Board Certified Psychiatrist. Assistant Professor. Husband. Father. Writer
@Psychtoday
. Anxiety in Achievers. Tweets = opinion for info. Not medical advice.
Your brain is NOT designed to make you happy
It is designed to look for potential threats by creating “what if” scenarios
This is how humans survived.
So don’t be tough on yourself for battling anxiety
To have anxiety is to be human
#tuesdaythoughts
#anxiety
Something is better than nothing.
A 15 minute walk is better than walking zero steps.
A 10 minute workout beats no exercise.
Reading a few pages is better than not opening a book.
Be mindful of how perfectionism can prevent you from showing up.
I reached 5,000 followers this week.
As a THANK YOU, I want to host my first-ever
#FollowFriday
to promote amazing healthcare providers.
1. Introduce yourself
2. Share sth interesting about you
3. Tag your friends
4. Follow each other
#MedTwitter
#psychtwitter
Please stop telling people with depression or anxiety that they need to be more resilient.
It takes tremendous resilience to get out of bed and do your best to face the day while battling these invisible foes.
#tuesdaythought
Working as a psychiatrist has taught me an important lesson:
Treating people with empathy is the most important factor to help them get better both physically and mentally.
#FridayThoughts
The exhaustion is running deep:
- A mental health crisis
- A never-ending pandemic
- Reduced daylight hours
- Endless work and family responsibilities
- Holiday stress
Let’s give ourselves and one another some grace.
These are difficult times.
#ThursdayThoughts
Do not confuse anxiety with weakness.
It takes tremendous strength to get out of your comfort zone, show up and do your best.
Courage does not exist in the absence of fear.
#mondaythoughts
We live in a highly competitive society where achievement is prioritized above health, kindness and even happiness.
Do not sacrifice your health and loved ones at the altar of achievement.
#mondaythoughts
Procrastination is often a sign of underlying anxiety.
You don’t put things off because you are lazy or lack motivation.
You put things off because you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
Take the first step. You will gain momentum along the way.
42% of physicians reported burnout
This was before Covid
Let’s stop asking what is wrong with burned out physicians
Let’s start asking what is wrong with the healthcare system and political leadership that are burning out physicians at an alarming rate
#MedTwitter
Our obsession with personal success comes at a cost.
Perfectionism and narcissism are on the rise.
Empathy is on the decline.
Can we please stop prioritizing individual achievements over humility, kindness and caring for others?
#FridayThoughts
Stop wasting your energy on people who will never give you their approval.
Save your energy for those who unconditionally appreciate you for who you are.
#FridayThoughts
Do not confuse perfectionism with striving for excellence.
The pursuit of excellence allows for growth. Failure is a learning opportunity that helps us reach new heights.
Perfectionism is suffocating. It holds you back because you avoid failure at all costs.
#mondaythoughts
I can be upset that the house is a mess
Or
I can radically accept that the house will be a mess with kids running around.
Managing our expectations affects how we perceive our reality
#SaturdayThoughts
#Parenthood
My mother had a saying:
Be a human being first, then worry about getting straight A’s
She was right.
Humility, empathy and kindness take precedence over the pursuit of achievement.
#tuesdaythought
Saying I don’t know is not a sign of ignorance.
It is a sign of self-awareness.
It takes insight to recognize your blind spots.
It takes courage to admit to them.
#mondaythoughts
Our mortality makes one thing clear:
There is no logic to constantly postponing happiness.
You can’t solely live for a future that may never arrive.
Find some joy in the here and now.
#mondaythoughts
Do not confuse kindness with weakness.
Kindness is not an invitation to be taken advantage.
You can be assertive, set healthy boundaries and be kind in how you set them.
#mondaythoughts
#MedTwitter
Excited to announce that I am giving a TedX talk this October.
Truth is that I had previously applied for similar opportunities and was rejected
Behind any achievement resides failure.
It is an essential ingredient for learning and personal growth.
#ThursdayThoughts
I have been a psychiatrist for a decade.
My training after college includes 4 years of medical school followed by 4 years of residency.
Yet, there are things in psychiatry that I do not know.
The courage to say “I don’t know” helps me be a better physician.
I moved to the U.S from Greece.
A high school student with broken English.
