Depression in undergrad vs med school

[levifranz]

Hey everyone,
I'm writing looking for some advice. I was accepted into my state med school last year but deferred for relational reasons. I'm currently planning on starting med school in July but as the date gets closer I feel more and more dreadful. I like to learn and would love to know and do what s doctor does, but I worry about the sacrifices involved.
I know i don't fully understand what's involved in med school, but During my undergrad I worked 20-30 hours per week and usually had about 3 days off per month between work and school. Although i love to learn, I became extremely depressed during this time. My life felt out of balance and I felt trapped in school. Part of this was due too perfectionism, which I got under control by the time I graduated. I know I'm more mature now than when I was in undergrad (I've been out of school for 3 years now) and I was able to get more balance by my senior year, but I was not able to beat depressing until I wss out of school.
My fear now is that I will go to school and face basically the same circumstances as before. I can't stand the thought of being depressed like I was before and I know that if I start school I would be committing my self to this endeavor and would have little to no way out. (Also i realise that the cardinal sin of SDN is to take someone else's seat, so keep the snarky comments to yourself). Has anyone struggled with depression related to school in undergrad vs med school or been in a similar situation? how do the two compare? Thanks in advance.

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[Styrene]

My best recommendation is to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional and see what they say. This is a MAJOR commitment in terms of time and money, and failure to follow through can leave a person financially and personally ruined for years. You deserve to get an expert opinion.

Hey everyone,
I'm writing looking for some advice. I was accepted into my state med school last year but deferred for relational reasons. I'm currently planning on starting med school in July but as the date gets closer I feel more and more dreadful. I like to learn and would love to know and do what s doctor does, but I worry about the sacrifices involved.
I know i don't fully understand what's involved in med school, but During my undergrad I worked 20-30 hours per week and usually had about 3 days off per month between work and school. Although i love to learn, I became extremely depressed during this time. My life felt out of balance and I felt trapped in school. Part of this was due too perfectionism, which I got under control by the time I graduated. I know I'm more mature now than when I was in undergrad (I've been out of school for 3 years now) and I was able to get more balance by my senior year, but I was not able to beat depressing until I wss out of school.
My fear now is that I will go to school and face basically the same circumstances as before. I can't stand the thought of being depressed like I was before and I know that if I start school I would be committing my self to this endeavor and would have little to no way out. (Also i realise that the cardinal sin of SDN is to take someone else's seat, so keep the snarky comments to yourself). Has anyone struggled with depression related to school in undergrad vs med school or been in a similar situation? how do the two compare? Thanks in advance.

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

You said, "I know I don't fully understand what's involved in med school"

How is this possible when you've clearly taken the time to apply and got accepted? Genuinely curious because I think that is part of your problem; you don't know what you're getting into and are therefore afraid. As an aside, 3 days off a month is very low, and if you don't plan on working during med school, you will have much more time to rest, especially on weekends. That said, medical school can break even the toughest people if they don't approach it right, so I would go with the suggestion above mine and talk to someone.

 

[WheezyBaby]

You said, "I know I don't fully understand what's involved in med school"

How is this possible when you've clearly taken the time to apply and got accepted? Genuinely curious because I think that is part of your problem; you don't know what you're getting into and are therefore afraid.

I don't think that's fair (or I think you're reading into something that isn't necessarily there). Until youre in it, you can only get so much of a sense for how med school is going to be for you. The basics of med school "you have two years of preclinical and anatomy lab and studying a lot and then you have 2 years of clinicals where you get to start to learn clinical medicine and rotate through different specialties to figure out why you want to do" I'm sure everyone knows, but that knowledge doesn't translate much to knowledge of the actual experience of med school, which is going to vary quite a bit on a school to school and student to student basis regardless

 

[futuremdforme]

I didn't really enjoy undergrad either, but I find med school better because the subject matter is more interesting. You do need to know good study skills and personal skills like learning to reduce perfectionist tendencies. Done is better than perfect in med school.

One thing that worries me about your post is thinking that there's no way out. Depression and suicide are real problems in med students. I don't think that you should pass it up just because of being depressed, but you do need to know that there are plenty of ways to improve the situation - LOA, meds, counselling, research year, improved study habits, accepting a less competitive specialty, etc.

