How Can I Help?: A Week in My Life as a Psychiatrist

by David Goldbloom, Pier Bryden

A humane behind-the-scenes account of a week in the life of a psychiatrist at one of Canada’s leading mental health hospitals. How Can I Help? takes us to the frontlines of modern psychiatric care.

How Can I Help? portrays a week in the life of Dr. David Goldbloom as he treats patients, communicates with families, and trains staff at CAMH, the largest psychiatric facility in Canada. This highly readable and touching behind-the-scenes account of his daily encounters with a wide range of psychiatric concerns—from his own patients and their families to Emergency Department arrivals—puts a human face on an often misunderstood area of medical expertise. From schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder to post-traumatic stress syndrome and autism, How Can I Help? investigates a range of mental issues.

What is it like to work as a psychiatrist now? What are the rewards and challenges? What is the impact of the suffering—and the recovery—of people with mental illness on families and the clinicians who treat them? What does the future hold for psychiatric care?

How Can I Help? demystifies a profession that has undergone profound change over the past twenty-five years, a profession that is often misunderstood by the public and the media, and even by doctors themselves. It offers a compassionate, realistic picture of a branch of medicine that is entering a new phase, as increasingly we are able to decode the mysteries of the brain and offer new hope for sufferers of mental illness.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health, Medicine, Memoir, Canada, Biography

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

Dr. David Goldbloom, OC, MD, FRCPC (born 1953) is a Canadian psychiatrist, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, author, lecturer and mental health advocate. He is currently the Senior Medical Advisor of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and a psychiatric consultant

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canada has socialised medicine, and this book talks as much of psychiatric care in all its forms and the people who access it as it does the actual practice of psychiatry. It's a well-written book by a very compassionate man who does not view the mentally ill as any different from those who have a physical illness He would like to break the barrier that says 'mentally ill' is being 'other' not-like-us, compared to'physically ill' which is a week off work, a box of chocolates and sitting propped up in front of the telly until better.

It's a good book, a lifetime of practice condensed into a week. Not earth-shattering, not paradigm-shifting, no new 'ah hah' insights, but a five star read by an author who writes beautifully of his life and exactly how he helps people to become 'themselves' again.

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

One in five Canadians each year will experience some form of mental illness. My son is one of them and “they” are “us”.

Dr. David Goldbloom shows us a week into his work life at the largest psychiatric facility in Canada. Introducing us to patients, understanding how the system works, training and describing the impact mental illness has on patients and their family as well as the impact on the staff that treat them. He helps break down the stigma around psychiatry, the people with psychiatric disorders and the people who treat them.

As a parent I wrestle each day within myself with society's lack of understanding, misinformation, and stigma towards psychiatric disorders and the people who treat them but with information like this it gives me hope that more people will come to understand mental illness and that people need to feel safe and heard to get the care they need.

[Sarah Lumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, wow, wow… this was a difficult book to read. Not because it was boring or difficult, but because of its content. It took me a long time to finish because this is not the type of book you speed-read.

I have read many books about mental illness, yet Dr. David Goldbloom’s book had the most profound impact on me. I think it was because this book was written from a Canadian psychiatrist’s perspective. Most of the books I read about mental health and mental illness are based in America, but I recognized the places Dr. David Goldbloom mentioned in his book - McGill, the CMHA, and downtown Toronto’s bustling streets were all so familiar to me.

This is a book about Canada’s mental healthcare system, but most importantly, it is about the patients who access these services and the professionals who treat them. I was touched by this book because 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental illness., and many of my family and friends are part of that statistic.

So much of what Dr. Goldbloom says in this book resonated with me. There were a few moments where I had to put the book down and cry - it was that good.

What I liked about this book is Dr. Goldbloom’s self awareness. He grew up in an affluent family, attended elite schools, and maintained good health throughout his life. He was both genetically and economically privileged. To be honest, I do not think you can work in the healthcare sector without acknowledging that life is inevitably easier for some and harder for others. However, having this self-awareness enabled Dr. Goldbloom to use his platform to advocate for patients who cope with mental illness.

