INSIDE THE MIND: Why psychiatry has struck my Interest

 This is the first blog that I have ever written, and to be completely honest, I’m a little nervous about it and a tad stressed to submit it. There’s something daunting about putting my thoughts out there for others to read, critique, and even have the ability to comment on. The pressure to get it just right is probably what has added to the stress. This though is ironic, considering the field of science I’ve chosen to write about: Psychiatry. Mental health is something I’ve come to care about deeply, and the connection between my personal experiences and this scientific field made it an obvious choice for my first blog.

Psychiatry excites me because it tackles one of science’s most complex and personal challenges. Understanding and healing the human mind. Mental health shapes every aspect of our lives, it impacts not just your mental health but also your physical health, yet it remains one of the least understood areas in science. From the mysteries of how our consciousness works to the intricacies of mental illnesses, psychiatry embodies the balance between scientific progress and the limits of human knowledge. As I reflect on the readings by Stephen Hawking and Professor John Horgan, psychiatry emerges as a field that tests the boundaries of what science can achieve and this is why it is the #1 field that excites me.

What are the challenges of understanding mental health? Mental health isn’t just brain chemistry or environmental factors, it is a deeply intertwined combination of the two that is also shaped by biology, psychology, and our society. Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia can’t be easily reduced to simple explanations or solutions. This is where the limits of science, as highlighted by Hawking and Professor Horgan, come into play. Hawking discusses the possibility that science can eventually uncover a "theory of everything" that unifies all physical interactions, but Hawkins also acknowledges the challenges of reaching such a monumental goal. Similarly, psychiatry, while making incredible strides it still faces profound challenges in understanding the human mind.

For example, the creation and development of antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac have helped transform lives, but we still don’t fully understand why they work for some people and not others. Could this be a placebo effect? Or just how our brains are wired? This lack of certainty reflects on Professor Horgan’s critique of scientific omniscience. In Professor Horgan's column, he writes, “The vision of total knowledge as a laughable delusion, a pathological fantasy that should never have been taken seriously.” Psychiatry exemplifies this tension between the hope for understanding and the reality of persistent mysteries.

Despite its challenges, psychiatry has made remarkable progress. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and scientific and technological advances in brain imaging have revolutionized how we approach mental health. Psychiatry’s ability to combine both biology and psychology makes it one of the most holistic branches of science. Even these breakthroughs reveal the field’s limitations. CBT works for many, but not all. Brain scans can show areas of dysfunction, but they don’t explain the subjective experience of mental illness.

Horgan’s critique of scientism, the idea that science can explain everything, reminds us that some mysteries might remain unsolvable. The human mind, may always hold secrets beyond the reach of science. Hawking’s vision of a "theory of everything" feels distant in psychiatry, where answers often lead to even more questions.

What draws me most to psychiatry besides my own connection (which I will dive deeper into later) is its human element. It’s not just about neurons and chemicals but it’s about people. It showcases their pain, resilience, and stories. Psychiatry forces us to confront the limits of science while valuing the progress we have made over time. For every unanswered question, there are countless lives improved by therapy, medication, and understanding.

Philip Anderson’s quote, shared by Professor Horgan, resonates here: “You never understand everything. When one understands everything, one has gone crazy.” Psychiatry thrives in this space of partial understanding. It shows us that science doesn’t have to solve every mystery, especially when it comes to the human mind to make a difference.

Psychiatry excites me the most because mental health is more than just an academic interest for me, it’s something I’ve lived through and am still living through. As a college student-athlete, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and social life. The pressure to perform in all areas can definitely be overwhelming. This ultimately leading to stress, burnout, and moments of self-doubt. There have been times when I’ve felt stretched too thin, trying to excel on the field, in the classroom, and in my relationships, only to feel like I’m falling short in all three.

These struggles have made me hyperaware of the importance of mental health. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a necessary step toward resilience. Though this is a very tough task for men especially men athletes in today's society. Whether it’s leaning on teammates, talking to a counselor, or taking time to recharge, I’ve come to appreciate how vital it is to prioritize my own mental well-being and I feel this is something that all should do. Psychiatry, with its focus on understanding and improving mental health, resonates deeply with my personal experiences and the challenges faced by so many student-athletes like me.

The last part of my blog or rant on psychiatry is why does this field of science matter? The world in my eyes is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other disorders. I believe this is heavily due to the presence of social media and how everyone feels that they must live up to a certain standard or “norm.” Psychiatry may not have all the answers, but it’s making progress where it counts, which is in people’s lives. It reminds us that science isn’t just about knowledge but it’s about impact. Even as it confronts its limits, psychiatry offers hope, healing, and humanity.

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