Very unproductive year

[Confused1617]

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So I decided to pursue dentistry late after graduating college May 2014. With that being said, I have been very unproductive so far with my year off. I have only been taking one college course (A&P), and I studied for the DAT and took it. Now since march, I am shadowing a dentist and possibly working there. But since July 2014 to now, I have done nothing but the few things I have listed. How bad will this effect my application?

To be honest, I could have found a job, but I lost a few relatives in the Syrian war, and was not feeling very well. I guess I was depressed, but nothing serious. I would hate to mention this during my interview since it is a very emotional topic for me, and would prefer to not cry during my interview. So I just didn't want a job or really to do anything for a while.

The dentist I am shadowing said I can work at his office part time, but other than that I am not doing anything. I just take care of my grandma all day since she is blind.

If I am asked about my unproductive time, would simply saying I was just taking a break bad?

 

[Incis0r]

I feel for you. It's OK to take a break for yourself. The purpose of life isn't to squander it all away stressing yourself out.

You're still clinically involved, academically involved, and you got the DAT done. I wouldn't consider this as an "unproductive time." Now go relax a bit 😀.

 

[Confused1617]

I feel for you. It's OK to take a break for yourself.

You're still clinically involved, academically involved, and you got the DAT done. I wouldn't consider this as an "unproductive time."

Thank you,
It's just when you look at the time gap and what I have done, I was just worried it looks bad. I took the DAT in late February and started doing my shadowing in March. So pretty much in July till February 2015 it looks like I've done nothing.
I'll just hope for the best during the cycle.