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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181071
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7997
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453044
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23633
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments