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- Sep 12, 2010
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Kind of an odd topic to bring up in a pre-med forum, I know, but it's of particular concern to me. I'm a non-traditional 24 year old college freshman. About a year ago I finally started getting treatment for a depression disorder that started manifesting at the age of 18. I spent six years in a suicidal stupor, and I've just now adjusted myself to the point that I can finally lead a productive life.
My symptoms are about 90% under control with the medication I'm on, but I sometimes wonder if that 10% is still enough to quash my chances of succeeding in my medical aspirations. I don't spend days at a time unable to compel myself to leave my bed anymore, but I do have two or three hour long spells, usually once every couple of nights, when those feelings of worthlessness start creeping back into the edges of my mind. It makes it difficult to focus on bio or math homework when your mind is grappling with the question "Is life even worth it in the first place?". When I wake up the next morning and take my meds the feeling passes, but the previous night's study session was ruined.
Any other pre-meds, medical students, or successful doctors out there with a diagnosed mood disorder? If so, how do you deal with the stresses of academia and/or the profession during your depressive episodes?
My symptoms are about 90% under control with the medication I'm on, but I sometimes wonder if that 10% is still enough to quash my chances of succeeding in my medical aspirations. I don't spend days at a time unable to compel myself to leave my bed anymore, but I do have two or three hour long spells, usually once every couple of nights, when those feelings of worthlessness start creeping back into the edges of my mind. It makes it difficult to focus on bio or math homework when your mind is grappling with the question "Is life even worth it in the first place?". When I wake up the next morning and take my meds the feeling passes, but the previous night's study session was ruined.
Any other pre-meds, medical students, or successful doctors out there with a diagnosed mood disorder? If so, how do you deal with the stresses of academia and/or the profession during your depressive episodes?