The initial transition from undergraduate learning to medical school learning can be incredibly difficult for many. Students go from being able to control their classes to having a fixed schedule. It can be a struggle to deal with the changes that come with podiatric medical school. Students who have a hard time adjusting can start to feel like their lives are spiraling out of control. They might start to neglect the activities they would normally do to relieve stress. Students can find themselves in an endless routine of going to class or watching lectures from home, studying until the wee hours, barely getting any sleep and repeating until their next major assignment is over.
This endless cycle can start to affect a person's body and mind in a negativeway.Medical students can find themselves starting to no longer engage in activities like working out, going out with friends or just talking to their support system when they feel stressed out due to school work. The lack of mental breaks can cause students to burn out quickly and their grades to slip. It can progress to failing a test or a class.
It is important for students to realize the signs of exhaustion early on so that they can find the help that they need before their grades start to slip. Every campus has resources that are set in place for students who are feeling burned out. It is also important for students to find someone they can talk to about certain situations that are going on in their life which could be affecting their capabilities in school and may be the underlying cause to their exhaustion. Having the ability to talk to someone can help the students realize their problem and address it head on so that they can start to take steps to improve and prevent themselves from becoming worse.
According to Dr. Mark Gorkin, there are four stages to burnout. "Stage 1: Physical, Mental, and Emotional Exhaustion, Stage 2: Shame and Doubt, Stage 3: Cynicism and Callousness, and Stage 4: Failure, Helplessness, and Crisis."(1) Each student can have different experiences with the four stages of burnout. The stages of burn out will present differently in each individual. Recognizing the early signs of burnout, can prevent the student from being affected by the consequences which include failing a test or having to repeat a class due to lack of willpower. This way the students can get guidance on how to deal with burnout and prevent it in the future.
For students to reduce the effects of burnout, they are recommended to establish time for leisure activities such as reading or painting. Taking breaks is also important because it can relieve stress, help the student recuperate, and recharge. Exercising has absolutely helped me overcome exhaustion. I am able to clear my mind of everything that I have been worrying about and take time to recharge. This allows me to go back to studying with a fresh mind and the capability to accomplish more on my to do list.
"In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, if you feel 'burnout' setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself. The point is to have a long-term perspective,” -Dalai Lama(2). When a student is beginning to feel burned out, they should take a step back and evaluate their situation. They need to realize what they are going through and try to find a solution. Some solutions may be as simple as taking a day off to help recharge. Other solutions can involve talking to a counselor who can help at a deeper level. They are able to pin point exactly why students are feeling burned out and offer solutions that are personalized to the student. The most important thing is for students to remember why they wanted to become a doctor and realize that it’s a long journey but worth it in the end.
References:
1. Gorkin M. The Four Stages of Burnout. Humor From The Edge [Internet]. Available from: http://www.stressdoc.com/four_stages_burnbout.htm
2. Lama D.[Quote] Like A Team. 2018. Available from: http://likeateam.com/quotes-about-burnout-1/[10]