depression and loss of study interest

[youngguy800]

Hey I am a 22 year old white male. I was just wondering if depression could make someone lose interest in their studies? I am a 4.00 overachiever student about to head to medical school next fall (I think). I have accrued some physical injuries this semester that I am dealing with and trying to adjust to graduating/moving etc and developed some severe anxiety/depression issues (probably already there but have gotten out of control). I am on Zoloft (almost been a month) but am wondering if it is only making things worse. I am seeing a psychologist and have seen the psychiatrist (will check up soon). However, I suddenly have NO DESIRE to go to medical school and it scares the crap out of me. I know I could do well in school if I could just get my motivation back, but am suddenly unhappy with the idea of a profession that I thought I was once passionate about and worked very hard to get accepted to. I am the least bit excited to graduate and start school but have no idea what I would do with my life/degree otherwise (microbiology - don't want to work in a lab). When people congratulate me it only makes me feel sick. I am even considering trying to take a year off to reconsider (and work my old vet job to see if that makes me feel something again to move forward with vet or human medicine from there), but worry sitting out a year will only make me more depressed. I used to cope with exercise, but now I cannot bc I am injured. This is really bad and I am feeling trapped and stuck. Any advice? Do you think taking a year off to get my head on straight/ take the pressure off me for a little while will help? Is it possible to get that drive back and feel happy/motivated/goal oriented again? I feel like I am having a quarter life crisis and wasted my past 4 years at college now... No idea what to do. I have been stuck for months.

[Crystal413]

Sorry, I'm on my IPad and it somehow submitted my entry and I wasn't finished. Btw excuse the typos since I didn't get to fix them. One is, you know you.

I know I said this before but I just can't stress enough how important you open up and share your feelings and continue to do so. It was very smart of you to recognize that you needed some help and sought it out. You will not always feel this way. It's okay to be weary of changes, that's what life is about. You have a very exciting future ahead of you whatever you decide to do.

If you want to talk more we are always here. I wish you the best, Crystal

[Crystal413]

Hi there, I'm sorry you are going thru such a rough time. I first wanted to ask how long ago you think the depression started? It's helpful for you to figure out how it came about. I have a few thoughts. Since you are an overachiever, which has been in your nature for probably a long time, you could have very well stressed yourself out so much that the walls started closing in. The mind can only take so much before it gets a little crack. Depression can soon follow. Yes, depression can cause you to loose interest in your studies. Depression can cause so many emotional feelings as well as physical ones too. You have worked very hard, no doubt in high school and in college. You have been in a secure environment and had a plan all this time to go to medical school. Your close to graduation and now their will be some more changes and commitments. A new college perhaps and getting closer to the carrer you had chosen. Fear is a very strong emotion. I know it's hard but try the best you can to look at your future as a great adventure, something you chose to do. Push away the fear, you know you can take on anything. You may not have motivation right know but it will come back. It's okay for you to have reservations and second guess yourself. This is your life, your choice, your decisions and you just want to make the right one. I can understand that. I wish I could tell you want to do but I am not you and only you can really decide what you want. Whatever you decide, make sure it is really what you want to do and that you will be happy with your choice.

When we feel bad, it's challenging to make important decisions. It's a lot easier for someone to tell you what to do. One good thing about you being the one to decide is because you now you, and what you decide comes from your heart.

Since your not sure about going to medical school, have you thought about the reason you initially wanted to go? Is it just recently, close to graduation that you started second guessing yourself? Whether you decide to take time off, be a dr or vet, the most important thing is to be happy and be glad about your choice.

I'm glad you went to the psychiatrist and psychologist. I hope you keep going. Talking out your feelings and the decisions your struggling with will be so helpful for you. Some meds can take 4, 6 even 8 weeks for them to get in your system (can't think of the med term) and work. Some meds just don't work for our bodies and we have to try another one. Sometimes it can take a while to find the right one that works for you. Talk to your dr, tell him it's not working, he may say give this one a little more time or change it completely.
I wouldn't wait to do this.