FAQ Feel*ngs

* If you’re a real doctor, why are you writing under a fake name?
Dr. Lastname is the pseudonym of an MD and his writing partner.  The MD half of the partnership would prefer to stay anonymous for now in order to protect both himself and his patients from unnecessary scrutiny.  In the future, depending on the reaction to this column, he may drop the anonymity. Or seek to disappear entirely.

* How often are updates, and how do I submit?
We aim to update twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays.  Please read the Submission Guidelines page for full submission information.

* Are you being flippant about mental illness?
If there is humor about illness, mental or otherwise, it is intended to help people bear it, not ridicule one who has it.  This advice comes from an M.D. who knows, in his bones, how little control people have over illness and how much effort and courage it takes to live life in spite of it.

* Do you provide advice about treatment for mental illness?
While this advice comes from an M.D., it is practical life advice, not medical advice.  If you want specific advice about the treatment of mental illness such as depression or anxiety, please consult a psychiatrist who can take the time (about an hour) to do a complete evaluation.

* You seem to reference 12 step stuff frequently. Why?
The Serenity Prayer, which insists that you should always give first priority to identifying and accepting what you can’t control before deciding what to do next, is a useful way of approaching many of life’s seemingly insurmountable problems.  If you don’t learn to move beyond what you can’t control about a problem, be it an addiction or a difficult relationship, your wishes and expectations become dangerous.  Although this prayer is most often used by people in recovery from addiction, the principle of confronting your limitations prior to setting your goals is essential for all constructive problem-solving.

* Why do none of your posts allow pings or comments? Do you just hate feedback?
Public comments–especially public criticism of patients–could create a hostile environment for those who seek help with their problems. As such, Dr. Lastname has no problem with feedback, but if you do have comments, the site’s form is the preferred method of communication.