How I Broke Free from My Phone and Reclaimed My Life
Can I tell you a story? It’s a bit personal, but I think you might find it familiar. Not too long ago, my phone was everything. The first thing I reached for in the morning. The thing that magically appeared in my hand every time I had a spare moment. The last thing I saw before bed, glowing in the dark like a tiny, addictive lighthouse. I’m pretty sure I even dreamed about it. It wasn’t just social media, either. I was deep in the world of shopping apps, news updates, and endless scrolling. I...
Navigating the Darkness: Supporting Patients with Suicidal Ideation
It was a crisp, cold morning when I first met Sarah. The frost clung to the windows, creating delicate patterns that seemed almost too beautiful for the heaviness she carried. She walked into my office, her steps slow and tentative, as if the weight of the world pressed down on her shoulders. Her eyes, hollow and distant, told a story of deep pain before she even spoke a word. Sarah had been a successful professional, thriving in a fast-paced career. On the surface, she had it all—career,...
The Complexities of Bipolar Disorder: Exploring the Link Between Creativity, Intelligence, and Mental Health
Let me tell you a story about a patient, let’s call her Sofia, who came to me one chilly November afternoon. The wind outside was biting, and the scent of damp earth lingered in the air as the first flakes of snow began to fall. Sofia walked in, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and fear, her movements quick and sharp. She had just finished a series of paintings—her best work yet, she told me, her hands fluttering as she spoke, as if the words were trying to escape too quickly. Sofia was...
Reflecting on Mental Health and the Workplace: A Personal and Professional Perspective
As the summer sun begins to fade and the crisp autumn air starts to creep in, I find myself in a reflective mood. The end of vacation often brings a mix of emotions—nostalgia for the relaxed days, excitement for new beginnings, and sometimes a twinge of anxiety about diving back into the full swing of work. It’s a time when many of us pause to take stock, to assess where we are and how we feel about the balance between our personal and professional lives. A few weeks ago, I was catching up...
The Fine Line Between Home and School in Mental Health Education
This topic is close to my heart, both as a medical doctor and as a parent. We often talk about the importance of mental health education in schools. Still, today, I want to explore something more nuanced and personal: the delicate balance between the roles of schools and families in a child's mental health. Let's start with a truth that many of us know deep down: mental health begins at home. As a parent of a two-year-old, I see firsthand how much of my child's world is shaped by what happens...
The Neuroscience of Panic Disorder: Can Panic Attacks Be Controlled Without Medication?
A while ago a patient of mine, Anna, transformed her life by understanding and managing her panic disorder without relying solely on medication. Her journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, determination, and the right strategies. Anna is a vibrant professional in her early 30s, living in Copenhagen. Her days are filled with meetings, deadlines, and social events. However, beneath this bustling exterior, Anna battled with a debilitating condition: panic disorder. The sudden,...
Understanding the Neurobiology of Eating Disorders: More Than Just Body Image
I remember meeting Clara, a vibrant young woman who walked into my office with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was a successful architect, brimming with creativity, but behind that facade was a silent struggle. Clara had been battling anorexia nervosa for years, and her story is a poignant reminder that eating disorders are far more complex than just body image issues. Imagine waking up each day feeling like you’re fighting a war inside your own mind. That’s how Clara described...
PTSD: The Flood of the Mind
I was inspired to write this after seeing a powerful post on social media about Joseph Désiré Court's painting, "Scene of Deluge." The imagery and symbolism struck a chord, reminding me of the struggles some of my patients with PTSD endure. The deluge in the painting vividly illustrates how PTSD can feel like an overwhelming flood, affecting one's present and future. Imagine standing on the edge of a vast, dark sea. The sky is heavy with storm clouds, the air thick with the scent of rain and...
The Difference Between Pleasure and Happiness: A Personal Coaching Perspective
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to confuse pleasure with happiness. Let me share a story to illustrate this point, one that I hope will resonate with you and offer some valuable insights. Meet Anna. Anna was a successful professional who lived for the thrills in life. She delighted in buying expensive shoes and taking exclusive vacations to exotic locations. Her social media was a constant stream of glamorous photos – sipping cocktails on pristine beaches, posing in front of luxury cars,...
Understanding Addiction: The Role of Environment and Different Types of Addictions
Addiction is not solely a matter of individual choice or biological predisposition. The environment plays a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and recovery from addictive behaviors. This is well illustrated by the case of a patient who turned to substance use as a coping mechanism for childhood trauma. Case Example A patient experienced significant trauma during childhood, which led to deep psychological pain. As they grew older, they found themselves in an environment where...
The Science of Anxiety Disorders: Differentiating Healthy Anxiety from Anxiety Disorders
As a psychiatrist, I often see patients struggling to differentiate between healthy anxiety and anxiety disorders. Understanding the distinction can transform how you manage stress and enhance your overall well-being. Allow me to share a story that might resonate with you. The Story of Erik Erik, a young student, came to see me just a few months ago. His eyes were shadowed with fatigue, his hands trembled slightly as he recounted his worries. "I think I need anxiety medication," he began, his...
Navigating the Emotional Storm: Insights into Borderline Personality Disorder
I remember vividly the first time I met Sara, a vibrant young woman in her mid-twenties. Her striking blue eyes sparkled with intelligence, yet behind them lay a storm of emotions, swirling and uncontrollable. Sara has Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), a complex and often misunderstood condition. I want to share her story to help you, as professionals, understand how we can better support individuals like Sara in managing their emotions. Understanding BPD: A Symphony of Intensity Intense...
Reclaiming Your Power: The Cost of Blaming Others on Mental Health and Personal Growth
I want to share a story with you about a man named Erik. Erik is a dedicated professional living in the Nordics, juggling a demanding career and a busy family life. Yet, despite his hard work, Erik often finds himself feeling overwhelmed and unhappy. He blames his conditions and circumstances for his lack of well-being, particularly pointing fingers at his spouse for not doing her part in the family. One day, after an exhausting workday, Erik was driving home. He was lost in his thoughts,...
Understanding the Link Between Melatonin and Depression: A Summer Reflection
Many of you responded to my recent article, "Finding Balance: Avoiding Summer Burnout in the Nordics," asking for more insights on the role of sleep and melatonin. Let’s dive deeper into this topic and revisit Anna's story to illustrate the critical connection between melatonin, sleep, and mental health. Revisiting Anna's Story The Nordic summer is a magical time. The sun barely sets, and the days stretch endlessly, inviting us to soak up every moment of warmth and light. But for many active...
Finding Balance: Avoiding Summer Burnout in the Nordics
The Nordic summer is a magical time. The sun barely sets, and the days stretch endlessly, inviting us to soak up every moment of warmth and light. But for many active professionals, this endless daylight can become a double-edged sword, leading to a phenomenon many of us know too well: burnout. Let me share the story of Anna, a driven professional and mother of two, living here in the Nordics. Anna loved summer. The long days and vibrant energy of the season filled her with a sense of...
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