fbpx
Menu

Can't seem to appreciate the break

HomeForumsEmotional MasteryCan't seem to appreciate the break

New Reply
Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #47912
    Ashleah
    Participant

    Hi all! It seems I have stumbled upon this somehow by Google today. I was hesitant to post at first, but… here we go.

    I’m a first year medical student currently on winter break. After what has literally been the longest semester of school in my life, I can’t seem to enjoy the break. I am at home with family, but probably spent most of my time on Netflix in my room. I’ve found myself up most nights browsing the web and reflecting on anything and everything, and by reflecting, I really mean worrying and unnecessarily analyzing. This isn’t exactly the first time this has happened. I have felt “moody” on breaks in the past. Which could possibly explain why I graduated undergrad, started graduate school three weeks later, completed a masters in a year, and started medical school three weeks after completing the requirements for the masters. I suck at free time, and I love being busy – but I think I love it because I know that free time leads to… this.

    I am somewhat of an introvert, but people who know me wouldn’t necessarily tag me as such. I know everyone in my year, and quite a few in the years above and below me, and a lot of people know me. But I tend to only keep a few really close friends at any given time. So, with no plans yet for New Year’s Eve… my mind is literally racing with thoughts of how people in our class must not like me (which I know is completely stupid). My boyfriend is with family out of state. He’s in my year, and we started dating a few months ago. During school, we’re both excellent about giving each other space. You have to when you take all the same exams on the same days. But since break, I feel like I am always anxious for him to text me. I find myself worrying about little details of our relationship – age difference, getting through med school together, [insert more crap I normally never have time to worry about here]. I’ll dwell on anything and everything.

    My mom has dealt with depression and anxiety in the past. I have had some issues in high school and undergrad, but sort of buried myself into something, pressed on, and tried to ignore it. I guess I am sort of at odds with how to deal with this. I would like to enjoy the last week of my break, and future breaks for that matter. I also wonder if this is something that I should be addressing on a larger scale in my life – while school is going on and such. Normally, I think my friends would tell you I’m one of the happiest people in our class – it’s why they were so excited when my bf and I started dating – we’re both two of the “happiest, nicest people in the class.” Considering this isn’t the first time this has happened, I want to give this serious consideration… seeing mental health services at school, taking up yoga, getting a life coach. The latter two are actually things the bf already does. Not to knock medication, especially considering I’m in medicine, I feel like I have personally seen with my mom that medication isn’t a permanent, integrative solution. I shouldn’t be tailspinning into thoughts about the purpose of my life and worrying if I’m fully contributing to it every time I have an extended break. Any advice or words of wisdom is greatly appreciated.

    #47929
    Daisy
    Participant

    Hi Ashleah,

    I have to say, I can completely relate with you. I used to have meltdowns when when there wasn’t a routine as all of a sudden I had a choice about how I would spend my time. Is that the right choice? Should I be doing something else etc.?

    This leads to my constant over-thinking which I’ve struggled with since I can remember.

    My advice to you is:

    1. Talk to people. Start with people you feel comfortable with but sometimes it can be even more uplifting to talk to someone you thought it would be embarrassing to talk to at first because you realise you have their support, too. Express your issues. Don’t be afraid to show tears or anger. Just let it all out. Keep yourself around people until you’re calm.

    2. I’d then say, take some time to partake in activities that you enjoy and are calming. I like to meditate, but mostly sing along to my iPod at the top of my voice. That also gives me some energy and motivation to tackle whatever problem I have.

    3. Look after yourself and get an early and full night’s sleep. When you wake up, listen to all your thoughts, good and bad and think logically how to tackle them. One by one. No rush. What do you feel compelled and motivated to do today?

    4. If that doesn’t come naturally, you need some goals. Sit and write down anything and everything you want to achieve. Then choose something. Split it up into smaller steps. Take that first step and immerse yourself in what you’re doing. It will distract and motivate you as well as enhance your life.

    That’s what I’m currently doing on my Winter break! Really hope this helps. Let me know how you get on!

    #48101
    annette
    Participant

    You sound like a positive, empathetic and dynamic person who has put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into your first semester of school and for that you should be very proud. Though it has been a positive experience so far don’t underestimate how much energy it must have taken for you to settle in and it may be that your body/mind is having trouble switching down a gear and going into the relaxation mode that you supposedly should be experiencing at the moment. I find the same problem and I think that when I don’t have to keep going at such a pace my mind has trouble slowly down and this is when the over analysing takes over. It’s almost as if my mind has to do something to keep busy so it starts creating it’s own “entertainment”.
    If you are back at home after having been away for a while are there any old friends you can reach out to and catch up with? Also ,maybe you should think of this time as a chance to recharge your batteries so that you can go back to school with the energy and enthusiasm you started with at the beginning. Maybe going for a run, doing yoga or going for walk might help your mind start slowing down. Or having a bath, painting your nails, visiting a museum or gallery on your own or with a friend, or meditating might help.
    The fact that your mom suffered from depression is not an indicator of how you feel. My mum had depression and other problems throughout my childhood and adult life. I think my ability to “over analysize” helped me understand why she reacts the way she does to different situations, and that empathy helped me understand that I am a very different person and would never react in the same way. By working this out it has made me stronger and more confident about myself as a positive person.

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Please log in OR register.