Dr. Goldbloom talks about his patients with kindness, humility, acceptance, and warmth. This made the clinical cases featured in this book feel authentic and personal. He also uses this opportunity to highlight the problems his patients face like unemployment, exclusion, poverty, isolation, and stigma. This was refreshing to see; Dr. Goldbloom does not view mental illness using a one-dimensional model, rather he uses the bio-psycho-social approach to understand and help his patients.

He acknowledges the limitations of psychiatry. There is no true cure for mental illness. Just suppressing the symptoms until the patient can hopefully reach their baseline state and becoming functioning again. He says he finds it difficult to explain to people why these treatment limitations exist because there is no reason. We still do not understand the exact cause or treatment for mental illness.

I don’t know… I guess a lot of the clinical cases recounted in this book broke my heart. The college student who dropped out because of his mental illness, the woman who spent years battling an eating disorder, and the frightened man who is experiencing psychosis. Dr. Goldbloom did a great job narrating each of these stories with dignity and respect.

Overall, this was a great book. It represents everything I look for in a non-fiction - a balance of insightfulness, theory, and story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is affected by mental illness. It helped me learn a lot about the field and helped build my empathy and compassion.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a psychologist who has been out of the field for 25 years. Dr. Goldbloom's book caught me up to date on the efficacy of ECT, outreach programs, medications and the legal responsibilities of the psychiatrist. All of this has changed since my time. While being informative it was never boring. One thing that used to drive me crazy in rounds, was when the psychiatrists on the wards were wedded to the DSM (the bible of mental illnesses) . Once they found a diagnosis and a medication to match they thought they'd finished the case.Of course it was only the beginning! ( I swear the DSM to some psychiatrists was like the WATCHTOWER to some Jehovah's witnesses.) There is a wonderful chapter in this book where Dr. Goldbloom, a seasoned psychiatrist, sits in on a session with a resident who is doing exactly what I abhor-- finding a diagnosis instead of empathizing. Dr. Goldbloom is so gentle with the resident and with the patient Clearly he knows how to teach as well as deal with patients. The greatest part of the book is the humanity of Dr. Goldbloom. The reader picks up the caring he has for the patients and that empathy transfers to the reader. There are humorous moments but they are never at the patient's expense. This, of course, can never be taught . If you compare Dr. Goldbloom's, HOW CAN I HELP to Dr. Lieberman's SHRINKS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF PSYCHIATRY, ( delusional title) you can see that although Lieberman can be occassionaly engaging it is all about him. He wants to appear dazzling in his diagnoses. You never feel for his patients what you , as the reader, feel for Dr. Goldbloom's.
Finally, if you have anyone in your family or circle who suffers from mental illness, this book lowers your anxiety. It helps you to see that if you find someone caring in the system, no stone is left unturned and that if one thing does not work there are now a myriad of options.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I read this book I was met with several coincidences, which I thought cool. There's nothing like learning something new, and then applying it, almost immediately. Saturday I started a crossword puzzle and came across a 4-letter word ending in 21, for an immigrant's museum in Halifax. So I guessed 'pier' and went back to this book here. Within pages I am reading about the author's Mother, Ruth Goldbloom, being a major contributor to the Pier 21 project in Halifax. (Whoa). Then on Monday evening I started an online course, from the UK, called "The Role of Personal Assistants in Disability Support". There I was introduced to professor Tom Shakespeare. I enjoyed the first lesson and then returned to finish this book. Within an hour I'm reading 'Author's Note' that immediately quotes, who else, but Tom Shakespeare! So excuse my "Holy Shit!" moment but my lately my life has been going this way. It's like everything is coming full circle and all of the cosmos are lining up. Kismet has been my friend, and as an extra bonus, David Goldbloom has managed to finally explain the mysterious word 'Salience'. I have googled the heck out of this term for the past 5 years and I could not wrap my head around it's meaning until now, so "Thank you, thank you, Dr. Goldbloom!" And if I ever need a shrink, I think I'd take the drive to Toronto and gladly spills my beans for him. He writes about his clients with a genuine respect and seems to have a very approachable demeanor. From his writing it is evident that he authentically likes and cares about people and wants to help them, and that he actually enjoys his job.

