retirement – Inside The Mind of a Psychiatrist

It seems like just yesterday, but it’s been several years since I retired from my psychiatric practice. My well-worn couch is probably gathering dust in someone’s basement.

But half a century of being a psychiatrist certainly altered the way I think about life, whatever the subject.

Recently I met a good friend for breakfast in Manhattan Beach. We walked up a steep hill and sat down on the curb to catch our breath. Sitting there next to my buddy was exactly how I felt when I was 10 years old hanging out with another good friend. Two guys just sharing whatever popped into our heads. A stream of consciousness that felt so connected, peaceful, and fulfilling. It doesn’t get any better.

So I’m calling my blog what it really is, Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist. Like Popeye said, “I am what I am.”

Some things never change and shouldn’t. And today that’s what’s inside the mind of this psychiatrist.

Feel free to share your thoughts. I’m happy to respond.

Thanks, Art

If you’re in the mood for a good psychological suspense novel, check out what came from my mind.

Little Italy, Patient X, or The Secret of Carol Rosa.

#LittleItaly, #PatientX, #Thesecretofcarolrosa, #Insidethemindofapsychiatrist, #psychiatry, #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.