Getting Through An Internal Medicine Residency

Written By: Rachael Kaine

Depression During an Internal Medicine Residency

The time spent completing an internal medicine residency Baltimore can seem endless, which often will result in you feeling a lot of different emotions. Some days will be good days, others will be great... and some will be downright awful. The awful days might make you feel as if you made the wrong decision or chose the incorrect field, but these feelings will pass as long as you’re able to adequately deal with them. Depression during the residency years is a common occurrence; it just takes some time to learn how to handle it.

Talking about things can help a great deal. Chances are that you’re not the only person that is having these feelings, and a lot of times, letting other people know that you’re suffering can be enough to get you out of a rut and turn your feelings around. Take some time for yourself. This can be anything from getting out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air to simply stopping to ensure that you’re eating right and sleeping as much as possible. These simple changes can give you a new perspective on your situation, and allow you to refocus and evaluate your priorities. Never, ever be afraid to ask for help. The medical field is about helping others, but you cannot do that without first helping yourself.

Internal Medicine Residency Stress

Like depression, stress can often sneak up on medical residents during the worst times. Maybe you’re overloaded with work, missing having a life, and off of a normal sleep or eating schedule. These are typical stress factors, especially for those completing an internal medicine residency, where people will be watching your every move and evaluating you to make sure that you’re doing what you need to be doing.

Getting through this stress is essential for success, but it might seem hard to think about what comes next when you’re up to your ears in patients, work, and everyday life. A few things that can be done in order to combat stress during your residency include not taking things personally, ensuring that you have some downtime for yourself each day, and learning to appreciate the small things.

It is normal for residents to be reprimanded and pulled aside by their seniors, but this isn’t meant to dishearten you - instead, this is an opportunity for you to learn; they are simply trying to help. Even 30 to 45 minutes each day spent doing something you enjoy like reading, listening to music or sitting outdoors can help to reduce stress, and it can give you a chance to take everything in. The stress you may feel, much like depression and the residency itself are only temporary.