“I’ve seen many cases where well-meaning phrases like ‘stay strong’ or ‘things will get better’ actually leave patients feeling dismissed,” said Dr Thuc, a specialist in adolescent mental health. “They can feel misunderstood and even more isolated.”

Supporting Patients with Mental Health Conditions in Reintegrating into Daily Life

Once an outgoing university student with a confident presence and a love for life, 20-year-old C. experienced a sudden and dramatic change. He began avoiding communication with family and friends, felt constantly threatened by imagined dangers, and gradually became withdrawn and hostile. His family was devastated when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

C.’s family searched desperately for help – travelling across the country from North to South, trying everything from modern medicine to spiritual practices and even superstition. They consulted leading mental health specialists in Vietnam, but nothing seemed to work. Despite repeated hospitalisations in psychiatric facilities, C.’s condition did not improve, leaving his family feeling hopeless as if they had “lost” their son.

When they heard that FV Hospital had welcomed Dr Thuc, a psychiatrist trained in the United States, to its medical team, C.’s family brought him in for a consultation, clinging to a final sliver of hope. Following a thorough evaluation, Dr Thuc provided a detailed medical report outlining C.’s clinical symptoms, physical condition, and diagnostic impressions. He then proposed a comprehensive treatment plan that combined medication, psychotherapy, and regular monitoring of C.’s physical health. After one year of consistent care, C. had stabilised both mentally and physically. He returned to work, and was able to resume a stable personal life.

“We were overjoyed. It felt like our family had been given a second chance at life. We are deeply grateful to FV Hospital for bringing in Dr Thuc. Our son is now 99% back to full health”, his mother shared with emotion.

Dr Thuc explained that the goal of treating psychiatric disorders is to help patients regain behavioural control and reintegrate into society. As such, relying solely on medication or isolating patients is not effective. “The optimal approach involves collaboration between the doctor, the patient, their family, and the wider community”, Dr Thuc emphasised.

A Psychiatrist’s Journey Home from the United States

Dr Phan Duy Thuc earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2011. He went on to complete a Triple Board Residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York in 2016, specialising in Paediatrics, General Psychiatry, and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He is board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

While working at the New York State Office of Mental Health, Dr Thuc was responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing psychiatric patients. He supported thousands of individuals in overcoming severe psychological distress and trauma, helping them regain joy in life and achieve personal milestones.

Dr Thuc shared that each visit back to Vietnam deepened his connection with his homeland. That growing bond ultimately led him to return home when Dr Jean-Marcel Guillon, CEO of FV Hospital, invited him to join the hospital’s team of specialists.

According to Dr Thuc, FV’s international-standard medical environment provides ideal conditions for supporting patients on their journey to mental wellness, while also allowing him to contribute to the advancement of psychiatric care in Vietnam.

Dr Thuc noted that in Ho Chi Minh City, a large urban centre with high work-related stress, mental health issues are diverse and complex. Many young patients have confided in him about experiencing suicidal thoughts. At FV Hospital, he also treated his first case of dissociative identity disorder (DID), a rare condition compared to those he commonly encountered in his previous practice.

Known for his professional yet approachable style, Dr Thuc often spends hours, even multiple sessions, listening carefully to his patients’ stories to accurately assess their mental health and design a personalised treatment plan. At FV Hospital, a multidisciplinary general hospital, treatment is delivered through close collaboration between the Psychiatry Department, Clinical Psychology, and other departments such as Nutrition and Internal Medicine, particularly when long-term medication or coexisting health conditions are involved.

Dr Thuc emphasised that effective treatment of psychiatric disorders requires the joint efforts of both healthcare professionals and families. Rather than trying to “fix the problem,” loved ones should focus on being present, listening without judgement, validating the individual’s emotions, and gently encouraging them to seek professional support. These small but genuine actions can have a meaningful impact.

Often, individuals are unaware they have a mental health issue until symptoms become severe. Dr Thuc advises that early warning signs to watch for include: changes in sleep or appetite; ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability; social withdrawal; difficulty concentrating or a decline in school or work performance; and negative or hopeless thinking, including thoughts of self-harm.

“If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or start to interfere with daily life, it’s time to seek help. The earlier the intervention, the more effective the treatment”, Dr Thuc stressed.