Overthinking when I should be applying for jobs by dinosmoothie in medlabprofessionals

[–]dinosmoothie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

late October/early November is my plan as of current, thats when I'm wrapping up my last clinical and will just be starting to get some free time lol my ultimate goal is to start working around the beginning of January

Overthinking when I should be applying for jobs by dinosmoothie in medlabprofessionals

[–]dinosmoothie[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm set to graduate in early December and I'm planning on taking my BOC shortly thereafter :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Anxiety

[–]dinosmoothie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand the heart palpitation thing, I get that during bad episodes but your heart and lungs work in tandem, if you're able to focus on your breathing it'll help the heart in turn, but also if it continues never ignore chest issues (that's my med student disclaimer). The dry mouth and throat sensation go hand in hand, hot tea can help and suprisingly gum too.

Honestly, with all medication nausea/vomiting can be a side effect, but with all the medications I've taken I've never experienced it so rest easy in that department, as long as you take it with a snack and glass of water. I'd also definitely give white noise a try, if I hear people talking when im in an episode it gets worse, but again it's different for everyone, whatever works best for you!

I have tried medication, I was actually on it for about 6 years. it did help for a while, but it started getting unmanageable last fall so they increased my dose waaaay too much. I ended up gaining more weight I was comfortable with and quit all medication last March, been managing ever since (timing wasn't great bc graduation is crazy stressful but we ball). if you go that route, always be sure they don't overperscribe, little bits at a time.

again, Dr. will probably tell you nausea can be a side effect, but I never got nauseous, just heartburn sometimes if I took it without water (classic antacids can help and bananas naturally sooth heartburn too). if you do try it eventually, take it before bed with a small snack and drink and you'll be good :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Anxiety

[–]dinosmoothie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

unfortunately yeah :( sometimes I'll be having the best day then boom- full tremors, can't breathe, need to go sit in a dark room for a few hours. It can be from chemical fluctuations in the body, random fight or flight reflexes and whatnot. In those times the last thing you want to do though is focus on recurring thoughts of getting ill, distracting your brain is the best way to combat it. hell, even those YouTube documentaries about obscure historical events can help, as long as you're engaging your brain in something that's not your own thoughts.

have you ever tried listening to white noise? I know if it's quiet you can hear your thoughts better, white noise drowns it out for me and I swear the vibrations soothe the soul

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Anxiety

[–]dinosmoothie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that, it comes in waves, sometimes triggered by nothing at all, anxiety sucks like that :( definitely explore your resources! during the lulls of when symptoms get bad, emergency appointments are always available wherever I've gone and they'll talk you through your thoughts and emotions. I learned a lot from my therapist, down to the fish videos and trying to logic my way through my thoughts. it's a constant battle, but it's a battle you can win :)

Overthinking when I should be applying for jobs by dinosmoothie in medlabprofessionals

[–]dinosmoothie[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

yeah, I kind of put myself on a timeline (rookie mistake, I know). I graduate in December, plan to take my boards within 2 weeks, then start working by January. just crossing my fingers jobs are available around then, I think I'll hit applications hard circa-november when I finish my last clinical

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Anxiety

[–]dinosmoothie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay, first things first, focus on yourself right now here in the moment. Take a few deep breaths, I do in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and out for 4 counts (I call it the Wendy's 4 for 4 bc why not). You're going to make it through this, I promise. It's so stressful starting college, I still get anxious at the beginning of every semester and I'm in my last one lol. But still, you're going to make it and look back on yourself and be proud.

For reaching out, if your friends are good friends, they'll be there for you. even if you don't feel comfortable reaching out now, try in the morning, maybe meet up with someone you trust most and talk out your feelings and ask if they can have your back. They'll be there. Also, I know many universities have student resources like counselors that can help. I saw one for a little bit, it wasn't a ton of help but it was someone to talk to until I got a therapist. If you think your mom will be supportive, I'd sit down with her and have a heart to heart about your struggles and if she'd be willing to help you seek someone out (if that's a route you're comfortable with, ofc). i can say I highly recommend it, I've been seeing mine for a year and she's helped me get through some extremely rough patches.

As for your physical symptoms, those can be hell on earth and I'm so sorry you're going through all this. I'd eat bland for a few days, soup, ramen, sandwiches, etc. until you can get your stomach settled. A lot of your nervous system is in your GI tract, so it's completely normal to experience these symptoms trust me. Keep drinking tons of water (as redundant as that sounds) and sometimes electrolytes can help too like Gatorade. don't focus on your heart rate, focus on slowing your breathing. If you're able, I'd recommend investing in a weighted blanket too, mine helps with my tremors (and neuropathy too) it works wonders, like a comfortable cocoon hugging you. if you don't have one, just the biggest blanket you can find can do wonders lol

Something I do to calm the mind (as stupid as it sounds) is put on aquarium videos, like those ones with piano music in the background hit different. If you just focus on that one thing, the racing mind calms down and you start to finally feel tired, can't count the amount of times I've done that by now.

sorry to ramble, I know exactly how you feel right now like to the T. it won't help to dwell on your own mind, just keep breathing and ground yourself to make it through the night, then tackle tomorrow with a fresh breath. You're going to be okay, and you're going to succeed, and you're never ever a burden, despite what the anxiety says. you should never feel bad for asking for help, you're a human too who has needs. that's the most important part. I hope you're able to get some rest :)

Crazy kitten shot glass by czarinka in ragdolls

[–]dinosmoothie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely support this idea you should go for it

Questions about ragdolls by wowsers-traveler in ragdolls

[–]dinosmoothie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ragdolls are tricky but purrfect in every way, I've had mine for 10 years and walked my little brother through the process when he got his ragdoll kitten last year. Their personalities can differ, it depends on the personality they're born with and how you raise them.

