Adjustment issues

[bluebirdie]

---

Members don't see this ad.

So, I just recently switched residency programs. From family medicine to pediatrics. For some reason I'm having serious issues with adjusting. I'm having a tougher time adjusting to my new residency than I did last year when I did my first intern year. I've felt very lonely and have had trouble relating my class. I've lost touch with my old friends. On top of that I live with my folks and my mom seems to be having this midlife crisis right now. 😕 I started to feel burned out during mid-May, I felt very apathetic about work in June. In July although I enjoyed my first month in peds, I was having recurrent nightmares. I've been feeling not like myself and very crappy for the last 3 months so my doc put me on Wellbutrin (i've only been on it for a month) I also have been talking things out with a counselor. I've also been trying to get more exercise. Has anyone felt like this? I know pediatrics is what I enjoy most, but I feel like I have no hope for the future and get very discouraged when I think of the next 3 years ahead of me. Any suggestions on how to remedy this situation? I know it takes a while for things to take effect, but I'm really getting sick of feeling like crap and want to go back to my old happy self again!!

 

[BlondeDocteur]

I'm really sorry to hear that, BlueBirdie. It seems to me that you've identified one of the main reasons this transition has been so difficult-- you feel disconnected from your social network.

As an intern in your old FP program, you came into residency with a class of people who were all new and in the trenches together. That can lead to some intense bonding, based on shared experience and "adversity." Now you've transitioned to your new peds program and you're the outsider looking in. All your new classmates-- the peds PGY-2s-- bonded with each other throughout their internship. And since that bonding is based on shared experience (the terror of being in charge of the ward your first night on call, a particularly poor outcome, learning the ropes of the new hospital together, what have you), and since you didn't share those experiences, it's going to be tough to break into the circle.

Living with your parents can reinforce that sense of isolation, and of being the odd one out-- particularly if that home situation is stressful.

Like I said, it's going to be tough to break in, but certainly not impossible. Throughout this academic year you're going to have your own set of shared experiences with your new colleagues, which should be the foundation of some lasting friendships.

In the meantime, keep taking that Wellbutrin, tell yourself "this too shall pass," focus on all the good things you can think of re: your switch to peds ("I'll never have to deal with another 80 p-y smoker again!" "Those babies are so adorable!"), and force yourself to go out with your colleagues during group socializations, especially when you don't feel like it. Don't let the depression run your life. And lastly-- is moving out, with a roommate, an option? Living alone could reinforce your solitude, but moving out with other people could really help you feel less lonely and more integrated.