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

I don't think that's fair (or I think you're reading into something that isn't necessarily there). Until youre in it, you can only get so much of a sense for how med school is going to be for you. The basics of med school "you have two years of preclinical and anatomy lab and studying a lot and then you have 2 years of clinicals where you get to start to learn clinical medicine and rotate through different specialties to figure out why you want to do" I'm sure everyone knows, but that knowledge doesn't translate much to knowledge of the actual experience of med school, which is going to vary quite a bit on a school to school and student to student basis regardless

So if it varies so widely on a case by case basis, does the answer here actually matter? I don't expect anyone to understand the nuances, but I would expect someone applying to med school to speak with current students etc, to gain a broader understanding of the work required, especially if the possibility of being overworked is something that bothers them and is important for them to figure out. Yes they're doing that in this post by asking, and that's great, but I would think that it would be done during the application process, before they were accepted.

 

[WheezyBaby]

So if it varies so widely on a case by case basis, does the answer here actually matter? I don't expect anyone to understand the nuances, but I would expect someone applying to med school to speak with current students etc, to gain a broader understanding of the work required, especially if the possibility of being overworked is something that bothers them and is important for them to figure out. Yes they're doing that in this post by asking, and that's great, but I would think that it would be done during the application process, before they were accepted.

That's reasonable. I don't think it's uncommon to get cold feet when it's looming in front of you though. Regardless of whether it's cold feet or underpreparedness though, if OP is having those feelings with a history of depression, I'd strongly recommend talking to an MHP, ideally a psychiatrist

 

[levifranz]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the perspectives. As far as talking to others I've definitely done this, additionally my dad is an MD. I just appreciate a diversity of opinions. It's also nice to get advice from people who have no interest in your life. And yes, the understand sing I was referring to is experiential vs theoretical knowledge.

IrthotraumaMD, what suggestions would you have as far as "approaching it right"?

And as far as the other mitigating factors referred to, I am on meds, have had counseling and am interested in FM. ☺

Perhaps a good question is whether my experience in undergrad would be a good comparison to med school?

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the perspectives. As far as talking to others I've definitely done this, additionally my dad is an MD. I just appreciate a diversity of opinions. It's also nice to get advice from people who have no interest in your life. And yes, the understand sing I was referring to is experiential vs theoretical knowledge.

IrthotraumaMD, what suggestions would you have as far as "approaching it right"?

And as far as the other mitigating factors referred to, I am on meds, have had counseling and am interested in FM.

Perhaps a good question is whether my experience in undergrad would be a good comparison to med school?

Everyone's approach is different. Some people deal with stress by making sure they keep their hobbies, others double down on studying in order to feel like they're doing something, etc. Figure out what worked for you to mitigate stress in the past, make sure you stay in counseling, and go from there. I think everybody will react to medical school a little bit differently, but it is different from undergrad in terms of:
-the competition being more fierce (medical students are typically people who were at the top of their respective classes, so finding yourself being average instead of at the top is very sobering and sometimes demoralizing for many high achievers who are used to getting good grades)
-the subject matter is often more difficult
-much more information is being imbibed in a shorter period of time.

 

[Goro]

Hey everyone,
I'm writing looking for some advice. I was accepted into my state med school last year but deferred for relational reasons. I'm currently planning on starting med school in July but as the date gets closer I feel more and more dreadful. I like to learn and would love to know and do what s doctor does, but I worry about the sacrifices involved.
I know i don't fully understand what's involved in med school, but During my undergrad I worked 20-30 hours per week and usually had about 3 days off per month between work and school. Although i love to learn, I became extremely depressed during this time. My life felt out of balance and I felt trapped in school. Part of this was due too perfectionism, which I got under control by the time I graduated. I know I'm more mature now than when I was in undergrad (I've been out of school for 3 years now) and I was able to get more balance by my senior year, but I was not able to beat depressing until I wss out of school.
My fear now is that I will go to school and face basically the same circumstances as before. I can't stand the thought of being depressed like I was before and I know that if I start school I would be committing my self to this endeavor and would have little to no way out. (Also i realise that the cardinal sin of SDN is to take someone else's seat, so keep the snarky comments to yourself). Has anyone struggled with depression related to school in undergrad vs med school or been in a similar situation? how do the two compare? Thanks in advance.

