Interviews: Hiding Past Depression

[Aenea]

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Hey everyone, I've been debating a certain topic that may come up in my interviews this month. First and foremost, I am aware that I am interviewing late. I finished my supplementary applications in December and all of my LORs were submitted by mid-January except for one. This science professor didn't submit hers until the last week of February, which has somewhat screwed me over since her LOR was necessary. I have two interviews this month and that's it. Here's my problem.

I've had major depression since high school. It never affected my grades in high school because the classes were easier and I had friends around me all the time. When I went away to college I lost my support group. I went back and forth between semesters that were great (ie: 3.6-3.9 GPA) and some that were abysmal (ie: 2.9 GPA). My transcripts look more like a roller coaster ride, I transferred schools, and I ended up failing a high-level microbiology course in one of my last semesters.

In the end I had an overall GPA of 3.41, a science GPA of 3.12 and an MCAT of 29O both years I took it.

I'm wondering if I should tell the interview panel about my depression, and I mean major depression. A big problem was me going through periods where I was certain that I could never become a physician in spite of the fact that it's the only profession I've ever wanted. The depression comes and goes largely because I'm not a medical student yet and have been sitting around in limbo while all my friends and family members are in the middle of their post-bac programs or have already become professionals. I'm now 24 and have been working full-time in a hospital to gain more clinical experience. I'm also married now to a wonderful man and have dumped all the old friends that kept putting me down, so my support system has markedly improved.

I know that my depression would disappear once I go to medical school because I will have finally achieved my goal and have proven to myself and everyone around me that I am capable of achieving something. It'd be like the second chance I've been waiting for - a clean slate, if you will. I'm just not sure how to convey this to an interview panel without sounding crazy or desperate.

Any way to try explaining myself without sounding like I'm just giving an excuse or trying to get a pity vote? Thanks for your help!

 

[dntke1518]

Hey everyone, I've been debating a certain topic that may come up in my interviews this month. First and foremost, I am aware that I am interviewing late. I finished my supplementary applications in December and all of my LORs were submitted by mid-January except for one. This science professor didn't submit hers until the last week of February, which has somewhat screwed me over since her LOR was necessary. I have two interviews this month and that's it. Here's my problem.

I've had major depression since high school. It never affected my grades in high school because the classes were easier and I had friends around me all the time. When I went away to college I lost my support group. I went back and forth between semesters that were great (ie: 3.6-3.9 GPA) and some that were abysmal (ie: 2.9 GPA). My transcripts look more like a roller coaster ride, I transferred schools, and I ended up failing a high-level microbiology course in one of my last semesters.

In the end I had an overall GPA of 3.41, a science GPA of 3.12 and an MCAT of 29O both years I took it.

I'm wondering if I should tell the interview panel about my depression, and I mean major depression. A big problem was me going through periods where I was certain that I could never become a physician in spite of the fact that it's the only profession I've ever wanted. The depression comes and goes largely because I'm not a medical student yet and have been sitting around in limbo while all my friends and family members are in the middle of their post-bac programs or have already become professionals. I'm now 24 and have been working full-time in a hospital to gain more clinical experience. I'm also married now to a wonderful man and have dumped all the old friends that kept putting me down, so my support system has markedly improved.

I know that my depression would disappear once I go to medical school because I will have finally achieved my goal and have proven to myself and everyone around me that I am capable of achieving something. It'd be like the second chance I've been waiting for - a clean slate, if you will. I'm just not sure how to convey this to an interview panel without sounding crazy or desperate.

Any way to try explaining myself without sounding like I'm just giving an excuse or trying to get a pity vote? Thanks for your help!

Is this diagnosed depression?? I don't know that I would use this as an explanation for your grades if you weren't doing anything to get it taken care of... Your stats aren't terrible and would be fine if you were earlier (I'm sure you understand this), but using depression that has not been diagnosed or treated and saying that you were unsure about becoming a physician will not bode well. Also, how do you know if your sypmtoms will not produce in medical school?? Sounds like you just got down on yourself when times may have gotten a little tough and you are calling those times "depression" (not trying to be rude or insensitive, just being honest). I think your best option is to prepare for reapplication here in a few months. Best of luck!

 

[BenZq]

My personal opinion is to not mention your depression, regardless of whether or not it was diagnosed. It has the potential of raising a red flag in the eyes of your interviewers and that is counter-productive. Find another way to take responsibility for those poor grades and stick with that story. Lastly, try and find a positive trend in your academics and emphasize it if your GPA comes up during the interviews. Best of luck.

 

[BenZq]

Oh yeah, the fact that you received 2 interviews is a sign that those schools like something about you... figure out what that is and use it.

 

[Goro]

Nothing like magic thinking. Having gone through two significant depressive bouts in my life, I'd like to know if your pyschiatrist or counselor thinks that you can nadle medical school. If you think it's going to be a picnic, it's not. But, if they say you can do it, it's OK by me.

I'm wondering if I should tell the interview panel about my depression, and I mean major depression.
I know that my depression would disappear once I go to medical school because I will have finally achieved my goal and have proven to myself and everyone around me that I am capable of achieving something. It'd be like the second chance I've been waiting for - a clean slate, if you will. I'm just not sure how to convey this to an interview panel without sounding crazy or desperate.

Any way to try explaining myself without sounding like I'm just giving an excuse or trying to get a pity vote? Thanks for your help!

 

[GimpGenius]

I'll assume (and this is a stretch from the wording) that you're not a troll.

