Category: Self Examination

Looking beneath the surface to understand why we do what we do

SO WHAT HAPPENS TO A PSYCHIATRIST AFTER HE RETIRES? by Art Smukler, author

by artsmuklermd, posted in Psychiatry, Self Examination, Writing

I really have no idea, except for one particular psychiatrist – me. The weird thing, or maybe not so weird, is that the time ( now 4 1/2 years ) feels like maybe a month or two. Even with Covid, the time didn’t just fly, it was like a supersonic disappearance into a black hole.

Not that it wasn’t pleasant and rewarding, it was certainly both. And I’ve loved it.

One observation is that as the time went by and my days were filled with interests other than psychiatry, mainly writing fiction, and I spend my time wondering how my fictional characters will navigate the obstacles and catastrophes that I’ve invented, I also wonder how the real people, my cherished patients and friends, who I haven’t seen in all this time are doing.

Thinking about it, it’s no wonder that my retirement was such a seamless transition from my psychiatry practice. Now, I’m trying to help my imaginary characters resolve their conflicts instead of helping real live people.

By the way, if you ever notice that some things that I write are some of the same things that I would say during a session don’t be surprised. It all comes from the same mind.

Also, and very importantly, if you’re of the mind, please go on my blog and let me know how you’re doing. It would be a treat and I promise to respond.

My next blog will be all about what it’s like to publish and perish and then rise from the ashes.

My previously published books, CHASING BACKWARDS, SKIN DANCE, and THE MAN WITH A MICROPHONE IN HIS EAR are still available – but not for long! You’ll see what I mean in my next post.

FOX NEWS, A SIMPLE SOLUTION – MONEY, by Art Smukler MD, author & psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in Bullying, Politics, Psychiatry, Self Examination, World events, a psychological view

Freud is best known for leading the way to understanding the unconscious part of our mind and how it influences our behavior. He is also known for stating the obvious, “Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar”.

So, with that in mind, what do we do about Fox News, a powerful news station that continues to lie about almost all things political, as long as it supports Trump and his misguided base? We should FOLLOW THE MONEY!

These are some of the companies that continue to advertise on Fox News: My Pillow, P&G. Amazon, Kraft, Pfizer, Sandals Resort, Pet Smart, Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Progressive, Verizon, Abbott, GM, Carvana, Noom and Novartis.

What does this have to do with mental health and psychiatry? A lot! For four years we’ve been inundated with massive political lies that have created anxiety, depression, insomnia and you name it, a lot of pain. When a news station advocates a liar like Trump and overthrowing democratic principles, we need to do something! Our peace of mind and safety depend on it.

This doesn’t call for being analyzed on the couch, it calls for a boycott on anyone who supports liars.

Don’t buy or use the products of the above companies!

I’m switching to AT & T and will do my best to not buy or use products that advertise on Fox News. That will make me feel MUCH better. If we all do that, perhaps we can get rid of Hannity et al.

If you enjoyed reading, Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist, you might also enjoy Dr. Smukler’s novels – Chasing Backwards, a psychological murder mystery, Skin Dance, a mystery, and The Man with a Microphone in his Ear. All are available as paperbacks and eBooks.