Levi, you've received some really good advice in this thread. Your post fills me with alarm. Get to a therapist STAT, because medical school is a furnace, and I've seen it break even healthy students. The #1 reason my school loses students to withdrawal, dismissal or LOA is to unresolved mental health issues.

 

[Necr0sis713]

The biggest word of advice to give you is that sometimes feeling a little "down" or "blue" is healthy. It helps you re-connect with yourself and reassess why your here on a deep, self nurturing level. They are powerful moments in which change can be made. If life was always happy feely and you were always feeling good, you wouldn't be able to see the situation for what it is and make the necessary changes.

Don't be afraid to pamper yourself during these days, do something you enjoy... I usually just get a nice massage or buy yourself something really nice (don't over do the second thing of course!)

 

[LizzyBusyBee]

I'm getting ready to graduate pharmacy school. I am really anxious and depressed about the future. 278K in dept, no job offers, not feeling prepared for the NAPLEX. I have had some health issues and still don't know what is going on with. So I sort of have a different issue, but it's still serious.

 

[68PGunner]

Medical school has a tendency to make people depressed. I have never been diagnosed with MDD or shown any MDD symptoms ever in my entire life. However, there were fleeting occasions in which I was tempted with the MDD demon. Taking some time off to enjoy myself, working out, and playing sports help keep my sanity so far. Due to my mental struggles in my first year, I felt that I have emerged from the process a stronger and more resilient person.

OP, I would address whatever psychiatric concern that you may have at the moment before you go through this grinder. It's no joke.

 

[ridethecliche]

The biggest word of advice to give you is that sometimes feeling a little "down" or "blue" is healthy. It helps you re-connect with yourself and reassess why your here on a deep, self nurturing level. They are powerful moments in which change can be made. If life was always happy feely and you were always feeling good, you wouldn't be able to see the situation for what it is and make the necessary changes.

Don't be afraid to pamper yourself during these days, do something you enjoy... I usually just get a nice massage or buy yourself something really nice (don't over do the second thing of course!)

Medical school has a tendency to make people depressed. I have never been diagnosed with MDD or shown any MDD symptoms ever in my entire life. However, there were fleeting occasions in which I was tempted with the MDD demon. Taking some time off to enjoy myself, working out, and playing sports help keep my sanity so far. Due to my mental struggles in my first year, I felt that I have emerged from the process a stronger and more resilient person.

OP, I would address whatever psychiatric concern that you may have at the moment before you go through this grinder. It's no joke.

I really enjoy reading people write about their experiences being a 'little blue' or 'tempted by the MDD demon' in a thread about, you know, actual depression....

 

[levifranz]

To be clear, I'm no longer depressed. I take medications because I don't want to fall into the "I feel better; I don't need meds anymore" tap.

 

[Necr0sis713]

I really enjoy reading people write about their experiences being a 'little blue' or 'tempted by the MDD demon' in a thread about, you know, actual depression....

I sense sarcasm...so excuse me if i'm wrong. What I went through during my pre-med was really a full on depression. The only thing that kept me going is the fact that I knew that once I made it to my next goal (MD school) I will be able to look back on it all and feel good about myself for trying so hard. My post bacc and SMP was the most depressing 2-2.5 years of my life, and i'm so glad it's over now. I just had to remember that the world's greatest achievements were no cakewalk, they took blood, sweat, and tears. The way I see it: since studying is a mental thing, it took mental blood, sweat, and tears.

You just have to find something that keeps you going every day. For me it was working out and good music. What kept me going was knowing that every morning I can look forward to a nice caffeine buzz and a good run, with good music.

When it comes to keeping my head up while grinding studies 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, was knowing that I was doing something that is bettering myself, a skill that I am building, that will be permanent. It wasn't some transient pleasure like binge watching netflix to blow off my studying, or getting wasted with the friends. It is amazing when you really look at it simply and objectively: that you are a creature of nature that is having the subjective experience of studying the natural world around it, and it's own body. Think about that. That fascination is what kept me studying more and more.

