Semi-new here...anxiety and career?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Semi-new here...anxiety and career?
13
Sun, 05-29-2005 - 10:58am

Hi, I think I've posted here before, but it's been a long while (although I've posted a lot on other boards...cl-janis, I know I recognize you from one of them). I'm trying to figure something out and could really use any input. To sum things up, I've struggled with anxiety (mostly social anxiety) for many years, along with more than my share of depression (I just finished a round of ECT after having tried all the medications!).

Right now I'm 24 and in my first year of med school (although I'm overwhelmed with the thought that I may not be able to pass these upcoming final exams now that the ECT has destroyed my memory!). Recently I've come to the conclusion that I may not want to continue in med school...and instead apply to veterinary school (really my first love that I kind of talked myself out of years ago).

This would be a huge change, of course, and I want to make sure I'm making it for the right reasons. And not out of social anxiety...as my mom put it, I should be making this decision in order to move *toward* something, and not *away* from something, if that makes any sense. I fear that I may want to quit med school because I have so much trouble with social anxiety...I get very nervous even practicing interviews and exams on patients, and once even failed an interview because I couldn't remember what to do.

And I guess understandably, I have a much easier time around animals...hence my leaning toward vet school. I know there are some specialties in human medicine that don't involve too much interaction with patients (e.g. radiology), but I don't want to be forced to choose one of those specialties because of my anxiety...seems like it would make for a sad life.

I guess I'm wondering, how can I know whether I'd be making this change to vet school for the right reasons? I do love animals...but I don't want to settle on vet school as a second-choice, fall-back kind of plan. Everything in my life seems very confused right now...I'm already very depressed and am having serious doubts that I'll even be able to make it through these upcoming exams (which I've already delayed due to my ECT treatments). Any thoughts on how to understand my true motivations or how to make this choice? Many thanks...I really appreciate any ideas,

Rose

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Sun, 05-29-2005 - 7:01pm

The choice ultimately has to be yours. It sounds like you would prefer veterinary medicine from what you wrote. I also suffer from anxiety with agoraphobia and haven't been able to work since January due to this. I am an LPN & have often considered applying at vet offices rather than MD offices. I don't look at it as a cop-out, just less stress. Less chance of a malpractice suit, less people contact & I truly love all animals. I am still pursuing my RN & have put off my testing for 2 months now, I plan to go ahead & take the test I'm ready for and not make any hasty decisions.

Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2005
Mon, 05-30-2005 - 10:00am
Rose, what led you to go to med school in the first place? What reasons did you have for not pursuing vet school before? Please proceed very carefully. Are you feeling very stressed right nowe because of exams? That's probably not the best time to make a major decision. You still have to interview the patient's owner if you become a vet. On the other hand, if you feel you went to med school for the wrong reasons, and you feel it would not be a fulfilling career for you, you are right to consider a change. Remember, there are many treatments for anxiety. Whatever you decide, I wish you success and happiness. M
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2005
Mon, 05-30-2005 - 4:38pm

I get the sense that maybe you think the vet school idea seems "second best." But I admire you for wanting to take that step, because I see the veterinary field as a rewarding career as well. I don't see it as second best at all (I know you never said that, but don't feel like it's just a fall back). People change their minds about careers all the time. It's better to do that now than have regrets later.

I think you need to get all of this out on a piece of paper--you know, your run-of-the-mill pro and con list. Have you spoken with a counselor in the veterinary department at your school? Perhaps if you do that, you can get a better sense as to whether that choice is right for you. I wish you the best of luck! :)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 05-30-2005 - 6:28pm

Hi Rose,


Like you, I'm not new to this board, but it's been awhile since I've been in.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Mon, 05-30-2005 - 7:46pm
Hi, Rose
first of, it sounds like you're doing very well for yourself and you should keep reminding yourself of that. You should really dig deep and figure out why you're thinking about becoming a vet rather than a doctor. I agree with your mom in that you should not let your fears guide your life choices. you've obviously made it this far, and you can find the strength to keep working through med school. However, if you truly feel like your interest is in veterinary medicine, you should make the switch. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that leaves you feeling most fulfilled.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 05-30-2005 - 10:33pm
You have gotten alot of good advice, Rose. I think you know my feelings on the subject. If you set your mind to it, I am confident that you can be successful in any career you choose. Becoming a vet is NOT less than becoming a medical doctor. Plenty of folks treat their animals just like or even better than family. You
 

 


 



Community Leader
Registered: 10-22-2001
Tue, 05-31-2005 - 2:39pm
dear rose,
hugs
do what you want and need to do
maybe you would rather deal with animals
my ds also has a social phobia
sometimes we need to let people decide what is best
FOR THEMSELVES
my ds is alot happier since he has been allowed to make choices for himself
the ability to do what he wants, what he feels he can do
I believe we need to stop expecting everyone to be the same.
Some people are just not comfortable in large crowds, and are more at ease in smaller crowds and I believe that is okay.
Just do what you feel you need and want to do.
Don't look at it as if you have failed. You have a right to change your mind. Follow your heart, hon and don't look back.
Just be happy and take care of yourself sweetie.
Do what is best for YOU!
Lorie
aka ~nightangel~
Nightangel
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Tue, 05-31-2005 - 5:06pm

Rose,


Sorry for been late on this, confuse in a way with what you said in this thread, but one thing that I know is I totally agree with what Lori (nightangel67) said to you.

~Jessica
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2003
Wed, 06-01-2005 - 2:13am

Hi Rosa,

It's been a while but I am glad to see you still reaching out for support. I know that this has been a hard and long struggle for you in the last two or three years. I want you to remember that you have thought you could not go on many times before and that you have come through it and kept on stroking!!

Finals is such an awful timeand with the added stressof course you are scared and unsure. Add on top of that your new (recent) treatment and it is no wonder you are second guessing yourself.

I really love everything that everyone else has had to say here and I truly respect and agree with those ideas and suggestions. I just had a thought coming maybe from another angle.

I can see the possibility that the amount of stress you experience in the human field may
get in the way of you enjoying what you are doing and the animals will leave you feeling safe enough that you will enjoy your daily work and that relief can make the difference insurviving or living.I see this as a reasonable concern that deserves consideration.

I do feel though that right now is the wrong time to try to make such a decision. Trying to decide right now simply puts toomuch on your plate.

I think you should put the idea of a change out of your mind until a couple of weeks after finals. Then when you can think more clearly look at it again.

I have put together through the years of talking with you here that this is a constant struggle and true fear you face. Iknow we can't always stay on one track when we learn it is too much. But give yourself time right now. Do the best you canon your finals andkeep posting if just to say today was hard but now I'm through it and tomorrow is not here yet so I'm fine!!!

BUT KEEP IN MIND THROUGHOUT THAT CHANGE DOES NOT MEAN FAILURE, IT JUST MEANS CHANGE!

You are still in my heart and thoughts and prayers.

Goodness I'm glad I popped in!!

Hugs and happy thoughts,
Vciky

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-23-2005
Wed, 06-01-2005 - 5:37pm
When I as 18 I was majoring in Economics and even though there was something inside me that told me to quit and change to a different major I did not. MY parents told me that I needed to finish something and not run from difficult things but work hard so I did. After 3 years I finaly desided it was not for me. I quite, I was 22 years old. I am now
32 and working in my BBA in management. Do not make the same mistake, pick what ever you thing is good for you. Now is harder for me to go to school, I am married and have 3 kids. If I would have listen to my self and just changed majors right now I would have a BA and a great job instead if being in school and have a bad job.

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