A classmate asked me “what’s up” and I looked up at the ceiling.
I am forever grateful for what this country has offered me.
The opportunity to become a physician and provide for my family.
#July4th
Resist the hustle culture.
Don’t join the race to nowhere.
You don’t need to do more or achieve anything else to prove yourself to anyone.
Slow down to be present with yourself and the people who matter most to you.
Fatherhood is not just about bringing home the bacon
It’s about love, guidance and being present
Even if it means playing horsey at inopportune times
#FathersDay2021
Only in a broken healthcare system
I can have a patient on a medication for years.
It has improved their mental health and the quality of their life
But insurance declines to cover the medication
Just because it’s January….
Beware of the person preaching how to live a happy life.
Happiness is not a constant state.
Rather, we experience moments of happiness.
Unrealistic expectations make these moments harder to come by.
#tuesdaythoughts
Setting healthy boundaries is not limited to saying No.
It also includes saying Yes when someone offers you a helping hand.
Don’t let your guilt tell you otherwise.
#wednesdaythought
Small acts of kindness can have a BIG impact on the life of another human being
A smile
A kind word
A phone call or text
A thoughtful gesture
They take little time or effort but can be the highlight of someone’s day!
Such is the power of kindness!
#mondaythoughts
You do not need to explain your reasons for saying No.
Doing so only makes it more likely that you will be manipulated into saying Yes
Don’t let your guilt tell you otherwise!
#fridaythought
Do not confuse humility with a lack of confidence.
You can be humble and plenty confident.
There is no need to brag and boast when you believe in yourself.
#tuesdaythought
Questions I ask to lower anxiety:
1. What is my worry?
2. How likely will my worry become reality?
3. How can I prevent my worry from becoming reality?
4. What are some other more likely outcomes?
5. What is the cost of ruminating on my worry?
#WednesdayThought
#anxiety
My mother had a saying:
Focus first on being a human being, then worry about your grades.
She was right.
Personal success is hollow if you are walking over people to achieve it.
Society says success is synonymous with more.
More money. More degrees.
More stuff. More fame.
True success is the ability to resist hustle culture and live an intentional life that is congruent with your values.
Not theirs.
Pt is crying during session
Pt: I’m ok. It is a strength that I can cry in public and not be ashamed of it.
What a display of authenticity and vulnerability!
This. Is. Therapy.
#ThursdayThought
Do not aim for feeling good
Feelings are temporary
Aim for doing good
Helping others is what makes a lasting difference
In your life and theirs
#wednesdaythought
Life becomes a struggle when you try to control it.
It becomes suffocating when you feel the need to be productive and efficient every waking minute.
Not every action needs to have a purpose.
Sometimes it’s ok to just be.
#wednesdaythought
Not sure who needs to hear this...
My work has been rejected multiple times this past week
It hurts
It stings
But it is also an opportunity to reflect, learn and grow
Overcoming adversity is a prerequisite for success
#ThursdayThoughts
Something is better than nothing.
A 15-min walk is better than walking zero steps.
Reading a few pages is better than not opening a book.
A brief workout beats not exercising at all.
Be mindful of how perfectionism prevents you from showing up.
When you avoid, anxiety initially goes down.
Avoidance ultimately worsens anxiety because it trains your brain to be fearful.
When you face your fears, anxiety initially goes up.
Exposure ultimately improves anxiety because you learn how to overcome your fears
#fridaythought
Anxiety stems from an underlying thought, behavior or trauma.
Yes, it is essential to address the physical symptoms resulting from the spike in anxiety.
However, if you don’t address anxiety at its roots, it will continue to grow like a pesky weed.
#tuesdaythought
Make yourself a priority
Go for a walk
Enjoy a healthy meal
Read a book
Laugh with loved ones
You need to take care of yourself to serve others at the highest level
#mondaythoughts
Self-Esteem is NOT:
-Boasting about your achievements
-Ignoring your imperfections
-Being condescending
Self-esteem is:
-Humility
-Loving yourself despite your imperfections
-Treating everyone with respect
#wednesdaythought
Humility is an antidote to narcissism.
It is also an antidote to shame.
Humility means you are a worthy human being who is no better or worse than anyone else.