OP, when I read your opening post again it is clear that you should find ways to cope and build resiliency to stress. Maybe a mental health expert (as already mentioned) can help provide you the resources to do so.

 

[TypeADissection]

Get help and do it quickly. Don't put it off. Just go. There have been classmates that have dropped out due to these issues or the sequelaes from them (alcoholism, truancy, etc.). You owe it to yourself and family to get this squared away ASAP before med school begins in earnest. It's a freight train that once it leaves the station, it doesn't stop. You're obviously talented enough to gain acceptance into med school so congrats on that, which means you're talented enough to finish. You're not the first physician to have issues with depression, nor will you be the last. Get help. Get square. Go kick some ass and send me post card when you do. Cheers.

 

[ridethecliche]

To be clear, I'm no longer depressed. I take medications because I don't want to fall into the "I feel better; I don't need meds anymore" tap.

Aka, you still have 'depression'. It's just well controlled.

Look. A lot of folks in med school have issues. Realistically, the fact that you know you have issues and know what those issues are put you ahead of the game a bit. Really.

You're going to freak out in med school just like everyone else will. The best thing for you to do will be to start seeing the campus counseling/mental health services as early as possible to get your foot in the door and get comfortable so you can work with them if issues arise. You shouldn't wait for something to happen to go seek out the help.

I don't mean to trivialize what you're going through, but a lot of med students have gone through this process with depression before you and a lot will go through the process with depression after you. The fact that you know you have an issue and are already taking good steps to address them is awesome and will really help you get the upper hand with things because you have a name for what you're going through and you can recognize it if it starts acting up again.

I wouldn't ever promise you that you won't ever go through hiccups, but that's why there's a support system built around you to catch you if you seek it out and flag it at all.

This is a really good friend of mine and she shared her story with bipolar disorder and starting med school. She's had a rocky road, but she's doing it. Sure it sucks sometimes, but if you have a goal in mind for yourself, then the hurdles are worth it. Don't let the fear of something happening stop you from doing what you want, if it's really what you want to do. Just prepare yourself and take advantage of resources to keep you on track.

Steph's story: Managing Bipolar Disorder in Medical School - Student Doctor Network

I started antidepressants in the fall of my second year and discovered another medical condition at the same time (I've written about it elsewhere on this site). It would have really been nice to know the issue going into the start of school. Managing things was so much easier once I knew what was going on and was on meds and was seeing mental health services etc at school. I know quite a few students in school that are on antidepressants. They're all doing fine, with ups and downs, and some of them are rocking it. The folks I'd worry about are the ones that feel off but don't realize what's going on till too late.

 

[ridethecliche]

I sense sarcasm...so excuse me if i'm wrong. What I went through during my pre-med was really a full on depression. The only thing that kept me going is the fact that I knew that once I made it to my next goal (MD school) I will be able to look back on it all and feel good about myself for trying so hard. My post bacc and SMP was the most depressing 2-2.5 years of my life, and i'm so glad it's over now. I just had to remember that the world's greatest achievements were no cakewalk, they took blood, sweat, and tears. The way I see it: since studying is a mental thing, it took mental blood, sweat, and tears.

You just have to find something that keeps you going every day. For me it was working out and good music. What kept me going was knowing that every morning I can look forward to a nice caffeine buzz and a good run, with good music.

When it comes to keeping my head up while grinding studies 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, was knowing that I was doing something that is bettering myself, a skill that I am building, that will be permanent. It wasn't some transient pleasure like binge watching netflix to blow off my studying, or getting wasted with the friends. It is amazing when you really look at it simply and objectively: that you are a creature of nature that is having the subjective experience of studying the natural world around it, and it's own body. Think about that. That fascination is what kept me studying more and more.

OP, when I read your opening post again it is clear that you should find ways to cope and build resiliency to stress. Maybe a mental health expert (as already mentioned) can help provide you the resources to do so.

You don't get it.

