depression and eating disorders affecting me.

[rachellim]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Does anyone know if there are people who make it through medical school with depression and eating disorders? I am having a very hard time concentrating in school. I have just started medical school but I have already missed school for a week because I felt so terrible. I don't want to give up my dream of becoming a doctor but it is difficult. I am currently on 50mg of prozac and 50mg of topamax. Work is piling up and I am trying very hard to study but it is hard.

 

[monocyte]

Dear Rachellim,

Yes, there are certainly people who make it through medical school with serious psychiatric conditions. (A psychiatrist at Stanford once told me that many students at the medical school were being treated for depression - I would not be surprised if this was a national phenomenon.) How long have you been taking your medications?

Hang in there,

monocyte

 

[psydoc]

Dear Rachellim,
I think you can and will fulfill your dream. I have known several people in med school who have been struggling with eating and depressive disorders.
I also think that the first priority should be to take care of yourself: don't push it too hard, if you're not well now you have to think about your own health first. Take your time.
Medical school is stressful, and at times it may be difficult to cope with one's own personal issues, but do not lose hope: persistence and time will bring you to your goal.

I wish you the best of luck

Psydoc

 

[Thewonderer]

Going through med school is tough. The key is to understand your limitation. Don't be afraid to ask for help and if necessary, don't hesitate to spread out your basic or clinical science years a little longer so you don't get too stressed out. People underestimate how hard med school is and let me tell you, I am glad that med school is almost over for me. Don't over-work yourself is definitely a key.