question

[gotmilk1234]

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[Instatewaiter]

You will not be discriminated against unless it affects your ability to do your job. I would recommend you get this under control prior to starting medical school. It is not uncommon for mental health problems to get markedly worse during medical school, especially the beginning of medical school. That may mean during the beginning of medical school you could be impaired by your depression if you don't get it under control.

 

[DrMikeP]

so in college, i was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. i met with a therapist or psychologist on campus who wasn't super helpful. she basically told me to look up pictures of cute animals and magically i would get better. i have since graduated from college and am currently living at home, which has made my depression significantly worse. i have asked my parents about taking me to counseling, since i dont have my own money, but they deny that depression is real, telling me that "it's just a phase and i'll grow out of it". i am starting medical school in the fall but i'm worried about my mental health. it would be good to leave my home, and i know schools often have mental health services. i am just concerned about school officials and future employers for residency and beyond finding out that i sought out treatment (and maybe meds) and i would be discriminated against. is that a valid concern/do you have any advice for me?

There are many low cost services in most areas. You have to have med ins for most schools so seek help ASAP.

Many counselors are not Psychologists and some are students who don't even have a masters and may have been given you as their first patient. Her advice was BS and if you see someone who offers such find someone else. Find a Psychologist or psychiatrist or both not a lower level therapist.

Depression is very treatable with therapy and potentially meds, often depending on severity, the two together has the best outcome. You've invested this much in getting this far so invest in your emotional well-being and be successful in med school. I treat a lot of drs, residents and students for depression and anxiety and if you get to it early then it won't as likely impact your career. If you wait until being hospitalized then it is too late, so don't wait until you're drowning in med school!

Seriously, there is no shame in getting help now! Youd be surprised at how many there are in the same shoes and that are currently in therapy and no one knows. If you use ins or an outside clinic then no one has to know. A school counseling service is mostly confidential but not always in certain circumstances. They can refer you out and many med schools do.

All the best



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