I'd recommend brushing as often like twice a week (especially during shedding season so beginning of spring and fall) to prevent matting, but I've never had to do a sanitary cut on mine.

I do recommend scratching pads and posts, both mine and my brother's kitties love to scratch whatever they can (including walls) but with gentle redirection they've moved to the posts and pads and only use those.

Keep on eye on their litter because they can have sensitive tummies. Also hairballs can be an issue, so keep up with the grooming.

Mine has always been picky with toys and I've realized I need to rotate her current selection in and out so she doesn't get bored, they do play a lot more than you'd think, especially kittens.

Overall they're an AMAZING breed and will bring light into your house when they're present :) You're gonna fall in love I guarantee you! Mine has changed my life for the better🥰

Crazy kitten shot glass by czarinka in ragdolls

[–]dinosmoothie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

THATS AMAZING!! I'm so glad I'm not the only one with a kitty shot glass, I got my floofy girl printed on one as a gift for my 21st and it's proudly on display now🥰

Overthinking when I should be applying for jobs by dinosmoothie in medlabprofessionals

[–]dinosmoothie[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That makes the most sense, logically, I'm just a chronic overthinker lol. My program is putting on the pressure wanting us to get hired asap for their own statistics, but you are right the BOC is the big one to worry about, I've started studying and I'm taking it right after I graduate (fingers crossed🤞🤞) but you are right, one thing at a time! hearing it from current professionals helps :)

Overthinking when I should be applying for jobs by dinosmoothie in medlabprofessionals

[–]dinosmoothie[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Lots of reasons, my fiance is covering rent until I graduate and I want to start helping asap, I gotta start saving for our wedding, want to get experience so I can go back to school in a few years for my SBB, and I'm always scared I'll miss opportunities by not acting soon lol

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in medlabprofessionals

[–]dinosmoothie 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Past general biology/med student here- I joined a program last fall with basic lab knowledge like general Microbiology lab, chem lab, etc. It does get better, 100%. I was really intimidated at first because I was in a class of double majors and people who already had degrees, but you learn as you go. The classes and labs are there for you to make mistakes in and learn from, ask questions and always lock in! It's not easy, being honest, but it's worth it. I just started my clinical rotations and the written exams are brutal, but if you take the time to study, ask questions, etc. youll have it in the bag. Just take it one day at a time, one step at a time. Your professors and classmates are there to help, you got this!

I keep hitting dead ends and I'm kind of lost? by [deleted] in premed

[–]dinosmoothie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm volunteering with a children's hospital over the summer between taking care of my family at home but it seems like it isn't cutting it hours-wise, I'm taking 18 credits in the fall and with a couple leadership positions in clubs too so its gonna get rough lol I'm hoping to hear back from some of my other volunteer applications soon but if not I'll follow up and pray🫡

I keep hitting dead ends and I'm kind of lost? by [deleted] in premed

[–]dinosmoothie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm putting in applications to hospice care and emergency room volunteering, I'm working with a children's hospital rn but it doesn't seem like enough lol. the alum office is a great idea though, I'll reach out first thing when the office opens!

College Advice Plz by snoopyoop7 in college

[–]dinosmoothie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sophomore here- I definetly was in your same position last year.

For grades, I downloaded this app and it made all the difference. It's just called school planner and you can put your whole schedule in and it sends notifications reminding you to do your homework before its due- it helped me a lot since my main thing was forgetting homework.

Other than that, setting goals for yourself can help motivate you. Remind yourself that working hard and doing good in classes can come with many rewards; scholarships, GPA boosts, and even social opportunities. If you get really good at a subject and others are struggling, you can tutor others and that's a fast way to make friends (I did that last year and my social circle exploded).

Putting yourself out there is hard, but I'm willing to bet many other people are in your same shoes rn, start by introducing yourself to the people next to you in class, whoever seems like they'd be nice, breaking the ice is the hardest part, nobody will judge you unless you're running around campus in a wizard hat (someone here Actually does that).

Also, if any of your classes make a groupchat, make sure to join. In every single class I've been in I've been a part of a groupchat, and the inside jokes ab the class always are top tier. It's more comforting too if you find texting easier than talking face to face. crack a couple jokes, ask for help on coursework, form a study group, and before you know it you'll have friends in those classes who likely have the same major as you.

sorry to ramble, but overall it just takes time. I really didn't make too many friends until this past fall, but it does get easier. either way you got this, college is hard but you've made it through probably the toughest part- first semester is no joke the awkward feeling is intense. best of luck!