Personal Statement and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

[Thordinson]

Hello,

I'm in the middle of writing my personal statement for next cycle. I was wondering if I should mention my 11 year struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I think it's an integral part of my journey and one that shows just how far I've come as a non trad. It does tie into the "why medicine?" question as the physician who diagnosed me is also the same physician I shadowed. I don't take medication for it. I have a prescription for Xanax for my occasional panic attacks but I keep my GAD in check with CBT and meditation. Is it wise to mention this?

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[allantois]

It’s not reccomemded to talk about personal medical history in your PS

 

[EmilKraepelin55]

I have struggled with Asperger's for years, and have some social hurdles that I constantly have to fight on the daily. However, I never mentioned it in my personal statement or my interviews this cycle. I was afraid of how I would be judged based on this information, and so I thought it pertinent to not talk about it. I have been successful so far, and have received one acceptance to a DO school. I'm not sure if it really would have mattered, but perhaps it helped. I'm not sure. It's probably a good recommendation to not talk about those issues though.

 

[osteodoc7]

I would not recommend it. As much as the essay could be moving and emotional, you will most likely end up trying to convince the reader that your GAD will not significantly hinder your performance in medical school. That could be something perhaps (though I don't recommend) you mention at an interview. It would allow you to explain the situation a little better and respond to any doubts. There's a great deal of stuff that are integral to me developing as an individual that I would just not mention in my personal statement. Just my subjective two cents.

 

[pasnsypor]

I wouldn't recommend putting it in your PS or interviews. While I'm a total advocate for transparency when it comes to our struggles and the things that make us human... your PS is just not the place to bring it up. Your PS is the place to list everything that would make you an awesome medical student. One of the things admissions committees are screening for is people who would be at high risk of attrition. Unfortunately, GAD would read as a red flag for this especially with that being one of the only things they'll know about you at this time. This is the time to fluff up your credentials and put your best foot forward. The time for honesty comes after, once you've been accepted. With the interview process behind you, that's when being upfront with your background will only help you and potentially other students struggling with the same or similar things. Just my 2c from someone who's been there 🙂

 

[bahdahboom]

Hello,

I'm in the middle of writing my personal statement for next cycle. I was wondering if I should mention my 11 year struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I think it's an integral part of my journey and one that shows just how far I've come as a non trad. It does tie into the "why medicine?" question as the physician who diagnosed me is also the same physician I shadowed. I don't take medication for it. I have a prescription for Xanax for my occasional panic attacks but I keep my GAD in check with CBT and meditation. Is it wise to mention this?

i wouldnt. ii talked about it in my PS and worked it in for my theme but i think it hurt. I didnt get interviews for some of my safety schools, kinda surprised me. I honestly think mentioning it was a contributory factor.

 

[monty522]

I work in a test-prep company that also runs a PS side buisness.

My boss, who's insanely knowledgable, mentioned to never say anything in regards to mental instability. Ever. Apparently there used to be a question on applications about it that basically led to an instant rejection.

 

[RFK1954]

Honesty is always the best policy. Hide nothing. they appreciate that you have conquered your personal struggle and EVERYONE has them.

 

[Thordinson]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I really appreciate it. I guess I'll leave it out of my personal statement then.

 

[MADD!!!]

+1 for leaving it out. Unfortunately our society still isn't at a point yet to where you can openly talk about mental health issues and not be judged for them. Furthermore, there are students who struggle in medical school due to mental health issues and it could be used as an "objective" data point to see if you're going to make it to the end of med school or not.

I know it sounds cliche, but for PS's write what they want to hear. BUT, back up the cliche statements with your unique personal experiences to solidify them. I've read basic essays and very complex ones, and the basic ones actually yield better results.

 

[TurtleyReady4Med]

Here are my thoughts: 1) GAD can be a real journey, and a compelling piece to write about it. 2) Unfortunately, due to the stigma behind mental illness, it is general practice to not bring it up in personal statements. 3) I DO believe it is a okay to talk about in an interview though for the "What is the hardest thing you have ever had to experience?" question since it was a "struggle" if you are able to bring up what types of effective coping methods you have used (like meditation). I had a similar experience with anxiety which manifested as chronic pain so I spoke mostly about the physical symptoms with meditation, aromatherapy, along with medication.

 

[esob]

I just was reading a medscape article that popped up on FB which noted something to the tune of 40% of practicing physicians said they would be reluctant to seek mental health care for fear of licensure problems. I vote to leave it out as well, the stigma is too great at this point in modernity.

article here: Medscape: Medscape Access

 

[Goro]

Here are my thoughts: 1) GAD can be a real journey, and a compelling piece to write about it. 2) Unfortunately, due to the stigma behind mental illness, it is general practice to not bring it up in personal statements. 3) I DO believe it is a okay to talk about in an interview though for the "What is the hardest thing you have ever had to experience?" question since it was a "struggle" if you are able to bring up what types of effective coping methods you have used (like meditation). I had a similar experience with anxiety which manifested as chronic pain so I spoke mostly about the physical symptoms with meditation, aromatherapy, along with medication.

To follow up on this, while we Adcoms are always nervous about candidates with mental health issues, a long period of academic excellence will allay those concerns.

Keep in mind that we also like come-from-behind stories. It's in our national DNA.

 

[workaholic181]

It's up to you OP.. personally, I feel most schools usually have a place where such things can be addressed in their secondary essays also; so it doesnt necessarily have to be a part of your PS.

I'm a semi non trad (1 gap year, non science major) and I focused my PS on why medicine vs other things. It does sound like you can relate your medical history to why you wanna be a doc but is it the foundational reason? Were it me, I'd write about whatever the fundamental drive behind your pursuit of this is in your PS.