Nicole A.
Photo provided by Nicole A.
If you’re reading this, I want you to know that I believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.
I am here to remind you that your failures do not define you. I think they make you stronger, they build resilience, and build a confidence that no one has the power to break. Being a medical student is a gratifying path to pursue, and it can be highly demanding in many ways, from the expectations of others and the ones we set for ourselves, to the fast-paced and demanding curriculum.
Many students experience failure in this process and often feel embarrassed to discuss it, frequently being overly critical of themselves and feeling as though they’ve hit a dead-end. I have stumbled many times on this journey, but if I had taken each failure as a reason to stop, I would have never made it to medical school and to where I am today. I believe that when faced with failure, it's crucial to adopt a growth mindset, recognizing that each failure is not the end; rather, it's a stepping stone to success. It's part of all of our journeys, whether we failed by the number or failed by our circumstances. But each failure, each obstacle, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become more resilient. Your mindset is crucial. It's not easy to pick yourself up after a setback, but remember, the only limits are the ones you set for yourself.
Nicole A., Second Year Medical Student
Q: How have you learned to cope better throughout medical school?
A: Having someone to talk to or an outlet to express my feelings has been tremendously helpful to me in medical school. A lot of mental health issues that students are easily able to cope with before medical school can resurface more intensely, and ways to cope may not look the same in medical school as they did beforehand. It is important for students to explore and enrich themselves in life beyond the classroom by finding different ways to connect with themselves and truly relax their minds. One of the ways I connect with myself the most is through music, whether it's through playing the piano, singing, or dancing. Music is an outlet where I can authentically express myself. I regularly try to stay in touch with my family and friends from back home; they are my biggest support system, and making sure I am doing my best to keep up with them is a huge priority in my life. They never fail to fill up my cup when I am running on half empty. I live on my school’s campus, so I am surrounded by medical school 24/7, and speaking to people outside of this environment is a reminder that life exists beyond this bubble. Having an immense workload has been overwhelming, oddly enough, though, it has also been a blessing. Always having something to study can seem daunting, but it can also be a comforting reminder that the work I do today will benefit the patients and communities I will serve in the future. Sometimes, when I am going through something troubling in life, I am reminded that I am working towards something bigger.
Q: How do you prioritize self-care and mental wellness amidst the demanding curriculum and workload of medical school?
A: Making sure to include events that are fulfilling in my life. I usually like to book something a few months in advance, such as a concert or a trip. I enjoy having something to look forward to in general. I allow myself to take days off, buy myself some sweet treats, and when I am studying, I focus on making my surroundings as calming as possible. I enjoy using ambient lighting, having music on in the background, and setting up my oil diffuser. I love using hair masks and face masks on weekends when I'm glued to my desk. These activities may seem small, but it’s a culmination of small things that makes all the difference. These practices also help me feel like I am taking care of myself and setting goals for myself outside of academics. It's easy to feel like you should always be studying in medical school and that there's little room for pleasure outside of school. But truthfully, there will always be something to study, something to catch up on. It's up to us to shape our lives the way we want them to be, because medical school is a long journey, and the small changes we make every day add up to healthy or negative habits in the long run. I'm passionate about medicine and excited to become a physician, but I also believe that one can succeed without having to sacrifice self-care and neglect their mental wellness completely. We need to take proper care of ourselves in order to deliver effective care to our patients.
Q: How do you manage the stress of preclinical training, such as learning high volumes of detailed information and increased levels of competition?
A: In simple terms, keeping a positive and slightly delusional mindset at times. I mean this in the sanest way possible; a little bit of delusion can go a long way, and it may be exactly what you need to believe in your ability to accomplish your dreams. In terms of managing increased levels of competition, I constantly remind myself that everyone is on their own unique path, and the one I should focus on the most is my own. This is easier said than done, and it can be challenging to feel up to par in a room full of brilliant-minded individuals. However, I’ve found that the more time I’ve invested in working on the areas I want to change or improve in my life, the closer I’ve become to reaching my own aspirations. Instead of letting the accomplishments of others intimidate you, let them inspire you. Acknowledging and taking pride in my own achievements as well as setting goals for myself are also ways that have helped me stay focused on my own path.
Several studies have revealed that medical students, physicians, and healthcare professionals experience mental health symptoms at rates significantly higher than the general population. Stethos[Cope] is a chapter of IfYoureReadingThis designed to help medical students and professionals cope with the unique stressors of medical training and change the narrative of mental health in medicine.
To read more letters and interviews from students, and to learn more about mental health in the medical community, visit the Stethos[Cope] home page.