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Karsh

Updated 11mo ago

Overcoming Anxiety and Depression as a Medical Student

I’m a medical student who is experiencing depression and anxiety in the context of an uncertain future. I am almost done my core clinical rotations and I have to begin putting my residency applications together. I have very high expectations of myself and often feel paralyzed by my indecisiveness about the best course of action. I can also lose hope when I feel I am not working towards a successful future. I want to be able to get outside of my head and do more while thinking/planning less. I want to be happier on a more consistent basis while still being able to move forward when I’m not feeling great. I am trying CBT, meditation, medication, and even asking for my family’s support, but ultimately I feel I need a change in mentality, or some kind of epiphany in order to truly move forward. I’m not sure whether it’s about reframing my fear of failure, redefining success, or just working harder, but I need help. I want to improve my life.

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johno

2y

in my experience, which is admittedly less than yours, the best thing we can do is continue to move forward. as long as you continue on, your doubts an insecurities will fall by the wayside as you continue to grow learn and ultimately succeed. it’s just taking things one day at a time that’s key at least in my view
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Perfectionist27

2y

Im a medical student in the middle of finishing my rotations too and feel the same way. One of my friends who already finished hers even feels this way. From talking about it with my therapist it sounds normal to experience this but it does suck its hard being so close to something and then thinking wait can I actually do this? I have major imposter syndrome for sure and so far planning to take a job route slow starting as an assistant or something first. My first rotation was horrible and my last one was really great and in a few weeks I do my last two. The only thing that helps me is doing what I can and realizing I can only take things step by step. The fact that you are working this hard and doing these shows you are improving your life mentally its just hard to feel that way and believe it. I started journaling my success’s because later on i dont believe it or dont give myself credit or enough. Its hard to be happy if we want more and expect more of ourselves sometimes I try and think about what I should be thankful for and it can help sometimes. Also if you are not already I would consider getting on a antidepressant or something that may help more with anxiety. Im jealous you found a medication for OCD ive been told for several years there isnt any and they just give me antidepressants btw. Dont know how much this helps but I completely understand and feel the same way.
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SAMHAIN

2y

Where did they mentioned OCD, or medication for it..?
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Perfectionist27

2y

When I clicked on the medication it says you take it said it was for OCD.
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Perfectionist27

2y

^*they
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Karsh

2y

Thank you all for the responses. I think you all are so strong and wise. You have mentioned some great coping mechanisms and points of view that can allow one to be resilient and keep going. Even though my emotions and anxious/depressive thoughts make it challenging, I will try to keep moving forward. The medication I take, clomipramine, has been effective for OCD even though it is technically an antidepressant (a TCA). It does have side effects like dry mouth, mild constipation, and decreased libido/sexual function, but I am holding out hope that it is effective for me. Wishing you all the best of luck and continued success 🙏
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SAMHAIN

2y

Wow I didnt know they OLUd those like that. Sumn new every day!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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