[Kelsey Mech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! It provides super wonderful insight into mental illness from the perspective of an esteemed psychiatrist. It is written in a way that provides many stories of individuals, keeping it interesting and engaging. As the author goes through his week as a psychiatrist, we follow him through various areas of the medical system in which he works. I think this is a fantastic read for anyone wishing to better understand mental illness, its many forms, and its pervasiveness in society. The only flaw I found was that the way access to the medical system was presented made it seem much more accessible and accountable than I have experienced. Many of the clients I work with are not dealt with as carefully or holistically as was described in this book, and are left to struggle on their own. Unfortunately, that truth was left out of Dr. Goldbloom's telling. However, setting this point aside, read this book! It's pretty fantastic.

[Shirley Mytnowych · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I did not finish reading this. It was a slow read for me and I have too many other books I want to read right now. I plan to finish it in the fall. Summer is a time for lighter reading and I have a pile I want to tackle. What I did read was interesting, but very wordy. A book not to be scanned and read quickly.

[Laura Noyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting stories and applicable to a class I’m currently taking. Was a heavy read at some points

[Ashley Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tough book... not because it was difficult to read but because it was difficult moments/days that he took me along. Really gives you the insight and struggles of that field of work!

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

TLDR: "Even if you read this book bits at a time, or only for the chapters that you find interesting, you will come away with something new – unless you’re a psychiatrist and know everything already. But for someone not specialized in this field, this is an absolute great read to begin to understand a field that is riddled with stereotypes, assumptions, and ignorance from the general public (Canadian viewpoint)."

How can I help? : Full Book Review (No spoilers)
I picked up this book (How can I help) with another psychology book: The Disordered Mind: what unusual minds tell us (Eric R Kandel) hoping to learn a few more things in one of my favourite nonfiction subjects (helps that I have an undergraduate honours degree in psychology). Kandel’s book promised to be more inspiring, being authored by a Nobel Laureate and all that jazz, but within a couple pages of reading I noted that the material he was providing was basic-basic. Like an intro psycho course where the professor just took the psych book and pulled sections out for his notes. No depth, no interest, no intrigue, no taking on big debated topics; just straight down the middle informative with no real reflection of how the disordered mind tells us, “normal minds” about our own brains. A cool title of a book that didn’t deliver. I flipped through to a few other sections and read some here and there and found nothing that told me my initial response to the book was wrong. Kandel – I’m sorry – you may be a Nobel Laureate but I am disheartened to find a book with your name on it with none of your own interesting insights from your years of experience and sharpened intellect.

After my disappointing quick flip through Disordered Mind I turned to How can I help? And began to read through a random page. I admit that I go through fads of being interested in different psychiatric diagnoses, on that day it was bipolar and borderline. I began to read Goldbloom’s section about a patient of his that had bipolar. Immediately, I responded to the book: this guy knows what he’s talking about, he knows how to tell the story, he knows how to show the person and their enchanting characters to the reader portraying both their deep struggles and their 'normalcy' in the human experience. I quickly flipped to the Foreword wanting to start this book from the beginning. And was I glad I did, there I found an author aware of his biases, prepared to present his thoughts based on his experience, his research and his training. I found an author who shared his unique job insights, the daily dilemmas – both his own and in the eyes of the public, and the individuals who make his job worth continuing.

