Depression and anxiety in the doctor started as a premed | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Education

it's time to consider that depression and anxiety in doctors may start in pre-Med

We must be proactive in acknowledging our internal conflicts and engage with those around us.

326
https://www.rawpixel.com/image/378647/man-stressed-while-working-laptop
rawpixel

Bring up Instagram and search "#medstudent" or "#doctor" and you'll find over five million results showing anything from workplace comradery to surgical procedures to textbooks. This is, of course, representative of our societal preconception of what it means to be a doctor: people who love their jobs, save lives and have genius-level knowledge of human medicine, otherwise leading normal lives. Although this is entirely true in a majority of cases, there is an ever-increasing plague that is tightening its grip on the profession of medicine, literally killing those who provide medical services. It is estimated that 300 - 400 physicians commit suicide every year, averaging out to approximately one per day. The roots of this reality run deep within the profession and can be traced back to where at all began: pre-med.

The journey towards becoming a doctor can be incredibly rewarding as the premedical undergraduate has nearly limitless resources to fuel their interests. Opportunities for relevant academic education, nearly endless scientific medical journals and shadowing or internships with current medical professionals are some of the associated enjoyments. However, as valuable and enjoyable as these things are, they do not come without the one commodity of which everyone seems to never have enough: time. This is undeniably the limiting factor in undergraduate life as a whole and is even more elusive amongst pre-professional students. The years that precede medical school are especially demanding, unlike that of the majority of other undergraduate programs; laden with a myriad of obstacles to overcome such as academic rigor, steep competition, self-inflicted isolation and the resulting ever-present sting of premedical depression.

We need more time to study for that organic chemistry exam, more time to shadow in a clinical setting or (the most often neglected) more time for social activities. If you're a pre-med and like me, then you'd most-likely prioritize your academics and career-related obligations over that of social interactions. This was beneficial in the short-term as it afforded me with more time to devote to my studies, however, I learned first-hand how destructive of a habit it can be. As a result, I experienced varying degrees of loneliness, unfounded feelings of undesirability and inadequacy as it related to my personality or physical attributes, irritability and also recognized an increase in apathy towards the feelings of those around me. Had it not been for the concern and interventions by family and a few close friends, this would have most certainly worsened as opposed to having improved. For the better part of a year, I saw how drastically it affected me, my work and even degraded my productivity. I have since acquired a newfound perspective on what it means to struggle with acute mental health concerns and wholly intend on using that understanding to better connect with my future patients, making me a better doctor when the time comes.

Like that of medical students and physicians, premedical undergraduates are showing signs of the same depressive disorders which indicates that there may be a causative correlation that can be derived. A 2009 research study at the University of California, San Diego, quantified the degree and distribution of premedical student depression at their institution, using the PHQ-9 standard for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as outlined in the DSM-IV. Their study revealed that premedical students have both greater depression intensity and prevalence of MDD than non-premedical students; that of which increases markedly amongst women and Hispanics. If left to fester, the consequences can be dire and life-threatening.

In order to fully understand the implications that untreated depression has on a person's physical and psychological well-being, consider the following amalgamation of a few of the relevant research findings. A three-year study (using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and Gray Matter Density (GMD) analysis) showed that MDD causes morphological changes in the chemistry, structure, and function of various regions within the limbic system and prefrontal cortex of the brain. In other words, too much stress and depression will alter the way your brain works; specifically, how it regulates emotion, long-term memory and social interactions. With those effects in mind, let's consider again the focus of what we're trying to prevent.

It is well known that medical school is one of the most rigorous academic endeavors one can undertake and so it should be of little surprise that there is a high rate of depressive symptoms associated with it. In fact, 49.6% of 4,287 medical students across seven institutions suffered from burnout between 2006 to 2007, 11.2% of which had suicidal ideation. Further, a meta-analysis of data from 1960 - 2003 found that among male and female physicians, the suicide mortality rate is 40% and 130% higher, respectively, than those in the general population or of other academic fields.

This trend must be stopped. If the seeds of the same conditions that are directly correlated to physician suicide are being found in medical and premedical students, then that is where our efforts must start. Recognizing it in our colleagues, family members and friends who are striving to become medical professionals is imperative as this is a compounded effect that starts early and must be managed early. Although it is not defined as an official mental health disorder, the underlying implications of the commonly coined term "high functioning anxiety" can reveal some of the important precursors to look for. On the surface, people with this form of anxiety appear to be successful, focused, collected—the picture of success in one form or another. However, underneath that external persona is an entirely different reality from their own perspective that they rarely share with others. Driving them towards their success is a near constant churn of anxiety which may stem from fear of failure or disappointment of others. This is unsustainable as it inclines one to bottle up and compartmentalize their feelings only to deal with it "later" but of course later never comes.

The next big thing. I just need to pass biochemistry. I just need to score well on the MCAT. I just need to get into medical school. I just need to… I just need to… and so on until the once hopeful and vibrant person is found dead at suicide's door. The smoking gun here is our own apathetic approach to depression and anxiety, yet we have the ability to intervene before it ever reaches this point. You alone have the power over your thoughts, your decisions and your actions so use it to direct yourself towards your goals with a focus and determination that isn't temporarily propped up by anxiety. Putting all of your efforts into your aspirations while neglecting an internal conflict is not a temporary sacrifice—it is the beginning of a life of discontentment where nothing you do brings lasting happiness because that pain is always there. Success doesn't happen in a vacuum but comes by through the assistance of others and so, instead of suppressing the longing and emotional estrangement within, actively build meaningful relationships with other people. Doing so is just as integral to the fruition of your goals as it is to your lasting happiness.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16430
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7041
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5190
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4548
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments