June may be a difficult time for you if you’re a student counting down to board exams, beginning or finishing clerkships and internships, or drawing scarily closer to the start of your new and exciting (but perhaps intimidating) career. It is important to focus on self-care and emotional wellbeing during these times of transition, because stress can exacerbate negative emotions.
One in four people will be diagnosed with a mental illness in a lifetime. On top of that, studies show that compared with the general population, medicine and pharmacy students have higher rates of burnout and depressive symptoms, as well as an elevated degree of other mental health symptoms. So, experiencing symptoms is more common than most people think.
What will help?
Stay steady, sticking to as regular a schedule as you can for mealtimes, bedtime, exercise and/or meditation and taking any prescription medicines. If you take medication to stabilize your moods, this is not the time to see what it’s like to go without it. (Always consult your prescribing physician before changing a dose.)
Look out for each other! You know what it’s like to be a student, so who better to intervene with other students when something feels off? It takes only seconds to check in with a classmate. Doing so helps create a larger culture of caring. Malcolm X said it best: “When “I” is replaced with “we,” even illness becomes wellness.”
NEOMED Cares
Get help for yourself
If you are feeling stress, depression, and burnout in yourself, make sure to use the resources NEOMED has available. Visit Sequoia Wellness or try out the new massage chair in the Meditation Room. The Center for Student Wellness and Counseling Services is open throughout the summer.
During office hours: To make an appointment with Counseling Services, call 330-325-6757 or email counseling@neomed.edu. Counseling Services follows University hours. Current (summer) hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays.
After office hours: If you urgently need to speak with a counselor after regular office hours, call 216.903.7873 and leave a message, including your full name and phone number. Please allow 15 minutes for a counselor to return your call.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or if you are experiencing an emotional or psychiatric crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Reporting concerns
If you believe there may be imminent danger of harm to a student or someone else, contact University Police at 330.325.5911 or 911.
Get involved
Students who are interested in making their voice heard on mental health topics are encouraged to send an email to the Mental Health Committee. Whether it’s a suggestion for a service or to nominate yourself to serve on the Committee, emails are welcome. Send them to NEOMEDCares@neomed.edu