 

[industrialengineer]

Everyone's approach is different. Some people deal with stress by making sure they keep their hobbies, others double down on studying in order to feel like they're doing something, etc. Figure out what worked for you to mitigate stress in the past, make sure you stay in counseling, and go from there. I think everybody will react to medical school a little bit differently, but it is different from undergrad in terms of:
-the competition being more fierce (medical students are typically people who were at the top of their respective classes, so finding yourself being average instead of at the top is very sobering and sometimes demoralizing for many high achievers who are used to getting good grades)
-the subject matter is often more difficult
-much more information is being imbibed in a shorter period of time.

Not nearly as difficult as ugrad for engineering, physics, chem major.

 

[Goro]

Not nearly as difficult as ugrad for engineering, physics, chem major.

Oddly enough, engineering majors have trouble with my school's curriculum.

I had one guy near the bottom of the class. When I'd call him into my office ot find out why he was struggling with my course, he'd give the same song and dance "But as an engineer, I was trained to think this way..."

He finally knocked that off when my Pathologist colleague pointed out to him "your days as an engineer ended the moment you put on that white coat."

 

[ridethecliche]

Not nearly as difficult as ugrad for engineering, physics, chem major.

False.

 

[industrialengineer]

Not necessarily just engineering, a doctorate in geophysics, mathematics, physical chem, etc. Some physicians can't do math beyond calculus. Hands down. I knew a few people that went into medicine but could not do the math requirements to enter any of those physical science fields at just the ugrad level. They TRIED REALLY HARD (going to tutors, taking math as the only course, etc.) No way could they even think of entering one of those fields at the doctorate level. If you can't see this, you are completely in denial.

Get off of the pedestal.

 

[futuremdforme]

False.

Really? I find med school material quite easy compared to undergrad science, even compared to premed undergrad classes. The hard part is the volume, not the depth of the material for me. The volume is really overwhelming though!

 

[Brorthopedic]

If you're not aiming for an ultra-competitive specialty, you can pretty much cruise through med school. Although you did say you were a perfectionist which could become problematic, really just depends on what you're content with when it comes to grades

 

[Gorne]

If you've been diagnosed with depression, you should have an open and active relationship with a mental health counselor during med school.

Also, be sure to avoid the "woe is me, I study so much and get average grades and get sad when I think about how much time my highschool friends have off" crowd. They're around and the attitude is contagious.

 

[NickNaylor]

Has anyone struggled with depression related to school in undergrad vs med school or been in a similar situation? how do the two compare? Thanks in advance.

This is a complex question to answer.

I think most would agree that medical school is a far more rigorous experience than college. There is a lot more content to study during the pre-clinical years, there are a lot of hours spent in the hospital during the clinical years, and it's overall a very tiring experience. But what does that mean for your mood or any other mental health issues? Probably the most accurate thing is that you're at risk for recurrent symptoms; beyond that, though, it's anyone's guess.

 

[Necr0sis713]

You don't get it.

Then please explain to me what I don't get so I can help make a constructive contribution to this thread.

 

[ridethecliche]

Not necessarily just engineering, a doctorate in geophysics, mathematics, physical chem, etc. Some physicians can't do math beyond calculus. Hands down. I knew a few people that went into medicine but could not do the math requirements to enter any of those physical science fields at just the ugrad level. They TRIED REALLY HARD (going to tutors, taking math as the only course, etc.) No way could they even think of entering one of those fields at the doctorate level. If you can't see this, you are completely in denial.

Get off of the pedestal.

I majored in biochemistry in undergrad and worked in an enzyme kinetics lab. But please, go on about how soft I am.

Also, stop threadjacking to stoke your pathetic ego.

Really? I find med school material quite easy compared to undergrad science, even compared to premed undergrad classes. The hard part is the volume, not the depth of the material for me. The volume is really overwhelming though!

Volume is part of the difficulty. To remove that from the equation doesn't make any sense. Following along and understanding well enough to problem solve with information are two very different levels of comprehension.

Then please explain to me what I don't get so I can help make a constructive contribution to this thread.

Stop posting.

Especially about things you don't understand.