It was such a refreshing read, after the lackluster effort from Kandel for many reasons. The most important, to me, was that this was a book about the Canadian psychiatric and medical system. The topic itself would have interested me had it been based in the US or UK or AUS but knowing that the intricacies that the authors faced with the legal and medical departments were specific to Canada eased my analytical brain because I knew I didn’t need to filter it to a Canadian perspective. The second reason this was a refreshing read: the authors didn’t hold back, they presented individuals who were out in the depths, who were caught up in their illness and who needed help desperately – in the moment and over extended decades. Sure, the authors also provided a variety of individuals but they also backed up the makeup of their included cases based on the statistics of their experiences in the Toronto Hospital ACU. In addition to introducing the reader to a career they may never have known much about and its intricacies, the authors also included histories of modern dilemmas, stigmas, and illnesses as well as their current cures. Providing little tidbits of history that is reflective of their in-depth reading in the topic and their continued interested in their lifelong career.

Even if you read this book bits at a time, or only for the chapters that you find interesting, you will come away with something new – unless you’re a psychiatrist and know everything already. But for someone not specialized in this field, this is an absolute great read to begin to understand a field that is riddled with stereotypes, assumptions, and ignorance from the general public (Canadian viewpoint).

[Erin Moxam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I heard David Goldbloom interviewed on CBC Radio and thought it sounded interesting, so I gave it a shot. This book is exactly what the title says it is, a week in his life as a psychiatrist, but I would wager what his week looks like is not what many people would expect. It is well written, informative and gives some history on the practice of psychiatry as it relates to the patients he profiles in the book, which is interesting in and of itself. I know from listening to him on the radio that Dr. Goldbloom is an intelligent, sincere and compassionate man and his book shares these qualities. To see healthcare from the doctor's perspective was enlightening, and oddly reassuring through the foibles and doubts that plague us all as human beings. He is not perfect, but he tries his best. An important and accessible book on an important subject.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very hard for me to rate this book.

It is very informative and written, obviously, with the general public in mind but it has depressed me no end. It was so ‘informative’ it was a downer for me.

I don’t fault Dr. Goldbloom because all he did was write the facts as he knows them.

I had no idea that ECT was still being used, albeit in a more humane and managed manner. I thought it had gone out of use since the dark ages so that was a bit of a jolt (no pun intended).

As per doctor patient interaction Psychiatrist Dr. Goldbloom seems to be the exception to the rule which in itself is a depressing thought. If you do not happen to find the right Psychiatrist things are going to be pretty much hopeless.

“Psychiatry has few easy answers for either its patients or its doctors.” (Pg.317)

Having said all of that I do not want to dissuade anyone from reading this book. It is an important book for anyone interested in the subject.

[Liza Leshchynska · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone interested in psychology I shied away from psychiatry books because my exposure to psychiatry has largely been negative. I saw psychiatry as an arbitrary, punitive measure, one that historically perpetuated inequality. However, this book really helped me see some of the positives that psychiatric intervention has on people’s lives. I particularly liked the author’s (a psychiatrist at CAMH) readiness to use community supports to supplement psychiatric treatment and his awareness of the social determinants of mental health. This book also touched on the pervasive stigma that exists around mental illness to this day and how this translates to a psychiatric inpatient unit. I would really recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about psychiatry.

[Laima]

Look forward to reading this book. Just won a free copy from Goodreads.

[Brian Janz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on this book almost by accident but I'm very glad I did. This book is brilliant, moving, and educational but Dr. Goldbloom keeps such a vibrant sense of humanity throughout the narrative that it is easy to relate to and understand everything he writes about, even if you don't know too much about mental disorders/psychiatry to start off with.

This book offers a very real, very humble and honest glimpse into the life of a psychiatrist. Dr. Goldbloom walks us through what an average week looks like for a psychiatrist, but also for the various patients being treated. The lives he writes about feel real, the illnesses, the treatments, the patients, the patients' families - all of these come to life just as if I were sitting in his psychiatrist's office experiencing everything firsthand. It is rare that a professional with such a long history in their field is also such a talented writer, able to articulate and show a world that is foreign to most of us with such a degree of clarity.

