Let’s get one thing straight—just because I’m a psychiatrist doesn’t mean I’m silently diagnosing my relatives at family gatherings. But does that stop people from lowering their voices and whispering, “Don’t let her read your mind”? Of course not. 🙂
Being a female psychiatrist comes with its own set of expectations. Society often sees women as natural caregivers, so when you add a psychiatric degree into the mix, people assume you have an unlimited supply of patience, wisdom, and maybe even a magic potion for happiness. “Doctor, I feel very stressed lately. Do you have any special secret to share?”
Let’s not even start on career misconceptions. “So you help people with depression? But you also prescribe medication? Not just listen?” Yes, I do both. But no, I do not spend my whole day just nodding and saying, “Tell me more.” (Though I do say that quite a lot.)
The assumption that female psychiatrists are always calm and composed is another myth. I have my fair share of frustrating days, moments of self-doubt, and instances where I’ve misplaced my phone while rushing to fetch my kids from school.
Balancing work and personal life is always a learning journey. One moment, I’m discussing complex psychiatric conditions, and the next, I’m debating whether to cook dinner or just get takeout. (Takeout wins more often than I’d like to admit.)
What about self-care? It’s undoubtedly essential, but let’s be honest—sometimes even psychiatrists struggle with it. We encourage our patients to slow down, reflect, and prioritize their mental well-being, but do we always practice that? Not always. Between juggling professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and the occasional “Hey, can I ask you one quick question?” message from a friend, finding time for self-care can be a real challenge. But I make sure I try.
So here’s a small reminder to everyone, including myself:
- Sleep is sacred: Those late-night TV shows won’t run away, but our mental clarity might. Prioritize sleep and rest—your brain will thank you!
- Move your body: Even a short walk in the park counts. A little fresh air and movement can work wonders for the mind.
- Set boundaries: Saying “no” wisely is a form of self-care and an art. (Yes, even to my overly chatty neighbour.)
- Make time for yourself: Whether it’s reading, sipping coffee in peace, or doing absolutely nothing, “me-time” isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. A quiet moment to breathe and be present can make a world of difference.
- Laugh more: Life is complicated enough. Finding humour in the small things can be a natural stress reliever.
- Give yourself grace: You don’t have to have everything figured out all the time, and that’s okay. Self-compassion is just as important as self-care.
At the end of the day, being a female psychiatrist is more than just listening and prescribing. It’s about understanding, advocating, and reminding everyone—including ourselves—that mental health matters. And no, I’m still not reading your mind. But if you’re thinking about taking a break and prioritizing your well-being while reading this, I fully support that decision. Go for it!
Your mental well-being is just as important as everything else you juggle in life. If you're looking for professional guidance in navigating stress, emotions, or mental health concerns, our experienced psychiatrists and psychologists at Private Space Medical are here to support you. Take that first step—because you deserve care, too.
Dr Lee Xin Er
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
