Medical students often seek help when they or someone they know is going through a medical issue. But when it comes to mental health, they remain hesitant to approach the professionals. Sometimes it is due to stigma; sometimes it is just not knowing where to begin.
Academic pressure, examinations, long study/work hours, and the demands of medical training can take a toll on anyone. Experiencing emotional distress is not a sign of weakness, and seeking help for the same is not an admission of weakness. Just as we would encourage someone with physical pain to consult a professional, mental pain deserves the same attention.
Knowing where to seek help becomes extremely important. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, your institution’s counselling services/psychiatry departments, faculties, or mentors can provide a first point of contact. National services such as Tele-MANAS (14416 or 1800 89 14416) offer free of cost, confidential, 24/7 mental health support, which can be useful in emergency as well as non-emergency situations.
Reliable information is just as important. The internet, especially social media, is full of mental health advice and self-diagnostic frameworks that can easily mislead. However, the same internet is also replete with authentic and reliable information. Students must rely only on information from sources like the World Health Organisation (WHO), Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
The first step in fighting stigma is arming ourselves with correct knowledge. As we learn to care for our patients, let us also remember to care for ourselves and those who walk this journey alongside us. Knowing where to seek help and having the courage to do so is an important part of becoming compassionate healthcare professionals.
Dr. Priyash Jain
Editor, MINDS Newsletter
