learning problems or lack of motivation?

[Kepsnys]

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Hello everyone. I'm 2nd year medical student and I'm experiencing some troubles here.. Last year I finished with really high grades with the average 9.06 in 1st sem. and 9.17 in the sec. Studying medicine has always been my greatest aim, so I enjoyed it and kept interested and motivated for all those years. Starting this year everything changed. I don't know why, but I cannot memorize and learn stuff as I did last year. I've tried to go though this and kept learning as much as I can to get into the rythm, but it doesn't seem to work. I spent 3 days learning histology and took a colloquium today which I barely passed. (that was it..that never happened before, because if I learn I usually get high grades. Now i feel stupid 🙂 I feel like being diferent person from the one I was last year. sometimes I cannot find motivation to wake up for lectures, some things doesn't interest me anymore, but the scariest thing is that my brain doesn't work as it used to. My excuse is that I worked very hard in the US this summer and came back to my country very tired mentaly and physically, so sometimes I think I need vacation. Anyways, I cannot stop now, bacause this semester is the deadliest in my medical school, so I have to find the solution before it's not too late. Maybe I should try a medication to make my brain work better? Because I really don't understant what the hell is happening and that makes me nervous. Sorry for my scattered thoughts and thanks for replies.

 

[LostinLift]

Do you exercise? Do you eat healthy? Fruits, vegetables, fish, almonds? Do you get enough sleep? Do you have any hobbies or activities that you do for enjoyment rather than studying all day?

 

[Kepsnys]

I play basketball for my university team, but education first so I have to miss a lot of games and practices. I also go to the gym when I find a free hour. I eat healthy, but maybe I need to add more variety to my diet (fish and almonds are not common). I try to sleep at least 6-7 hours at night. I also hang out with my friends and spend time with my gf. Basicly I do everything the same as I did last year, but my academic life is not the same as it was... I feel like I need vacation in the small island with beautiful beach and palm trees, just to arrange my thoughts and relax.

 

[Stagg737]

It could be signs of burnout, or it could be the start of something more serious. If you're really doing everything like you were last year and have outlets for stress, then this shouldn't be an issue. I'd recommend talking to a learning specialist if your school has one to see if you need to make adjustments in your study methods. I'd also recommend talking to a school counselor. If it's something like burnout or early depression (lack of interest, problems focusing, etc.), it's much easier to address early before it turns into a bigger problem.

 

[Kepsnys]

It could be signs of burnout, or it could be the start of something more serious. If you're really doing everything like you were last year and have outlets for stress, then this shouldn't be an issue. I'd recommend talking to a learning specialist if your school has one to see if you need to make adjustments in your study methods. I'd also recommend talking to a school counselor. If it's something like burnout or early depression (lack of interest, problems focusing, etc.), it's much easier to address early before it turns into a bigger problem.

Thank you for your reply. I'll think about talking to a specialist. It actually feels like a burnout, because it's hard to remember the last time I wasn't stressed (last year in med school, the summer). But now I cannot look back, just have to keep going till next the summer holidays which I'm gonna spend more wisely. Now I have to change something and find the energy

 

[Redpancreas]

I know this doesn't help but I'm having the exact same issue.
It seems like we both are healthy and active but there's just something missing. I think the only element I'm not compliant is the routine schedule. I hope that if I can parent myself into one, I'll see improvement but after that if I'm not successful I may consider seeing a learning specialist.