:eek:

I am two and a half weeks of residency and I'm drowning and depressed. How long did it take for y'all to get used to all of this??? I feel so incompetent...

I bet you know alot more than you think. The confidence will come with time. Just don't let it turn into cockiness, temper it with modesty and doubt. Your knowledge will grow with time too. Just remember, when you need help with something, ask for it. And please, be nice to the nurses... ;)

The other suggestion I have is to take a sport up, or if you're doing one already, do more. Yes, you're short of sleep. Running is good. Swimming is better.

My memory of medicine internship:


First few months: drowning and depressed
Next several months: :) Hey this isn't so bad. I can handle this.
Some time around January: This sucks and is never going to end plus I haven't seen the sun in weeks.
Last few months: :) :) I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.


Hang in there. The learning curve is steep which makes it hard but also means it will quickly get better.

i am amazed at how much you learn in your intern year. not that i'm some full fledged attending or anything, but you will learn sooooooooooo much in just the first few months. do not feel depressed...things will get better...just give it time. the learning curve is so damn steep at this time.

:eek:

I am two and a half weeks of residency and I'm drowning and depressed. How long did it take for y'all to get used to all of this??? I feel so incompetent...

What rotation are you doing? If you're in the unit, you'd be surprised at how much nicer internship is once you hit an elective/outpatient month (if you get one).

Just started second year, and I just now feel like I know how to be an intern. You'll have lots of times when you feel elated that you know something. They do help for all the times you feel like a complete idiot. Try to realize that no matter how smart the other interns/residents seem, they ALL went through periods of doubt and depression. Once you survive the ICU (and likely you will), you'll have a lot more confidence.

If the depression gets worse or doesn't lift, consider seeing someone. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but you will get the hang of it.

Don't worry, it will get better. One of these days, you'll get a call from a nurse, dictate a series of orders and then realize "Wow, did that come out of my mouth?" A good feeling.... :D