 

[Light at end of tunnel]

I'm getting ready to graduate pharmacy school. I am really anxious and depressed about the future. 278K in dept, no job offers, not feeling prepared for the NAPLEX. I have had some health issues and still don't know what is going on with. So I sort of have a different issue, but it's still serious.

Guys - did anyone else catch this post?

You doin Ok Lizzy?

Have you talked to someone about your concerns?

I second your anxiety about debt (thousands upon thousands on my end as well). Someone once mentioned that 2/3 of those in healthcare experience depression/mental health issues, including attendings. A lot of people feel the way you do.

 

[industrialengineer]

"Some physicians can't do math beyond calculus."
Hahaha, what physician needs to do math beyond basic algebra?
And why is an engineer commenting on a thread about depression in medical school?
I sense either a troll or someone with an inferiority complex who needs to feel like they're better at their job than a doctor. Well, congrats. My plumber also is better at plumbing than I am.

What is wrong with your reading comprehension skills?! You can't seem to follow the conversation: we are talking about difficulty, not what a physician needs.

And you don't like what you hear, so you call me a troll.

The plumber statement is well STUPID; it does not fit. I am talking about physicians that were my students as undergraduates whom took mathematics and could not do it well enough to enter a ugrad program in geophysics, chem, math etc.

There is not only denial going on here. You definitely got a reading comprehension problem alright.

 

[68PGunner]

This thread is full of lols. All of you hard a-holes need to go out, play some sports, and get laid asap. I can feel the anger and frustration coming through your words.

 

[LizzyBusyBee]

Guys - did anyone else catch this post?

You doin Ok Lizzy?

Have you talked to someone about your concerns?

I second your anxiety about debt (thousands upon thousands on my end as well). Someone once mentioned that 2/3 of those in healthcare experience depression/mental health issues, including attendings. A lot of people feel the way you do.

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

What is wrong with your reading comprehension skills?! You can't seem to follow the conversation: we are talking about difficulty, not what a physician needs.

And you don't like what you hear, so you call me a troll.

The plumber statement is well STUPID; it does not fit. I am talking about physicians that were my students as undergraduates whom took mathematics and could not do it well enough to enter a ugrad program in geophysics, chem, math etc.

There is not only denial going on here. You definitely got a reading comprehension problem alright.

Troll. Does lecturing an attending orthopedic surgeon on reading comprehension make you feel better? You're still pathetic, as is your argument. Maybe you're the one who needs a reading comprehension lesson. And maybe grammar too, given your post quality.

But sure, let me teach you some basic logic:
Me: Med school curriculum (mostly science) is more difficult than what you learn in college (undergrad science)
You: Med students wouldn't be able to enter a graduate level math program because they don't understand it well enough.
You're comparing apples and oranges. Math, and the difficulty thereof, is irrelevant to medicine. Nice try though, pat yourself on the head. Participation trophy.
oh man, I got a laugh out of this.

 

[LizzyBusyBee]

🙁

 

[Stagg737]

Hey everyone,
I'm writing looking for some advice. I was accepted into my state med school last year but deferred for relational reasons. I'm currently planning on starting med school in July but as the date gets closer I feel more and more dreadful. I like to learn and would love to know and do what s doctor does, but I worry about the sacrifices involved.
I know i don't fully understand what's involved in med school, but During my undergrad I worked 20-30 hours per week and usually had about 3 days off per month between work and school. Although i love to learn, I became extremely depressed during this time. My life felt out of balance and I felt trapped in school. Part of this was due too perfectionism, which I got under control by the time I graduated. I know I'm more mature now than when I was in undergrad (I've been out of school for 3 years now) and I was able to get more balance by my senior year, but I was not able to beat depressing until I wss out of school.
My fear now is that I will go to school and face basically the same circumstances as before. I can't stand the thought of being depressed like I was before and I know that if I start school I would be committing my self to this endeavor and would have little to no way out. (Also i realise that the cardinal sin of SDN is to take someone else's seat, so keep the snarky comments to yourself). Has anyone struggled with depression related to school in undergrad vs med school or been in a similar situation? how do the two compare? Thanks in advance.

