Isolation in Medical School

Sometimes all the support you need is to hear that someone else is feeling how you feel.

This year, that’s been even tougher, with many of us isolated, without having the chance to speak to other medics, it’s really easy to feel as though you’re the only one struggling or not understanding something. This can make you stressed and anxious, and being out of touch with your peers can make you doubt whether you’re cut out for medicine at all, but that’s not the case.

We all need help sometimes. There will always be content that you don’t understand, questions that you don’t get right and that’s okay! Because we all do. No doctor or medical student is perfect, and we’re not supposed to be.

It can be really difficult coming from sixth form getting the top grades, only to be very humbled by your first formative at university. Remember that these tests are there for you and you only, to understand where you went wrong and where to improve.

Now, more than ever, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

We’re in a completely unfamiliar situation, that, at times, can feel really lonely and isolating. But you’re not alone, and there’s plenty of resources and people to talk to if you feel that way.

Medics are allowed to make mistakes, we’re allowed to laugh at our own misunderstandings, we’re allowed to grow and to learn - that’s what we’re here for! The most important thing is for medics to feel supported by one another, and that can’t happen until we create a dialogue where we can freely speak about our mental health and when we feel alone or isolated.

Right now, you may feel isolated, seeing all your friends go out now that things are open, and you’re too anxious to join in.

That’s fine and completely normal. If you’re not comfortable going out, maybe make connections in another way with a video call or a socially distanced picnic.

In first year, you might think that you’ve drifted away from your friends at home, and that they don’t want to talk to you anymore. It’s very unlikely that that’s the case. They might feel exactly as you do, waiting for you to reach out.

Here are some ways to feel less isolated at medical school:

1. Join a Society

As things open up more, there are now more COVID-safe ways to join in and meet people at societies. This is a really great way to meet like-minded people or step out of your comfort zone. There are lots of medic-specific societies, or if you want to branch out a bit more, join a university one at https://su.nottingham.ac.uk/shop/fields/1946.

2. Reach Out to Your Peers

So many people are in the exact same position as you, worried about making friends, but may feel intimidated or embarrassed about reaching out. If you feel comfortable, ask someone to go for a coffee or to go over some course content with you.

3. Stay in Touch with Family

Speaking to your family can be a great way to lift your spirits and vent about how you’re feeling. It can make you feel more connected to home and make your transition to university life a little bit easier.

4. Join Group Chats

If you haven’t already, join group chats for your course and accommodation. This is a great way to keep up with things and to meet new people.

A lot of the time, we impose loneliness and isolation on ourselves. You may convince yourself that no one wants to talk to you, or that you won't make friends at university. That isn’t the case, although sometimes it can definitely be difficult.

The best way to avoid isolation is by putting yourself out there, which may be really daunting, but you can meet new people and build your confidence in your social and educational life.

As always, if you want to share any of your experiences at medical school with us, email us at welfarehub.nottsmed@gmail.com. If you’re struggling with any other issues, have a look at our website to find some resources that may help you.