I’m having a rough time rn. My parents both told me that they don’t think I could or should be a dr (I’m going to be a sr in college this year). They said that I have too many and too intense of problems to be one - I’ve got OCD, depression, and dermotillomania (skin picking). Normally, I brush things ppl say off pretty easily, but not w my parents. I love them and really care about their opinion. But it’s making me even more depressed, as one of the last things I was holding onto was the thought that I would be able to use my experiences to be an even better dr than I would have been before getting these things. I’ve been suicidal for a long time but I always told myself that I was going to get through this and use it to help ppl. But it’s tearing away my last shreds knowing that not even the ppl I care about the most think I can achieve my dreams. ?

I’m not going to say that your parents are right or wrong about this. I don’t believe you have to entirely rule out being a doctor, but maybe you do need to be in a better place before you can become one. I know how debilitating OCD can be and I have had to put goals on the back burner because of it. It’s a really difficult concept for me, but maybe God has a reason for it. That said, I have gotten better. I was in a really horrible place last year with my OCD and I can’t believe how much I have improved. Don’t give up. Also, I believe you are helping people just by being on this app. You give support and share your story which makes other people realize they’re not alone. As I’m sure you know, one of the worst feelings when you’re struggling is believing you’re alone. God loves you more than you know and He is always good.❤️❤️

My dear friend, I am so sorry you’re dealing with this. I too have dealt with OCD and depression so I know how terrible they can be. Are you studying to be a doctor now?

Well, I’m pre-med and have one more year left of undergrad, but I’m not in med school yet

They tell me that if I’m struggling now that I’ll drown in med school. And that “you’ve gotta admit you’ve degraded over the last 18 months.” Degraded??

Nobody can tell you what you should do with your dreams. I had someone say the same thing recently about nursing. Personally I think people who go through mental illness are the strongest, most compassionate people out there - fantastic characteristics for a doctor. And the thing is, your depression/OCD WILL get better. It will. Believe that. Maybe medical school will be harder right at this very moment but that does not mean it isn’t the right route for you. It sounds like something you’re passionate about, and maybe putting it off for a year is the right thing to do. But don’t give up! I know you mentioned you’ve been suicidal and I really want to make sure you’re getting the help you deserve. You are so much more than your mental illness (I know it can feel like it’s all consuming, especially something like OCD). You don’t know me, but I think just by going through what you are right now makes you even more likely to achieve your dreams because you know the strength it takes to get through extremely hard things. Please don’t take what your parents said seriously. ALSO literally everyone drowns in medical school lol so them saying that means nothing!!!