Medical school can come with its own set of mental health challenges. This article provides seven tips for medical students to minimize stress and prioritize success.
Mental health in medical school is rarely talked about, yet it continues to affect thousands of students every year. The expectations placed on medical school in and out of studies can be mentally draining. Students are forced to constantly juggle lectures, clinical rotations, exams, and maybe even some semblance of a social life. Sound familiar?
The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice your mental health to succeed in med school. In fact, prioritizing mental wellness is the often-overlooked secret to succeeding in med school and feeling good. Let’s talk about seven practical ways to stay happy, healthy, and prevent burnout in medical school.
Why Medical School Can Feel Hard Sometimes
Med school is tough; there’s no shame in admitting that. Between the intense workload and emotional demands, it’s easy to feel like keeping your head above water is a struggle. Here’s why so many students burnout during their medical studies:
- Massive Workload: You’re expected to become a human WebMD very quickly
- Long Hours: Late nights and early mornings can leave you physically and mentally drained
- Emotional Strain: Dealing with patients’ suffering or confronting mortality can take a heavy psychological toll
- Perfectionism: Many medical students feel they must excel at everything, leaving little room for mistakes or rest
- Hesitancy to Seek Help: Isolation can impact morale, especially when you hesitate to admit that you’re struggling
If you’re feeling overwhelmed as a medical student, know you’re not alone. Almost every med student faces these same challenges—it often accompanies the journey to a rewarding career. But there are ways to manage your stress and keep your morale high.
7 Easy Ways to Prioritize Happiness (Yes, Even in Medical School)
Student mental health is at an all-time low, even for those who aren’t in a top medical school. Here are seven ways you can feel good about yourself while pursuing an education in medicine.
1. Find Your People
Having a support system is an absolute must for medical students. You may be inundated with heavy cases, constant negativity, or just feelings of extreme agitation. The key to working through this step is finding people who understand how tough it is.
Whether it’s classmates who get what you’re going through or friends and family who remind you there’s life outside of med school, your relationships matter.
If you freeze up at the thought of initiating conversation with the person sitting next to you, try joining a group or a club at your school where you can connect with others over common areas of interest. This way, you know you’ll have something to talk about before you form that connection.
But this isn’t exclusive to just friendships. If you feel depressed, it’s important that you talk to a professor, counselor, or mentor who can help. Dealing with feelings of isolation is more of a burden than even the toughest student can bear.
2. Treat Your Body Like Your Most Important Patient
Your body isn’t just a vessel for getting through med school—it’s your greatest asset. But let’s be honest: when was the last time you slept eight hours, ate a real meal, or drank enough water?
- Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours a night, even if it means adjusting your schedule. Lack of sleep affects not just your energy but also your ability to think critically and retain important information.
- Nutrition: Meal prep can be a lifesaver during busy weeks. Focus on balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Keep healthy snacks like nuts, yogurt, or cut-up veggies on hand for study breaks.
- Exercise: Physical activity is a proven stress reliever. Whether it’s a 20-minute jog, yoga, or a quick gym session, make movement a priority.
When you take care of your physical health, you take care of your mental health. It’s easy to build unhealthy habits, especially in college, but remember that good habits and discipline can go a long way in life, and new habits take at least 14 days to become routine.
3. Manage Your Time (So It Doesn’t Manage You)
In today’s digital age, everything desperately wants your attention. Time management in med school is one of the most valuable skills you can develop.
- Plan your week: Use a planner or digital calendar to block out time for studying, classes, clinical rotations, and personal activities.
- Break it down: Big tasks can feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of “study pharmacology,” try “review drug mechanisms for two chapters” or “quiz on antibiotics.”
- Limit distractions: Use apps like Forest to stay on task. If your phone is a temptation, put it in another room while you work.
And don’t forget about scheduling downtime, too. It’s just as important as study time!
4. Take Breaks, Guilt-Free
Though it might feel like slacking, taking breaks is one of the smartest choices you can make. Breaks not only allow your brain to rest, but they also help you avoid burnout in medical school.
- Practice mindfulness: Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through short meditations or breathing exercises. Even just two minutes a day can do you wonders.
- Step away from the grind: If a problem or question has you stumped, take a break. A walk, a stretch, or even a snack can clear your head and help you refocus.
- Restore your senses: Light a candle, listen to music, or enjoy your favorite tea. These small acts can help ground you in the present moment.
Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to step back from it. You can also apply this to stressful tests you might encounter in medical school.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Very few get through med school without support. Whether you’re struggling academically, emotionally, or personally, there’s no shame in reaching out to others. If you’re experiencing any of these hardships, reaching out to a counselor or advisor can help you overcome this mental fatigue.
- Academic struggles: If you’re falling behind, don’t wait until it’s too late. Professors, TAs, and tutors are there to help.
- Emotional challenges: Many schools offer free or low-cost counseling services. Talking to a therapist can help you process stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Support from peers: Sometimes, just venting to a friend who “gets it” can make a world of difference.
Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re taking control of your mental health.
6. Remember Why You Started and Where You’re Going
When things get tough (and they will), reconnect with your “why.” What made you want to become a doctor in the first place?
- Keep a journal: Write down moments that inspire you, whether it’s a patient’s gratitude or a professor’s encouragement.
- Celebrate small wins: Finishing a tough rotation or acing a quiz deserves ample recognition.
- Look ahead: Picture yourself in your dream medical specialty, making a difference in patients’ lives.
Always remember that there’s a reason why you’re here. Medical school can take a lot of time, emotional energy, and physical labor to complete. While experts can help simplify the process and provide the residency application support you need to build a strong profile, the motivation must come from within. You do cross the finish line with a rewarding career ahead of you, so keep that next step in mind.
7. Make Time for Fun
Yes, med school is demanding, but that doesn’t mean your life has to be all work and no play. The best way to maintain a healthy relationship with something is with space, and medical school is no different.
- Pursue your hobbies: Whether it’s painting, playing guitar, or watching Netflix, do things that genuinely bring you joy.
- Get outside: A hike, a beach day, or even a quick walk can work wonders for your mood.
- Spend time with loved ones: Laughter and connection are some of the best medicines out there.
You deserve to treat yourself to hobbies because they help you move forward. Engage in activities that genuinely make you happy.
Overcoming Mental Health Stigma in Medical School
Mental health stigma in medical school continues to challenge students. Sometimes medical students feel shy or scared to talk about their feelings, but it’s never been more important! Talking about your feelings can:
- Help you feel less alone and more supported
- Show your classmates and peers that it’s okay to feel stressed sometimes
- Help professors or counselors know how to support you better
When you express your feelings, you release a weight off your shoulders that you might not have even known you were carrying. Always remember that you’re not alone, and your feelings need to be addressed if they start to drag you down.
Final Thoughts
Medical school is tough, but so are you. By building strong relationships, taking care of your body, managing your time, and finding joy in small moments, you can thrive, not just survive.
But this is only scratching the surface. There are so many more things you can do as a medical student to prioritize your mental health. Remember, if you’re feeling very depressed, the most important thing is to seek help.
When you take care of yourself, you’ll be ready to do incredible things both in and out of medical school!
Author: Niki Grotewold is an admissions expert and a University of Michigan MD-PhD student.
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