Delaying Plans for DO

[subwayrider]

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I'm in an interesting situation right now. I've been at CC for a while-- I was one of those lost, unmotivated students, but have still managed to keep a pretty good GPA-- and decided last year that I would like to be a family doctor. I have taken a few of the science courses needed for entry, and was planning on continuing down this path when I realized I'm not as motivated as I should be, if I can be realistic about getting in.

The truth is that I have had pretty severe emotional problems for about eight years now. It gets in the way of studying pretty often, because, to be honest, I'm bordering on suicide about every other night, so I'm afraid the stress might just push me over the edge one day soon. The alternative is that I succumb to my problems again and, in an effort to keep myself alive, I completely neglect my schoolwork.

Do you think it would be a good idea to delay my plans for osteopathic school? I know that sometimes being older than the traditionals can help you get in. I am now planning on majoring in English, which I know you can still get in with, and a lot of people do, and traveling the world as an English teacher. As much as I want to be a doctor, it's not worth my life at this point. Further, some research shows that most mood disorders level out over time. Maybe in 5-10 years I will be much better equipped to handle the workload, and I'll have a great story to tell.

What do you guys think?

 

[Jas1360]

I think you already answered your own question.

 

[411309]

Have you tried getting help and finding ways to work around these problems?

 

[Mosonik]

Up the road I agree with you, your experience and testimony will be a great asset for whatever you do, whether DO or teaching or anything else. But with that said, a career is not worth your health and life. PLEASE take the time to focus on getting whatever help you need to be at a good place. There is time for the following your interests and passions but some things are priorities and this is one of them🙂

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Not only should you delay, you need to immediately seek out professional help for these problems instead of keeping them to yourself and letting them build up.

 

[docmayer]

I think you already answered your own question.

This... I don't think anyone on here is going to say "Yah, I think you should just go DO even though you have suicide thoughts and think it might push you over the edge one day..." As other posters have said, delay it and get help asap.

 

[nwmedapplicant]

I'm in an interesting situation right now. I've been at CC for a while-- I was one of those lost, unmotivated students, but have still managed to keep a pretty good GPA-- and decided last year that I would like to be a family doctor. I have taken a few of the science courses needed for entry, and was planning on continuing down this path when I realized I'm not as motivated as I should be, if I can be realistic about getting in.

The truth is that I have had pretty severe emotional problems for about eight years now. It gets in the way of studying pretty often, because, to be honest, I'm bordering on suicide about every other night, so I'm afraid the stress might just push me over the edge one day soon. The alternative is that I succumb to my problems again and, in an effort to keep myself alive, I completely neglect my schoolwork.

Do you think it would be a good idea to delay my plans for osteopathic school? I know that sometimes being older than the traditionals can help you get in. I am now planning on majoring in English, which I know you can still get in with, and a lot of people do, and traveling the world as an English teacher. As much as I want to be a doctor, it's not worth my life at this point. Further, some research shows that most mood disorders level out over time. Maybe in 5-10 years I will be much better equipped to handle the workload, and I'll have a great story to tell.

What do you guys think?

Subwayrider - I think you can be a dedicated student and fine physician with some direct insight and awareness how to better help others. With that said - first and foremost - before you can help others - you really have to reach out and get some help to figure out how to best address your aforementioned concerns. Learning how to cope and deal with whatever is at the root of your situation should be your first step towards becoming a successful student and future physician. We are all human and have had and will continue to have difficult moments/times in our lives; it's critical we address the issues and positively work on them - oftentimes that means reaching out for help/resources when the pathway is unclear. It's important that you have realized there is a serious issue. Please talk with your doctor or someone you trust about these strong self destructive feelings.

 

[Cinclus]

Please go get some counseling of some sort; you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.

 

[Bacchus]

This thread has been reported by several users due to the comments about self-harm. SDN takes such statements seriously and we would like to remind the OP and all posters that SDN should not serve as a place to obtain counseling or other advice regarding significant psychological issues. Anyone who is contemplating harming themselves should immediately seek professional counseling advice, not rely on SDN or other non-professional resources.

Members who have serious concerns about their career and would like to post details more anonymously may do so in the Confidential Consult forum.

At this time, given the nature of the thread and the concerns expressed, the moderation staff of SDN will close this thread.