Dr. Goldbloom often diverges into these little sidebars explaining the history, controversy or complexity of different areas of psychiatry. From the history of different treatment options, to the lingering stigma over mental illness, to the details in the construction of psychiatric hospitals themselves, it seems like every corner of the mental health world is touched on and illuminated at least a little bit. These sidebars never stray too far from the main narrative however, and are not so long as to be distracting. On the contrary, they are a welcome addition to the uneducated reader (such as myself) that quickly sketch out the basics of complicated terms and concepts in a clear and understandable way.

As someone who has a long history of dealing with mental illness both in myself and in many close friends and family, I still have a singularly "patient-based" view of the mental health industry. This book helped me so much to understand the different professionals I've worked with, how they operate, how they think, etc. It was actually a huge help to get this little glimpse of things from their side, and this book was an invaluable and unexpected gift in that respect.

I recommend this book to anyone who experiences any form of mental illness, or who knows somebody who does, or to anyone who is considering a career as a mental health professional, or indeed to anyone who is simply curious about the mind, psychiatry, or mental illness.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway for an honest review.

Having a psychology background, I enjoyed seeing the perspective of a Psychiatrist. For those who have always been curious about what a psychiatrist really does and how they treat patients would love this book. I think everyone should read this book because it gives the perspective from a mental health care provider as well as how clients live their very difficult reality. Interesting to see the positive and negative effects of current treatments and how things must/ will change the future of psychiatry and mental illness. This book puts a human face to mental health care providers and shows how their lives are impacted by their patients and their chosen profession. Wanting to help patients with limited ressources, funding and lots of stigma is certainly a challenge when working in the mental health sector.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful read. I have some psychology background and a natural interest in mental health topics, which made it all the more engaging. However I would recommend that everyone read it. It provides an accessible understanding of the mental health system, how peoples world's can be devastated by a mental health emergency or chronic condition, and how stigmas can interact with treatments and are detrimental to the support of people with mental heath conditions. In a broader perspective, it encourages us to think about what we can do to be more compassionate humans and more supportive of everyone struggling with unknown battles, and to fight the stigmas and talk more about mental health.

[Lynda Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Goldbloom, a Toronto psychiatrist, makes psychiatry and his work with patients with psychiatric illnesses very accessible to everyone. I strongly recommend this book if you wish to understand more about depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar, anxiety disorders and the current treatments available for them. The book is written in a very accessible manner so you don't have to be a physician or therapist to understand what Goldbloom is talking about. I would also add that Goldbloom writes with deep compassion and caring for the people he treats. And he skilfully demonstrates how mental illness still remains stigmatized and misunderstood in today's society.

[Megan Rafuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a long time to finish this book as I often picked it up and put it down depending on where I’ve been in my own journey as a mental health clinician and someone with adhd. It was well worth finishing and I thoroughly enjoyed the discussions of ethics, ego, accountability, doubt and hope a clinician experiences throughout their journey in practice.

I admire the author and those with lived experiences in openly sharing their journeys.

[Nicole C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides great insight into the work of a psychiatrist. I found it easy to read - but that may be because I studied psychology. I'd say though, that readers will be able to follow and understand the stories told in this book, regardless of background. I read it wanting to see if psychiatry was for me, and it has helped a little in forming my decision.

[Maya Sohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read. Very engaging and informative regarding life as a psychiatrist. I admire Dr. Goldbloom's outlook on his profession and his teaching style as presented in this novel. Interesting commentary and peek behind the scenes of our mental health system.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to understand mental illness and its treatment pick this up. A really engaging book by a skilled psychiatrist whose empathy and insight bridge the gap between his patients and those with no personal experience of mental illness.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very educational and insightful look at the world of psychiatry from the perspective of a practitioner.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a much better read than I had anticipated. The history of different mental illnesses broke the flow but we interesting for showing how far, or not, we've come.

[Whimsy Honey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love this! Very informative and sincere!

[Erica Blimkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into an often misunderstood profession.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, informative and enlightening, I believe this is an important work which will contribute to a reduction in the stigma attached to mental illness in our times.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare that a book will thoroughly shake you and change you in some way. This one does.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Highly recommended.

[WendyP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Helped make sense of some ill held beliefs I had around psychiatry.