Since you seem to have your depression under control right now, it really just comes down to are you willing to go for med school and risk becoming depressed again. Personally, I'd go for it assuming you a) know you really want to be a physician, b) really do have your mental health controlled, and c) are personally and financially ready to start medical school.

If you do decide to go for it, get in contact with the school counselor/therapist/psychiatrist/whatever early so you have that resource available to help you manage any adjustment issues or major problems that may arise. Make sure you're taking time for yourself. Succeeding in med school requires a lot of work, but part of any successful workout plan (both physical and mental) requires times of rest and relaxation as well. Realize that if you're goal is just to be a physician or enter family med, you need to succeed but you don't need to kill yourself to be the top of the class or score a 250 Step 1. Focus on learning the material and don't worry about test scores. Maybe most importantly, stay honest with yourself. If you finish a semester or even a year and hate your life, are really becoming depressed again in spite of a healthy mental lifestyle and support, or just feel like med school really isn't for you, realize that leaving med school after a year isn't the end of the world. Yes, it will rack up some debt, but one year's debt is still manageable and not the end of the world. Forcing yourself to keep going and realizing you need to quit during 3rd or even 4th year could be disastrous. So stay realistic and periodically (maybe every month or so) ask yourself if you feel like it's the right path for you. If it's not, walk away knowing you tried and go find something something else to do that makes you happy.

You don't get it.

I don't think it's fair to marginalize an individual's experience with depression. The person you're responding to may very well have been clinically depressed and found that the best way for them to deal with it was how he/she described in the post. I agree that they shouldn't be telling another person what will or won't work for that individual's depression, but telling someone they don't get it when they seem to have experienced clinical depression themselves adds nothing to the thread for anyone and comes across as trolling imo.

 

[Necr0sis713]

I don't think it's fair to marginalize an individual's experience with depression. The person you're responding to may very well have been clinically depressed and found that the best way for them to deal with it was how he/she described in the post. I agree that they shouldn't be telling another person what will or won't work for that individual's depression, but telling someone they don't get it when they seem to have experienced clinical depression themselves adds nothing to the thread for anyone and comes across as trolling imo.

I majored in psych, I know what depression is. That poster came off as really rude honestly.

 

[Stagg737]

What is wrong with your reading comprehension skills?! You can't seem to follow the conversation: we are talking about difficulty, not what a physician needs.

And you don't like what you hear, so you call me a troll.

The plumber statement is well STUPID; it does not fit. I am talking about physicians that were my students as undergraduates whom took mathematics and could not do it well enough to enter a ugrad program in geophysics, chem, math etc.

There is not only denial going on here. You definitely got a reading comprehension problem alright.

You seem to have little to no understanding of what medical school actually entails. The material itself is probably less difficult than some of the subjects you've mentioned (though I honestly found math and chem to be pretty simple/boring), the quantity of material doesn't even compare. You also seem to lack the understanding or are completely ignoring the fact that there are different types of intelligence and those who are brilliant at math and logic may fail miserably in other areas of science where that type of intelligence isn't as necessary. For example, a pathologist doesn't need emotional intelligence, but a psychiatrist or FM doc better be able to interact with others well. Your blanket statements of "Some undergrad subjects have really hard material, so med school material must not be that hard" comes across as ignorant or just plain stupid.

 

[LizzyBusyBee]

Yes I'm looking for a psychologist. But think I'll have to pay cash up front and try to get insurance to pay via superbill.
Today is better.
I've told classmates/ friends at my school in chat rooms. I think they are afraid or just don't understand how severe it is. Or they are happy about their jobs/residencies so they don't think I'm serious. I'm am in pain management too for a chronic injury, so it's another issue that could prevent me getting work. And if need a benzo, they probally wont write for it. But I definitely will go to hospital if I feel its like I'm losing control. AND NEVER miss Cymbalta!! But I'm glad some good people messaged me. It would unfair to my family right before they see me graduate. I have guns in the attic somewhere but old and don't how to use or if they even work now. And they are locked up.

 

[gyngyn]

Let's remember the topic at hand, folks. Keep it civil, please.

