“Golden”: Embracing Silence to Foster Deeper Connections in Psychiatry

What is it about?

This reflective essay, “Golden,” presents a personal account of a medical student’s humbling and reflective experience in a psychiatry setting. It narrates the evolution of the student’s relationship with silence and their learning to embrace silence as a powerful tool in patient communication.

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Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash

Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Initially perceiving silence as uncomfortable and a frightening void to fill, the author comes to understand its value in providing space for patients to authentically express themselves. Through several patient encounters, silence allowed for deeper connections and a more genuine understanding of patients’ experiences. These lessons are particularly resonant in the setting of child and adolescent psychiatry, when the well-intentioned expertise of adult mental health practitioners may forestall opportunities for young patients to share their perspectives fully. The author suggests reframing silence as a choice to signal one’s intent to listen, serving as a canvas for others’ thoughts and feelings. Embracing this mindset has transformed the author’s mindset when spending time with patients, replacing anxiety with curiosity and hope.