In a society obsessed with materialism, fame and over-productivity, humility is a welcome virtue.
#Fridaythought
Anxiety serves a purpose
It triggers a siren when there is a potential danger.
The problem occurs when the siren goes off for false alarms.
Take a moment to consider whether the threat is real.
#ThursdayThoughts
The cost of anxiety is too great to ignore.
It can negatively impact your relationships, work performance and overall health.
Thank you
@PsychToday
for sharing my thoughts.
Do not confuse anxiety with weakness.
It takes a tremendous amount of strength to get out of your comfort zone, show up and do your best.
We call this courage.
#ThursdayThoughts
#anxiety
Think twice before telling someone to look on the bright side.
Denying one’s negative emotions is dismissive and damaging in the long run.
A healthier approach is to be present and validate their emotional experience.
#wednesdaythought
I will be happy when...
I finish school
I land my dream job
I meet someone
You may be disappointed if you put your happiness on hold until you meet your goals.
Why not find some happiness and satisfaction on your journey towards your goals?
#wednesdaythought
We live in a society that celebrates individualism.
The narrative says that we can achieve anything on our own.
The truth is we would not achieve our individual goals without the help, support and grace of others.
Be that person for someone else.
#tuesdaythought
Anxiety is a high energy state.
We experience:
Racing thoughts
Shortness of breath
Muscle tension
Insomnia
Etc.
Too much anxiety is unhealthy.
This is why I exercise. It is a healthy way to release excessive anxiety.
How do you release anxiety?
#SundayThoughts
Life is dynamic.
What served you 5 years ago may not serve you today.
What serves you today may not serve you in 5 years.
Take some time to reflect on whether your current trajectory is taking you to your desired destination.
#mondaythoughts
Our society is so competitive that taking a break has become a source of guilt
Resting does not mean we lack work ethic or ambition.
It means we are human.
Resting helps us be more effective and efficient.
Wishing you a restful weekend!
#SaturdayThoughts
Common thought patterns in anxiety include:
Catastrophic thinking
Taking things personally
All or nth thinking
Labeling oneself
Not surprising that anxiety and depression often go hand in hand
#tuesdaythought
#anxiety
Every day I am inspired by people
Who came from broken homes
Who overcame trauma and adversity
Who turned their lives around
Who can look themselves in the mirror and say:
I have broken the cycle!
#tuesdaythoughts
You can’t be everything for everyone.
When you try to be everything for everyone, you end up overstretched and overwhelmed.
This puts you at risk of no longer being helpful for the people who matter the most.
#FridayThoughts
As a psychiatrist, I have the privilege of sitting in the front row as people share with me their life stories.
Earning a human being’s trust is the ultimate privilege
Never take it for granted.
#wednesdaythought
Working as a psychiatrist has taught me another important lesson:
Not taking someone’s concerns seriously puts them at greater risk for physical and mental health problems
#wednesdaythought
We live in a society which promotes perseverance at all costs.
Yet, we don’t talk enough about knowing when to let go.
Sometimes our best move is to let go of a dead-end job, failing business endeavor or toxic person.
To devote our energy to better options
#ThursdayThoughts
Anxiety increases when we look too far ahead and rush to the finish line.
This makes us vulnerable to careless mistakes and setbacks.
Slow down and be present.
After all, the tortoise beats the hare.
Every. Single. Time.
#mondaythoughts
#anxiety
The small things matter.
A smile.
Saying “Hello.”
Being approachable.
Thanking someone for helping out.
Recognizing someone for a job well done.
These actions have a positive ripple effect on the life of others.
Most people are dealing with a problem.
It may be due to their health, work, a family member or financial.
Yet, they continue to show up for themselves and loved ones.
I don’t care what’s on the news.
Hearing their stories of perseverance keeps my hope in humanity alive.
You can be kind and set boundaries.
You can be caring and set boundaries
You can be generous and set boundaries.
You can be compassionate and set boundaries.
You can be loving and set boundaries.
Boundaries do not make you a bad person.
You don’t have to be burned out to practice self-care.
It’s ok to make yourself a priority.
Go for a walk.
Read a book.
Call that friend.
Enjoy a cup of coffee in silence.
Don’t let your guilt tell you otherwise.