 

[LizzyBusyBee]

Guess I'm not alone after all...

 

[Goro]

Yes I'm looking for a psychologist. But think I'll have to pay cash up front and try to get insurance to pay via superbill.
Today is better.
I've told classmates/ friends at my school in chat rooms. I think they are afraid or just don't understand how severe it is. Or they are happy about their jobs/residencies so they don't think I'm serious. I'm am in pain management too for a chronic injury, so it's another issue that could prevent me getting work. And if need a benzo, they probally wont write for it. But I definitely will go to hospital if I feel its like I'm losing control. AND NEVER miss Cymbalta!! But I'm glad some good people messaged me. It would unfair to my family right before they see me graduate. I have guns in the attic somewhere but old and don't how to use or if they even work now. And they are locked up.

You school must have a therapy or counseling center. If so, make use of that.

 

[LizzyBusyBee]

You school must have a therapy or counseling center. If so, make use of that.

Its hard getting appointments bc the school does want to pay experienced folks. They are interns getting there hours

 

[Light at end of tunnel]

Guess I'm not alone after all...

If anything, you are in the majority, albeit a silent one. Make sure you are taking care of yourself first.

 

[Necr0sis713]

It would unfair to my family right before they see me graduate. I have guns in the attic somewhere but old and don't how to use or if they even work now. And they are locked up.

I have a friend who attempted suicide a while back. Your statement is a big red flag. Seek help now. It sounds like you already have it planned in your head, and all it would take is to snap. My friend told me that he felt like he couldn't control himself and he was watching himself do it after he just had a moment where he snapped.

Please be careful and seek help.

 

[68PGunner]

Troll. Does lecturing an attending orthopedic surgeon on reading comprehension make you feel better? You're still pathetic, as is your argument. Maybe you're the one who needs a reading comprehension lesson. And maybe grammar too, given your post quality.

But sure, let me teach you some basic logic:
Me: Med school curriculum (mostly science) is more difficult than what you learn in college (undergrad science)
You: Med students wouldn't be able to enter a graduate level math program because they don't understand it well enough.
You're comparing apples and oranges. Math, and the difficulty thereof, is irrelevant to medicine. Nice try though, pat yourself on the head. Participation trophy.
oh man, I got a laugh out of this.

Dang... he just rolls back his sleeves and reveals his ortho guns...

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

Dang... he just rolls back his sleeves and reveals his ortho guns...

She/her. But otherwise yes. 🙂

 

[68PGunner]

Oh love this post. Same story in my school.
Engineers walking in as shiny MS1s thinking they are about to own the place.
And subsequently getting owned hardcore. 3 of 4 of these engineers in my class are in the bottom 10 people in my class.
Now as MS4s, they don't utter the word engineering.
If you are an engineer coming into medical school, don't be the fool that falls into the above category. Be more humble. Because I don't care what background you are from, medical school is about to beat you to a pulp.

What specialties are they thinking of nowadays? 100% positive that they're not thinking of FM.

Personally, I came from a pretty heavy Math and Finance background myself. The skills required to do well in medical school are not the same skills that are required to make quick mathematical and finance deductions. It took me a while to adjust bc I hate pure memorization, which is a major requirement to do well in school. But, those same guys might end up being the richest people in your class bc they understand a thing or two about building a business and managing a balance sheet.

 

[PhillyMed777]

What specialties are they thinking of nowadays? 100% positive that they're not thinking of FM.

Personally, I came from a pretty heavy Math and Finance background myself. The skills required to do well in medical school are not the same skills that are required to make quick mathematical and finance deductions. It took me a while to adjust bc I hate pure memorization, which is a major requirement to do well in school. But, those same guys might end up being the richest people in your class bc they understand a thing or two about building a business and managing a balance sheet.

I can't speak for folks at other schools with engineering backgrounds, but these guys absolutely do not know anything about building a business. These are run of the mill engineering majors from undergrads. The are doing IM and peds.

Undergrad is basically a giant joke academically in comparison to medical school. If an undergrad can learn a thing or two about building a business and managing a balance sheet, most med students should pick that up like cake. It's not sacred information that is impossible to grasp.