EPISODE · Nov 10, 2021 · 14 MIN
Surviving medical school with depression
"I was first diagnosed with major depressive disorder as a preteen after my teenage sister died. I attempted suicide three years later. This would be the first of several attempts and the first of countless times I felt my life was not worth living. But I am not unique. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 person dies by suicide every 11 minutes. My depression is like a chronic autoimmune disease — constitutively present at a low level with flares. But there's no Humira for depression. At baseline, I am exhausted, anxious, lacking motivation, and full of self-doubt. When severely depressed, I am at the bottom of the sea, struggling to breathe and unable to swim. I am paralyzed by a high-pressure, heavy and humid darkness. Through physical or mental isolation, I may not see another living creature for hours, days or weeks. I can look up and see the sun shining beyond the water surface, but the surface is miles beyond my reach. I must physically force myself to breathe as my mind tells me to stop. Trying to take a test, see patients or study can prove impossible." This anonymous medical student shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, "Surviving medical school with depression." (https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2021/06/surviving-medical-school-with-depression.html)
NOW PLAYING
Surviving medical school with depression
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m