit. I expect the same in return.
3. Reason has its limitations.
I knew this long before I started this rotation, however there is nothing like seeing the evidence for yourself to drive a point right into your skull. Some people are simply insane . . . sitting-in-feces-screaming-at-the-walls-crazy-as-a-shithouse-rat insane. Period. They think differenty, and reason may never enter into the equation.
4. I don't respond well to threats, explicit or otherwise.
My initial response isn't violence, but, like most problems I encounter, upon recognizing it, I seek to understand and resolve it, expeditiously. This is hard enough in everyday life where (most) people are (relatively) sane. More than once on this rotation, I've prepared myself for a physical assault (adjusting foot placement, looking for possible weapons, marking exits, sizing up the potential adversary, etc. ). Thankfully, it hasn't happened, but I still keep my guard up.
5. I have little tolerance for bullshit.
I get to define what is bullshit. It's my head. I make the rules here.
6. Bad things have happened to everyone.
Again, this is something I've known for a long time. The last few weeks have only reinforced my feelings on this topic. Everyone has baggage. Compared to some, I've lived a charmed life. Compared to others, I've endured the hardships of the saints. I have no desire to get into a pissing contest about who's had a shittier life. I can be sensitive to your situation, but I won't excuse your bullshit. See #5.
7. I am not ready to have kids.
I didn't want them a month ago. I still don't want them.
I could keep going, but I'm too tired right now.