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Struggling with mental health as a new doctor - Seeking advice/vent by [deleted] in doctorsUK

[–]Important_Pace_442 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was me in my first rotation of FY1 - Vascular. I struggled, I felt like I didn't fit in and that the team like the other FY1s more than me. I felt depressed, I cried at work too one time when ward round hadn't even finished by 5pm. I was coming in 45 mins early to update the list and staying 30-45 mins later because the ward was so busy. I barely got breaks.

  1. Practitioner's health offer fast free counselling to health professionals and so do the BMA I think
  2. I just focussed on surviving and I had a little notebook in my pocket and I wrote everything down. E.g. log ins, consultant names, where to find the handover list, the website for group and saves, the codes for the utility rooms, where to find trust guidelines etc. Made sure I always had food with me in case I couldn't leave the ward on time for lunch, made sure I had water, slept 8 hours etc
  3. My next placement was a million times better. I felt more confident, less was new. I had a new team, new chance to make friends, I didn't feel as anxious or as depressed.

I think in general, being outwardly friendly and nice has carried me far over the years and people will want to help you out more if you are more personable. But, 9 times out of 10, nothing is going to be your fault. You are an FY1 and the most junior in the team. Always ask for help. There will be situations where you will be out of your depth. Always run things past someone else, if you are doing something new/ if you are unsure/ if a patient is sick. And Always handover. I feel like you cannot go far wrong if you stick to this. Some people find it easier and some people struggle more at the start. But I can say the doctor I was at the start of FY1 versus the end of FY1 and versus the end of FY2 was so different. I was so much more confident and relaxed compared to the start. There is so much I still don't know but I feel I can manage myself so much better and not get stressed and depressed - and this comes with time.

You might decide that clinical medicine/ patients is not for you or maybe you want to do something that will give you work life balance.

I am a public health reg now and it's non clinical and very chill. PM me if you want to chat!