DEALING WITH ANXIETY
April 20th 2021
Question:
Oh hi... Since the pre-exam weeks have started, I can not focus on my studies.. Im so scared & stressed out how am I supposed to pass all these exams..(medical student ) What would you do in such situation? So many tests and all you need is to pass them over 70%... I’m mentally done omg.. Any vitamin supplements or calm pills? Thanks
Answer:
Hey, I completely understand your situation. Med school is hard, and you feel a lot of tension. Also, I guess you may feel the pressure of the expectations of your family and friends.
Remember that you are human, and failure is possible. I know it seems like failure is not admissible, but it is not real. I'll reveal you a secret: if you fail, nothing happens. I did not pass the first part of my anatomy exam on the first attempt, and I felt terrible. I felt like my worst nightmare came true. But what happened then? I prepared for the exam again, and I passed it.
Do not let the fear of failure prevail on you. Remember why you are doing it. Enjoy the process of learning and studying. Medicine is fascinating, and it is a pity to spend lots of years without savouring it because we are too busy despairing for exams.
Anyways, these are beautiful words, but I know that when you are in the middle of an exam session, it is hard to focus on the philosophical aspect. So let's come to the more practical tips to cope with anxiety.
I always try to focus rationally on my preparation. Do I perform well in exam simulations? Have I studied everything? Are my study buddies better or worse prepared than me? Did I respect my study plan? It helps me understand when I am worrying too much.
Also, it is vital to resize the problem. See friends (or make video calls with them) and find time for yourself and your hobbies. I know you do not have lots of time in this period since you have to study, but do not forget that you are a person over a medical student.
When I'm too exhausted, I like listening to relaxing music (you can find playlists on Spotify or YouTube). Meditating is good for your mind, as well (there are free apps like Headspace, which are great). Make a break and find something that unwinds you at least a little bit (I swear candles, tea and new stationery are miraculous for me). Also, writing down my fears and worries is a relief for me. It makes them organised and somehow less frightful.
As for pills, I never used any, nor I know anyone using them, so I am not very informed. I have to say I am sceptical about this topic. I guess many of them are based on the placebo effect or may have serious side effects, such as addiction. Some infusions might help (at least because they are warm, so they relax you), but I never tried.
Anyways, if you feel the need, do not hesitate to ask for support. Many universities have a psychological support system, which you may use. Do not baulk just because of social prejudices, which luckily are vanishing. There is no shame in letting someone else help you, and you do not have anything to lose.
I hope this was anyhow helpful to you. Whatever you need, feel free to contact me!
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN HOSPITAL
April 8th 2021
Question:
Oh hi.
Im a medical student, having a clerkship in summer.Im so scared,I can’t even think about it.I was in hospital last week and I thought I’m going to sh*t myself... 😄😕I’m not scared about death, blood or patients.It’s my low esteem & close group of people who is trying to persuade me it’ll be a catastrophic experience... Do you have any experiences in working in hospital? Im scared I will fuck up something.. Many thanks for any tips how to overcome this kind of fear 😂♥️
Answer:
Hey,
Unfortunately I have no experience at all in hospital. I should have been present at some surgeries this year but it wasn’t possibile due to the pandemic.
All I can tell you is: you will be there not because of luck but because you deserve to be there. Try to rationalize this point. Med school is very competitive and it is easy to feel inadequate or not enough. But if you got so far, you are not less valid than all your colleagues (that I’m sure you esteem)
Also, remember that close friends are not always right. The only one who truly knows yourself and your potential is you.
Having fear is absolutely normal. You would be naiv if you were totally relaxed about this new experience.
Anyways, I guess you will not be alone. You will have supervisors (aren’t you?). I think none is expecting you to be perfectly capable at your first experience.
Hope this was somehow useful. Good luck for this new amazing experience 😘
ITALIAN MED SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST
April 4th 2021
Question:
Hey Elle! One of my bestest friends is Italian and she wants to be a doctor. She's in her last year of high school but her high school isn't for those who want to be doctor's, but architects (Italian school system is lowkey fucked for making you choose the rest of your life in last year of middle school). Do you have any tips for her? Any study plan she could follow? The exam is in September but she's only being able to start studying now. Thank you very much for your attention!
Answer:
Hi!
I think she should not care about which high school she attended, since med test does not depend at all from that (my boyfriend didn’t attend a school that prepared for medicine, but he anyways passed the test, as well as many of my colleagues in med school).
It is true that she will have to study hard. She has to be ready to spend lots of time studying from now on.
I think that the best books to prepare for the Italian med test are “Unitutor” by Zanichelli and “Alpha test”. Also, there are many books for quizzes (such as “12000 quiz”).
It is very important to focus on quizzes. They are all similar. Once you get the logic, it will be much easier. Theory is important but it is not the most relevant part.
Also, tell her not to underestimate the logic part (many people do it and that’s a pity because it gives many points).
If she feels insicure, there are specific courses, even though they sometimes are quite expensive. I believe the best is Cordua Formazione but I don’t know if there are summer programmes (I did this course, but I started one year before the test. Anyways, there are many different options). Also, TestBusters is valid.
I hope this was useful. Write me for anything you need (and good luck to your friend!) 😘
PULL YOURSELF BACK TOGETHER AFTER A DELUSION
October 14th 2021
Question:
hi, I got suspended from med school for a year, and we are not even a week in and I'm losing my mind. I'm depressed, have barely eaten anything, and just purpose-less. it's killing and I don't know what to do, any advice?
Answer:
Hey,
I know this may sound banal but don't overthink.
You are in a tough period and it probably seems there is no way to overcome it. But you are wrong. You are going throw this bad period and it will be only a memory.
When I'm anxious about something that seems not to have a solution, I use two methods to relax:
1- I exaggerate my bad thoughts. What if I don't get a degree? What happens then? Will I be homeless? Will my family dishonor me? Probably it'll not, so my preoccupation is not as terrible as I am perceiving
2- I make a list of possible solutions. There is always a solution but you may not see it. Try to brainstorm. Which are the possible remedies to your problem? Which are your alternatives? You may realize they are not as bad as you think
Anyways, always remember that there is no shame in asking for help. You are not supposed to get through this alone. Talk to a friend or a member of your family about how you are feeling. Try to find someone (maybe on the internet) in a similar situation. Look for advice from people who went through this in the past. Find a supportive network. I'm sure your problem is much more usual than you believe, so share it with someone who could understand.
Last but not least, consider going to a psychologist. Don't be embarrassed to admit that you are living a bad period and you need an expert to help you feel better. I know it might be expensive, but there are many free services that you may utilize. If you search on the internet, I'm sure you will find a support given by you town, your country, your university, or your sporting club.
Hope this could be useful somehow. I'm sure you are strong enough to go beyond this period ❤️