Normalizing Mental Health Struggles in the Medical Field
Want CE credit? Join the Pinnacle Continuing Education Membership to gain access to exclusive digital content including webinars, live events, book clubs, and more. Earn CE credit while consuming content you enjoy from creators you already love.
I started medical school at 21, and at the time, I felt so grown up. Looking back, I realize how young I truly was. I had gone straight from undergrad to medical school, armed with a stellar GPA, a great MCAT score, and all the necessary accolades. I was used to being the best—at the top of my class in college and high school. I had never experienced not excelling. Medical school was different. After our first test, I didn’t do well, and that failure ignited something in me: anxiety and depression. Transitioning to adulthood, adjusting to the immense pressure of medical school, and leaving behind the comfort of college felt overwhelming, like trying to drink from the ocean. What hit me hardest was not being at the top. I’ve always been highly competitive with myself, and that first semester was a huge adjustment. On top of academic challenges, I was also dealing with personal changes and felt incredibly alone. But when I started opening up to my classmates, I realized I wasn’t alone at all. Many of us were struggling, and that connection helped me feel seen.
“I empower my patients to discover and follow their own wisdom.”
As I progressed through medical school, residency, and fellowship, there were plenty of ups and downs. Prioritizing my mental health became crucial. Therapy and acupuncture were game-changers, especially while studying for my USMLE exams. Learning to recognize my own warning signs and having candid conversations with trusted people was transformative for me.I originally wanted to become an OB/GYN, but my own mental health journey led me to psychiatry. A friend once told me I’d be amazing in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and during my third-year rotation, I knew it was my calling within 30 minutes. I could empathize with young people in a way that felt so natural. I don’t believe in giving advice—I empower my patients to discover and follow their own wisdom. Through a combination of medication and therapy, I help them reclaim vibrant, joy-filled lives. That’s where my passion lies.
Staying Grounded
One day, I dream of a world where mental health for medical students and professionals is taken as seriously as a physical injury. The younger generation of doctors is more open about their struggles, which gives me hope. Keeping those struggles bottled up only makes things worse, and I’ve learned that the hard way. Reflecting on my early 20s, I realize how hard those years were. What helped me survive was connection—specifically, with my “sister friends” from medical school. Even in the middle of exam prep, we scheduled fun activities to keep us grounded. Breathwork, yoga, and prioritizing sleep have also been essential tools in my self-care arsenal. Losing a classmate to suicide before the pandemic shattered me. It taught me that warning signs aren’t always obvious. Since then, I’ve become more intentional in how I talk with patients about suicide. I give them space to open up and ask directly if they’ve had thoughts of ending their life. These conversations are difficult but critical.
My Advice to Medical Professionals
Look for joy intentionally, even in the small moments. Whether it’s admiring a beautiful sky or sharing a meaningful interaction with a patient, what you seek, you find. I’m passionate about sharing mental health insights on social media to raise awareness and provide support. The medical journey is full of challenges, but I’m committed to destigmatizing the struggles we all face. To my fellow medical professionals: be gentle with yourselves. Celebrate your victories. And when things get tough, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. We’re all in this together.
