When You Understand Medicine but Still Need Support 

You are trained to assess symptoms, make difficult decisions, and remain composed in uncertain situations.                      But when it is your own child, clinical knowledge does not help the worry disappear.

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Sometimes we ourselves as physician moms can over relate to the pressures we see our high achieving teens placing on themselves. We know- we used to be them when we were younger. Maybe we even see these traits in ourselves now- overly self critical, self doubt, nothing is enough, anxiety, second guessing, over thinking, procrastination.

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For some of us physician moms perfectionism runs in our blood.  It is the pulse that propels us forward.  It can be encouraging to see some of these traits our kids- until it seems to kick into overdrive.f

Perfectionism isn't a personality flaw- its a pulse that the heartbeat of a life well lived.

Now when we try to help our teens nagivate the stress and pressure that we once dealt with, it can be challenging to come up with solutions that you both have already tried. 

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You may find yourself wondering:

• Is this typical teenage stress or something more?

• Is anxiety driving my teen’s perfectionism or fear of failure?

• Could ADHD be contributing to procrastination or overwhelm?

• Why does my capable teenager seem exhausted or unhappy?

• Should we consider medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination?

• How can I help without adding to the pressure my teen already feels?

 

You do not need to evaluate every possibility or make every decision on your own. At DoBetterMD, Dr. Naidoo can help provide a psychiatric perspective  with clarity, direction, and a thoughtful plan for what comes next.

Your Teen Is More Than Their Achievements

From the outside, your teenager may appear to have everything together. They may earn strong grades, participate in demanding activities, and set ambitious goals.

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But beneath those accomplishments, they may be struggling with constant pressure, racing thoughts, fear of disappointing others, difficulty resting, or the belief that nothing they accomplish is ever enough.

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Struggling does not mean your teen lacks ability, discipline, or potential. It may simply mean they need a different kind of support.

A Thoughtful, Individualized Approach

Dr. Naidoo looks beyond surface-level symptoms to understand your teen as a whole person.

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Her approach may consider your teen’s emotional health, medical history, daily habits, family environment, academic demands, relationships, strengths, and goals.

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Depending on your teen’s needs, care may include:

• A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

• Assessment of anxiety, ADHD, mood, and related concerns

• Clear explanations of diagnostic findings

• An individualized treatment plan

• Therapy when clinically appropriate

• Medication management when clinically appropriate

• Consideration of sleep, nutrition, movement, and lifestyle factors

• Coordination with therapists and other professionals when appropriate

• Guidance to help you understand and support the treatment plan

 

The goal is build strategies to manage stress from the inside out.  I aim to help your child pursue their goals without being controlled by anxiety, overwhelm, or relentless internal pressure.

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When It Feels Like Burn Out

Burnout doesn’t happen because you’re not capable. It happens because you’re always “on.”  Being a doctor is hard.  All day long thats what you do.  Being a mom is even harder.  You come home and all night long thats what you do.  You can't catch a break!   Sometimes the stress of work, caring for patients, and managing your own emotions when it comes to intentionally parenting your child can become too much. 

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As a dual board certified Psychiatrist for both Adults and Children, and as a physician mom, I understand both sides of this stress.  We know as moms that managing our own emotions is key to helping our children do the same.  

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If Compassion Fatigue has you questioning your capacity, I can help. 

I provide individual therapy and psychiatric care fo physician moms at DoBetterMD.

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