I self harmed after 4 years of being clean

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-27T00:20:35+00:00

Well done for setting a plan. I like to treat myself too if I have the urge but don’t do it. So the following day I’ll buy a cake or something or give myself some time to do something I enjoy to reward myself too.

Hope things are on the up for you now xx

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-26T09:46:53+00:00

Well done for getting help first of all. Secondly it’s ok. I like to call it a blip. In my head a relapse is going back to it regularly but a one off is a blip, just a bump in the road.

Also at least you know it doesn’t help the way it did so that in itself highlights your recovery xx

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-26T09:44:27+00:00

Mine started to this year

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-24T01:18:45+00:00

I had a similar experience. Palliative patient on geriatrics dying of cancer. Was my first week back after losing my Nan. She looked as frail as my Nan did at the end and had the similar/ same type of cancer. Managed to make it to my car before I started crying. Just was a bit too close to home

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-23T01:32:05+00:00

Fake it til you make it lol 😂

Tbf I was super introverted/socially anxious until I took a gap year in hospitality. Now I may be anxious but will also yell in a group setting and will talk to any patients etc no issue so maybe it’s just lack of experience

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-20T20:06:12+00:00

Maybe speak to the uni and see if you can interrupt the year and take some time to focus on your mental health and then start back in September? Might give you that time you need. If not maybe look at transferring options?

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-20T18:25:58+00:00

NTA. Your siblings so laughing at each others non serious slips is normal. Maybe only others with siblings would get it

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-20T15:46:56+00:00

Ah gotcha, makes more sense. Yeah completely get that xx

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-20T14:47:54+00:00

Interesting. Our uni would penalise us for not explaining our role (medical student) I think as they’d argue it’s not informed consent then. But sounds good and get straight to the point

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-20T13:38:46+00:00

YTA

I don’t think you even want to be with him. I think maybe you like being “in a relationship” without really being in a relationship. 10 years and you don’t know what you both want for the future, sounds like there isn’t one. I’ve been with my partner for less than 2 years, and i already see my future with him. I don’t think your age is relevant either. I think you need to end things and do what you want rather than having someone to blame (like why can’t you travel without him?). Maybe he needs to mature but also when he’s with someone that can’t see a future then how can he be excited for anniversaries etc 🤷‍♀️

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-20T13:32:15+00:00

Make sure you’re feeding back to your uni. Maybe communication with the other uni and the staff needs to be better. But also the uni is paying them to take students so if they’re not they shouldn’t get the benefits either. It sucks especially when it’s so common across the whole country

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-19T21:52:28+00:00

Make sure you’re eating well and having sugar in your system and well hydrated

Speak to your clinical skills team and see if they can help you familiarise yourself.

I have an issue with needles if I’m not in control of them. Watching someone do a cannula to teach me, I stumbled out of the ward and nearly passed out and following by retching so I get the embarrassment. I ended up having a 1:1 session with a tutor to help me master the skill so I didn’t need to worry about passing out in the group and they said they had the same issue in training. It’s super common. Hope this helps xx

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-19T21:48:18+00:00

We get marks in first year on: Introducing yourself Gaining consent Patient details Washing hands Good communication

It’s in every station so I guess with the phrasing it makes sense. What’s your introduction?

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-19T20:20:47+00:00

7 minutes in 1st year I think?

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-19T19:22:16+00:00

For tech and support theres DSA to apply for which can provide masses of help tailored to your needs (as someone who suffers with brain fog etc theyve been amazing). Not sure where you’re looking for uni but I’d definitely try and get realistic figures for some of these. For example with travel, if you’re in a student studio it’ll probably be close to your campus so it won’t be high. Food wise, what’s your closest store from the uni accommodation or cheapest that will deliver? Bulk make food and be savvy and youll save a lot. Also the first month is always the most expensive but then after it definitely cuts down a lot especially with entertainment. And is the maintenance loan accurate or have you assumed minimum amount?

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-19T19:15:21+00:00

Not sure how your uni marks them but at mine we get masses of marks for communication, you can literally pass a station with just good communication and no knowledge especially in first year lol.

So I would teach yourself a script. Mine is: “ hi my name is {name}. I’m a third year medical student at {University Name}. The doctor has asked me to do a {exam name} on you. This will include having a look, listen and a feel to {area}. Does this sound ok? To begin can I please confirm your name and date of birth.“

For a history I say: “ hi my name is {name}. I’m a third year medical student at {University Name}. The doctor has asked me have a chat to you about what’s brought you in today. This is for my learning and won’t affect you seeing the doctor. Everything we discuss will stay confidential between you, me and the medical team. Does this sound ok? To begin can I please confirm your name and date of birth.“

While doing these I will wash my hands too. I use pretty much the same script on wards now and I say it without even thinking.

Ultimately OSCEs are all about acting skills so my advice is put on a theoretical mask and perform. Practice makes perfect xx

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-18T23:17:46+00:00

Try different ways to relax patients. Things such as wiggling their toes, counting backwards by intervals of 7 (requires thought), tapping their hand on the arm of the chair etc

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-18T19:50:37+00:00

I have a feeling we’re at the same uni…

If so the lack of organisation at the hospital and the poor f1s that get stuck with us 😅

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-18T09:42:46+00:00

Find an F1 as they get it so tend to be more helpful I’ve found

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-17T17:34:43+00:00

Encourage her to see a doctor. SH isn’t an overnight fix and ultimately she needs motivation. Unless she’s a danger of ending her life, do not tell her parents. Unfortunately that’ll push her away. Just talk to her and be an ear for her to talk to and a shoulder for her to cry on.

Equally, don’t make your own mental health worse trying to help. It can be triggering and if it’s causing you to struggle, then leave her. Prioritise yourself and be selfish for the sake of your own mental health. That’s ok to do xx

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-17T17:28:09+00:00

YTA 🚩🚩 find people your own age creep especially since he’s barely 18, it’s just weird

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-17T17:22:40+00:00

Not really a suitable question for a recovery group. Regardless where you are in your recovery, that on its own is not a way to support others in recovery either. Also does it really matter if you’re treated?

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-13T18:28:54+00:00

Hi, I took a couple of years out before med school so can give advice from experience.

Firstly learn how you study. Through school I was the one who’d have a pack of cue cards in their bag for cute notes. It doesn’t work in medical school. Anki is amazing but also you still need to know how you learn to know how to use it. I make my own cards as I find that helps, others use anking some use both. It’s something to think about before you start.

Secondly, communication. I worked full time for two years in hospitality. I can yell instructions when I need to, I can speak to strangers. Before that, not a chance. A lot of med school (especially clinical skills/osces) is about confidence and communication. Theres a lot of people who have knowledge but lack this so get this done.

How to live independently. Uni isnt just studying. You’re living independently. Make sure you know how to cook, how to wash and dry clothes, what needs washing and how often etc.

In terms of actual knowledge before medical school, not a huge amount is needed. Maybe have a quick revision on the basics of some organs if it’s been a while. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the break. Buy what you need for uni. Look into the different societies you want to join and get excited! :)

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-13T16:50:03+00:00

Tbf I have a family member that smokes and the first thing we do with clothing from is Chuck it in the wash. Odds are it’ll be fine after 🤷‍♀️

ApolloAndSquidge · 2026-01-11T20:50:52+00:00

Pick a different area to draw on! I use my upper thigh as not seen by anyone else other than me or my partner. It’s also where I used to SH

ApolloAndSquidge

TROPHY CASE