That being said... if it's something you've dealt with in any part of your application (primary, secondary, PS, etc.) be prepared to talk about it.

Secondly... take a step back and think about what you've written. You're depressed because you're lucky enough to be chosen to interview for medical school? I'm by no means trying to bash you; but in all reality, if you've been having these sorts of depressive bouts before medical school, what happens if/when you fail a quiz, or get pimped/chewed out/etc.? The real work starts after acceptance, and I sincerely hope you're ready for that.

Have you been diagnosed or seen a counselor for the issues? And are you interviewing at schools that will give you that support system you need? In your specific case, where you go to school may have a pretty significant impact on your achievement (based solely on what you said; if you're a troll, 1/10 🙂 ).

Good luck!

 

[LLB2MD]

"I know that my depression would disappear once I go to medical school"

Sorry but I don't understand how you could possible know this. If you are struggling with true depression, there is no magic cure based upon the occurrence of a positive event or achievement. In fact, it is when people finally achieve their goals and still find that they are unhappy or unfulfilled that major depression can set in. If you are "depressed" because you haven't achieved your goals, I would suggest that there are other reasons and factors involved that will not simply resolve once a particular goal is achieved. I am not saying this to cause you further distress, but I think you have to be realistic.

I would also suggest that you NOT mention the "depression" in your interviews.

 

[medcandidate]

like everyone else here, i also wouldn't recommend bringing this up in your interviews. it would definitely bring up a red flag. you personally feel getting into med school will get rid of the depression - I somewhat do agree with you, such that once you get hang of the platform you've been waiting for since awhile, it would give you that extra boost of motivation and encouragement - but not everyone would agree with you on this. if undergrad was tough, med school is gonna be many times tougher, so would the stress that comes with it.

the only thing i'm wondering here though, is the rollercoaster transcript of yours... this aspect may be brought up in your interview, and you should be prepared to explain it in the most effective manner... you could bring up being depressed in the past, but you have to make sure they know it's not something that may hinder you in med school, and that you have worked on it.. i don't think it's such a red flag to have a depressive phase in your past, just as long as you have worked on it, and it is no more a hindrance to you. but again, interview times are not as long as they seem to be, and explaining an issue like depression in the most effective way could be difficult.

just make sure you are prepared for any application specific questions they may ask...

 

[Hoggle]

I suffered from major, clinically diagnosed, depression for a few years in high school. And I got into medical school WITH a major talking point being my past depression and how it inspired me to become a physician. So I hope you listen to my advice. (I will be bouncing back and forth on topics so sorry about that)

First of all, NEVER say anything along the lines of "The depression comes and goes largely because I'm not a medical student yet" or "I know that my depression would disappear once I go to medical school." Depression is all about you and how YOU handle stress. Yes, outside factors can play a role, but you have to own up that you just plain did not have the coping skills to deal with certain stressors. Besides this, as others have said, it is very typical for someone with depression to think "If just this one thing changes, I will never have depression again" and guess what... they are STILL depressed after that one thing changes.

Focus on what you did to overcome your depression, rather than using the depression itself as an excuse. I would not, under any circumstance, state or imply that you are currently depressed. Recognize that you will handle a lot of stress in medical school and beyond but that you now have the coping skills and support system to deal with the stress BEFORE it turns into a major depressive episode.

I also discussed how my past depression was a strength because it forced me to develop excellent coping skills and made me a more compassionate person, and therefore will make me a more compassionate physician.

If you are in fact still depressed, I suggest getting a counselor or psychologist. And if you don't get in to medical school this year, you are all set up to apply VERY early for next year!

Feel free to PM me if you have more specific questions on how to handle the interviews and specific questions that may come up.

 

[guitargrl]

I agree with most who say don't bring it up in interview, unless you can show how you are dealing with it. If you have not sought professional advice, I think that would be most helpful. Getting accepted alone won't cure depression. I just sense something deeper is going on and really think good counseling could be very helpful. Good luck!

 

[kutastha]

I would strongly advise not discussing it at all. But now, you need to see someone about evaluating you for depression and getting it treated. If you are clinically depressed, getting into medical school will not treat it.

Good luck.

 

[rkaz]

You can't really 'hide' from depression as it will come back to get you. You might get into medical school, but staying in school is another matter as medical school is just too intense to get through when one is still struggling with depression. I know some extremely bright students who have failed classes, simply because they were juggling too many things. If you add depression to the mix, it becomes nearly impossible to get through school unless you are getting adequate treatment.

Get help now....whether you end up getting accepted to med school or not. It will make your life so much better and this process of getting through school so much easier. This may mean a combination of meds, supplements, counseling, and diet and lifestyle changes. Best wishes to you.

 

[rkaz]

Medical school is just about ALL science classes. Furthermore, they are much more intensive than undergrad. Thus, they are even more likely to be affected by one's depression. Simply being excited about starting school and having a clean state does not help enough.

That's why I encourage you to get the necessary help and make sure you are fully ready to start school. Schools will make your life miserable if you start failing classes and threaten to kick you out... and you want to avoid getting kicked out at all costs, as it's extremely hard to get back in (and simply telling them you were struggling with depression often isn't enough to get you back in - as you can read from many threads on SDN of students who were dismissed). I just don't want you to go through that kind of trauma. If you are just able to keep on top of your work and not get behind (due to depression or other reasons), you can fare just fine and school can be a blessing.