Saying “I don’t know” is not a sign of ignorance or weakness.
It is a sign of courage, humility and self-awareness.
Beware of the person who claims to know it all.
#ThursdayThought
You are in a relationship with yourself
24/7
You think about yourself.
You talk to yourself.
You even criticize yourself.
Have you taken the time to take care of yourself?
#FridayThoughts
We often refer to depression or anxiety as “situational” when associated with life stressors.
I find the term dismissive because it minimizes one’s suffering.
Life stressors such as divorce, loss or financial hardship are real and painful.
How can you not be impacted by them?
Do not confuse kindness with weakness
Kindness is not an invitation to be taken advantage.
You can be assertive, set healthy boundaries with others and be kind in the process.
#FridayThoughts
Staying silent to avoid conflict may seem like the easier option.
The cost is allowing others to cross the line without consequences.
Give yourself permission to say what needs to be said.
If you don’t advocate for yourself, who will?
#wednesdaythought
Anxiety wants us to shut down and avoid taking action.
This response ultimately fuels anxiety because it trains our brain to respond with fear.
It also turns the hill into a mountain as we fall into a state of inertia.
Taking action is the way.
#wednesdaythought
#anxiety
Being constantly busy is not a badge of honor.
It often indicates a lack of critical
thinking and acting.
We need to slow down, press pause and reflect on the direction of our lives.
This is impossible to do when we are in a constant state of doing.
#ThursdayThoughts
We often underestimate the time it takes to achieve a goal
We are quick to abandon our dreams when, in reality, we simply need more time to achieve them
Slow down
Stay the course
Life is a marathon, not a sprint
#mondaythoughts
A one second pause can save us a lifetime of regret.
I often remind myself to take a breath before responding to conflict.
This pause gives me just enough time to check my emotions and avoid any words or actions that I may regret in the future.
#FridayThoughts
Success takes humility and discipline.
It takes countless hours of work behind the scenes to reach a goal.
Be it earning a degree, writing an article or preparing to give a lecture.
To those working quietly towards your goals.
I see you and support you!
#SaturdayThoughts
Do not settle for the happiness found in achievements and material possessions
It is short-lived and fades away as their novelty wears off.
You are more likely to find happiness in:
Healthy Relationships
Meaningful work
Helping others
#tuesdaythoughts
Our need to be constantly busy is often a sign that we’re running away from something.
It might be boredom, difficult emotions or even ourselves.
Give yourself permission to slow down and get to know yourself on a deeper level.
#ThursdayThoughts
Stop beating yourself up for past decisions.
Life is fluid.
You did not know then what you know today.
You made decisions with information available at that moment.
Give yourself some grace and do your best moving forward.
We worry about loved ones
But worrying does not help anyone
If you want to be helpful:
1. Let them know you are available to help
2. Take care of yourself so you are able to help if asked
3. Give them enough space to decide for themselves
#FridayThoughts
#anxiety
I am grateful to have joined Twitter 1 year ago and meet some truly amazing people.
I have met so many people who are supportive, kind and working hard for the greater good.
You give me hope for a better and brighter 2021!
Happy New Year!!!!!
#FridayThoughts
#HAPPYNEWYEAR
Do not confuse anxiety with weakness.
It takes a tremendous amount of strength to get out of your comfort zone, show up and do your best while battling anxiety.
We call this courage.
#ThursdayThoughts
#anxiety
What I've learned from being a psychiatrist:
1. Building trust takes time. Give people as much space as they need to feel safe.
2.Believe people when they report a symptom.
3. People heal at different rates. Be patient. They’re doing their very best.
#mondaythoughts
Be mindful of the metric you use to measure success.
Measuring yourself against others ultimately leads to disappointment.
There is always someone with more of what you want.
A more meaningful metric is to monitor your progress towards your personal goals.
#FridayThought
You are NOT defined by your:
CV
Titles
Wealth
Awards
Degrees
Publications
Schools you attended
You are defined by how you use your skills and talents to help others and make a positive difference in their lives
#tuesdaythought
#MedTwitter
Empathy without boundaries is a recipe for burnout.
You don’t have to sacrifice yourself to be caring and helpful.
Give yourself permission to set your boundaries.
#FridayThought