low energy

[lumbering]

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I am a 3 days into my first rotation (internal medicine), and I am having issues with low energy levels. I have had this issue for a long time, but I think that it has become more important now because my social skills fall to pieces when I feel this way. My energy level improves when I am active (e.g. talking to a patient, getting pimped, presenting, moving around purposefully) and decreases when I am basically just shadowing. I develop a very flat affect after a while. When someone smiles at me, I have trouble smiling back. I come off as disinterested and depressed. I don't feel melancholic or all that physically tired-just sort of emotionally tired. I get a reasonable amount of sleep at night (~7+ hrs). My symptoms are briefly and inconsistently improved by caffeine.

Does anyone have any suggestions.

 

[ericdamiansean]

I am a 3 days into my first rotation (internal medicine), and I am having issues with low energy levels. I have had this issue for a long time, but I think that it has become more important now because my social skills fall to pieces when I feel this way. My energy level improves when I am active (e.g. talking to a patient, getting pimped, presenting, moving around purposefully) and decreases when I am basically just shadowing. I develop a very flat affect after a while. When someone smiles at me, I have trouble smiling back. I come off as disinterested and depressed. I don't feel melancholic or all that physically tired-just sort of emotionally tired. I get a reasonable amount of sleep at night (~7+ hrs). My symptoms are briefly and inconsistently improved by caffeine.

Does anyone have any suggestions.

If you did a survey, you would find that alot of people experience it.

Don't have to do anything about it, you're normal😀

But perhaps change your nick..lumbering..add an "s" and it's slumbering

 

[AmoryBlaine]

I've heard of this before, it's called "boredom."

Good luck.

 

[doctorp82]

I've heard of this before, it's called "boredom."

Good luck.

The most common etiology is monotony. Find some way to engage your mind and activity level even during those passive times. If you know anything about the cases you might see for the day, try to think of questions to ask. It's almost like asking to be pimped, which you seem to feel energized by.

 

[ChildNeuro]

I would try taking a quick 15-20 minute brisk walk in the am if you can, this helps keep your energy levels up. Also, I would avoid carbs like breads and potatoes during breakfast as these can slow you down, try some bacon and nice pieces of fruit, I find this "sticks between the ribs better." If you aren't in shape, which we all aren't after years 1 and 2, or at least alot of us aren't, the increase in physical activity is a strain I believe. Bring a pocketbook, like CaseFiles Internal Medicine, read a case through slowly, and let your mind churn over it during the day. . . I find out I am at my best if I wake up early, i.e. ~4:30 am (with enough sleep for me which is about 5.5 hours), and then be modestly productive, i.e. read, take a walk, and then show up when necessary for the rotation which may be as late as 8:00 am. . . I am not making value judgments, but I am guessing that you are out of shape, i.e. overweight, losing the weight will make you feel much better and more awake, and if you snore at night you could have obstructive sleep apnea which is a serious disease that needs to be evaluated by your pcp, do this if you are having daytime sleepiness. Also, if you really do feel depressed you should get that evaluated by your primary care physician as well. It sounds like your problem is chronic, which I would guess might make it more likely to based in a real pathology rather than just a week of tiredness.

 

[lumbering]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Childneuro: I'm actually in pretty good shape, and I exercise regularly. I'll try your advice about diet.

 

[King Arthur]

coffee usually has a pretty solid dose response curve. you may need to step it up during 3rd years not so stimulating moments.

 

[fakin' the funk]

I am a 3 days into my first rotation (internal medicine), and I am having issues with low energy levels. I have had this issue for a long time, but I think that it has become more important now because my social skills fall to pieces when I feel this way. My energy level improves when I am active (e.g. talking to a patient, getting pimped, presenting, moving around purposefully) and decreases when I am basically just shadowing. I develop a very flat affect after a while. When someone smiles at me, I have trouble smiling back. I come off as disinterested and depressed. I don't feel melancholic or all that physically tired-just sort of emotionally tired. I get a reasonable amount of sleep at night (~7+ hrs). My symptoms are briefly and inconsistently improved by caffeine.

Does anyone have any suggestions.

Your behavior is WNL. The worst for me is during rounds when they're talking about a pt I know nothing about. I've been nearly falling asleep sitting up in my chair quite a bit recently.

The scrip involves drip coffee, 16-20 oz q6h prn

 

[THP]

The problem is internal medicine not you. By far the most boring rotation you will do.

 

[Hard24Get]

Your behavior is WNL. The worst for me is during rounds when they're talking about a pt I know nothing about. I've been nearly falling asleep sitting up in my chair quite a bit recently.

The scrip involves drip coffee, 16-20 oz q6h prn

Yeah, I prefer it when at least a brief into to the patient is given. Otherwise 😴

The problem is internal medicine not you. By far the most boring rotation you will do.

YUP! - unless of course you like that sorta thing 😉

 

[Nikki2002]

i get like that when i am really insanely bored.