Mental Health and the ERAS Application Process
Written by Jennifer Rojas Huen, M.D.
Let's face it, the match process can take a toll on even the strongest of people; it's a long, grueling, competitive, dream maker, dream-shattering, resilience builder, anxiety-inducing, and all in all insane process. If you talk to a marathoner, they will tell you that things get blurry from the 19th to the 26th mile. They describe how you will enter the pain cave, where it becomes mind over matter. Right now, you are in the final stretch, and let me tell you, it is ok to waiver, doubt, panic, and take a day off. Embrace it all, be grateful and hang on to your aces, whichever they are.
Whatever it is that you do, be kind to yourself. If the personal statement is taking longer than expected or you have writer's block, take a breather, a walk, and ask for help. Sometimes stepping back will give you just the right amount of perspective and maybe a streak of inspiration.
Build your timeline, but allow yourself space for things not going 1000% how you want them to go. Be flexible if necessary. I remember that when it came to my MSPE, life circumstances made it so that I had it a lot later than I wanted, but I understood that it was out of my control.
While I am all into taking the bull by the horns, sometimes there is no bull and no horns to take; you must let it go, and as Stoics like to point out, you are only in charge of your actions and your emotions. If you try to control everything, you will face the reality that it is impossible, and for some, that can lead to a whirlwind that is hard to reel in.
Stick your aces; it is a long process; not many people get it, and sometimes it can feel like a lonesome road, but remember there is always someone willing to listen, so speak up. Because we all like to think some people can be mind readers, but if you do not say it, they may not approach the subject.
Do not bottled-up emotions; it will quickly make your mental health waiver. And yes, while I believe everyone that goes through this is a fighter and resilient, closing up and bottling up only harms you in the end.
Build your hobbies; dedicate more time to them. Whenever I felt I was hitting a wall, exercise, music, reading, and good company will clear my mind. This leads me to the next thing do not wait to hit the wall. I know even when I do not want to do it, exercise will keep me sane; I also know that if I start with the mindset of just getting five minutes in eight times out of ten, those five minutes become thirty or more, and after that, I feel like a million bucks.
Prioritize sleep and build a routine with it; anxiety might spike up, and sometimes rest takes the hit. I do 5 to 10-minute meditation and journaling, which clears space in my head to have a fulfilling sleep. Some of my friends like white noise, and others take warm showers. Figure what works for you and stick with it.
Get as much time outside enjoying the warm weather, the whole process goes way into Winter, and we all know those Winter blues hit hard.
Take it all in, take your time, enjoy the process, reach out and meet new people, and work hard, but be careful with burning out and be grateful because despite the process being insane, it is an opportunity of a lifetime.
