An Improbable Psychiatrist: Rebecca Lawrence

An Improbable Psychiatrist is Rebecca Lawrence’s compelling and deeply personal account of living with bipolar disorder while pursuing a career in psychiatry. Offering the rare dual perspective of both doctor and patient, she reflects on her experiences of inpatient care, electroconvulsive therapy, and the emotional complexities of grief, family life, and recovery.

First diagnosed in her twenties, Rebecca underwent intensive treatment—including medication and ECT—at a time when she was advised to abandon her medical ambitions. Refusing to give up, she trained as a psychiatrist and is now a consultant and writer. Her work has been featured in The Guardian and Prospect Magazine, where she speaks openly about mental illness in order to reduce stigma and offer hope.

This is ultimately a story of resilience. With appropriate treatment, support, and perseverance, Rebecca shows that it’s possible not only to survive, but to thrive, even in the face of serious mental illness.