such a switch not exist for mental illness
I'm saying we can't argue this. Neither of us knows for sure, definitively, and we certainly don't know the particular case of this individual. What I'm saying is that no one is going to pity an adult that isn't suffering from a seriously debilitating disease (physical health intact and not deteriorating, can perform well in school/job), and therefore it is in OP's best interest to find a way, whatever way he/she can (through whatever methods necessary - physical, mental, [legally] chemical, whatever), to overcome this while doing what is necessary in the mean time.
His 3.8 is not evidence of mental health, just evidence that he can preform academically while depressed.
We both agree that a psych would define the OP as not being mentally healthy (see below). As far as myself, I don't know - the concept is too abstract and the data isn't solid. I can't say anything about any of this.
The essential feature of persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is a depressed mood that occurs for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years (at least 1 year for children and adolescents).
Essentially, if you are sad for more than half the time that you are aware of your feelings (which might not even be close to half the time you are actually awake and doing things), you are depressed. That feeling also has to occur for most (i.e. greater than half) of the day. So essentially, if you're sad, e.g., maybe 2-3 hours out of every day, you could easily fit this criteria. Further info below.
...
Individuals with persistent depressive disorder describe their mood as sad or “down in the dumps.” During periods of depressed mood,
at least two of the following six symptoms from are present.
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
ref:
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/dysthymic-disorder-symptoms/
OP has low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness. Without even knowing OP's sleeping and eating habits, one can deduce OP has clinical depression. No one is arguing that point; it can't be argued, as clinical depression is simply defined how it has been defined. (Note I am assuming here that the OP has these feelings for the majority of the time that he/she is aware of his/her feelings; an extrapolation I'm not really sure about, actually).
He's being treated for a mental illness; he's not "letting" feelings overcome him
If you'll allow me to be facetious by purposely misunderstanding you, let me say that I agree. OP is doing fine on paper - nothing actually has overcome OP. As far as personal mental suffering goes, that is a personal issue. I'm saying the OP doesn't have to let this mental illness hinder OP's performance or goals, which OP has already shown to be true through academic performance. I'm stating to OP what OP him/herself has already proven, so that OP understands the position he/she is in. Often times, people don't understand how capable they are. OP came here seeking advice - that was mine. Now, of course, I think we all agree that medicine needs to be an actual, serious goal before OP really pursues it - hence why everyone, including myself, has recommended OP get a taste of medicine by shadowing or getting a clinical job.
But to approach that comment seriously, again: it's not something that can be argued without more information. We have very little; not enough to make an informed decision. I hope you didn't think I was trying to definitively tell the OP that they aren't hindered by this issue. I was aiming to operate within the parameters we were given - that is, the discussion was about whether or not OP should become a doctor. I hoped to alleviate some of OP's concerns by telling OP that a lot of the feelings OP has are quite common and are consistently haunting many students and would-be doctors. As you said yourself, outward appearances indicate nothing about mental health. Those others, though OP may see them as "normal," are actually constantly struggling with their own mental illnesses (as they are defined by the dsm v). Most don't take the time to talk about them, though, or get professional help,as the reference I cited states, because it simply becomes status quo and they learn to live without consistent mental comfort. Whether or not this should be a state of normalcy, or whether it should be acceptable, would be an unending debate - one is at liberty to make a decision either way and act accordingly.
How does OP know if they wanna be a doctor with no idea of what it's like? Gotta start somewhere.
