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Started by moonbeam28
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What types of accommodations do you think you need to help you succeed?

Is a lot of your anxiety associated with attending in-person classes/labs? Since most schools were mostly online last year, it seems like this is something they can accommodate. I also know that most schools have counseling services - having some sort of mental health struggle does not mean you have to take time off to work on it, it can occur while you are still in classes.

And I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, but failing a year would be a lot worse than taking a leave of absence if that's what you need.
 
usually the school will offer accommodations, whether its extra test taking time/private test taking setting, or something to that extent. It seems harsh that they would jump to leave of absence.

If you're not already, it may be wise to establish with a good psychiatrist, or at least a good therapist.
 
moonbeam28 said:
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Asking for help for having mental health issues is not a sign of weakness, doesn't make you a poor student, nor is it a loss of face. You're going to have enough noncompliant patients in your career, don't be one yourself.

Talk to Student Services and ask for help.

If you need to take a LOA, that's fine. You come back stronger.
 
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Goro said:
Asking for help for having mental health issues is not a sign of weakness, doesn't make you a poor student, nor is it a loss of face. You're going to have enough noncompliant patients in your career, don't be one yourself.

Talk to Student Services and ask for help.

If you need to take a LOA, that's fine. You come back stronger.
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first line: (please don't quote)

goro: quotes

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I would go talk to your academic counselor and with the office of medical education. Many schools will have protocols in place for this that allow you to take a week or two off to get yourself together, and do makeup work when you come back. I even know a student who got two concussions 2nd year, spent 12 weeks total out of school, and still finished 2nd year on time.
 
moonbeam28 said:
thank you so much everyone. i think i am going to talk to my school counselor. i was nervous to admit my mental health being impacted because although i know all the physicians in education are there to help i still worry about the stigma and them thinking i cant handle obstacles. it sounds dumb when i say it outloud but the "bar" of expectations of physicians is high and it made me feel like im not cut out for it if i cant just power through. it makes sense with things being virtual last year maybe some of those activities can be accommodated and maybe i can take the final exam a week later or something. thank you guys
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Im a psychiatrist. You know how many medical professionals are on psychiatric medications? More than you would think. When I was in residency, a guy had a seizure disorder so he was exempt from doing overnight call. A couple people even had recurring substance use disorders and they were still accomodated and worked with.

It's ok to compliment yourself, and tell yourself that you're doing a great job. Behind the façade of arrogance/confidence/ego boosting of medical students/residents/attendings/etc, there is struggle. We all have some form of struggle. I think its a form of strength through insight that we can identify our own self struggle and admit when were struggling.
 
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