Finished with first semester of dental school. Near a psychological breakdown. Need Help :(

[DDSinMaking]

Hey everyone!
I'm an international dental student in a direct entry program (Im currently 19). I just finished with my first semester of dental school and unfortunately its been a real beatdown on me. I feel like since my mid-sem ive started losing sight of the big picture and why I decided to go into dentistry. I finished my finals with the thought of hoping to only pass, and I feel ashamed. Going from a mindset in high school with high achievements to a mindset of not caring.
I'm in a class with half postgrad students and half high school students and I feel like I'm being drowned in the crowd. Have nothing to show for. This semester is considered the easiest semester of my 5 year journey but it was a huge let down from the expectation I had from myself. Mostly because I'm considering specializing. I feel like I don't have what it takes. My passion for dentistry is still alive, and I love the work and freedom you get as a GP. But at the same time I love the work of specialists.
I feel like i've let myself down this semester. I just want to do the best I can whip enjoying my time. But i feel like ive lost my motivation and now my everyday routine is being in my room doing nothing. I need a spark in my motivation again but I don't know how.
Any input for anyone that has been through similar situation or knows how i can motivate myself would be fantastic. Thank you.

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[Faux]

I couldn't even imagine going from high school straight to dental school. I in no shape or form, had the drive, yet alone the maturity. So, congratulations for taking the plunge and having that faith in your self.

For me, the first semester was incredibly difficult on me emotionally, never had so many ups and downs like that in my life. Fortunately , each semester got progressively easier for me. You gain a sense of confidence after some time, you figure out your routine, you figure out what you should spend more time with.

Just one of those things where you gotta sail through the rough waters for a time being. But if you feel like its getting too much, don't be afraid to talk to someone. I personally think I would have saved myself some heartache and frustration if I would have just talked to someone. I eventually found peace on my own, but I could have handled things better and not been so stubborn about it.

 

[PreDentTechySon]

Dental school is extremely difficult and unfortunately the didactic years are hard work with little perceived benefit. You should be proud of the fact that you are starting dental school as young as you are. That takes an extraordinary amount of strength and courage and if you’re able to pass most of your classes, that is an accomplishment.

Dental school is just a grind. Even the people in my class who had post-graduate degrees before dental school found it challenging. I would just want to remind you that even though you may feel like you’re not a high acheiver, you are more than you know. Dental school is hard for everyone.

I can say that it gets better. The things you’re learning now will help you be prepared for clinic and if you had a joy for dentistry at one point just know it will come back. It’s unfortunate that there’s not a lot of clinical exposure during the didactic portion, but I would just encourage you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you think you should talk with someone professionally I would encourage you to do so, but I just wanted to encourage you to know that you’re not alone and it will get better.

Hang in there!