Causes of general stress in medical students.

Stress is usually caused by strenuous medical programs which may have psychological and physical effects which affect the well-being of medical students. This stress makes students vulnerable to the increase of previous stress issues, and the symptoms are often manifested as emotional and interpersonal behavioural problems.

Medical students also feel a noteworthy amount of stress due to a variety reasons. Studies have revealed that a huge majority of medical students, around 90%, were stressed and anxious mainly because of academic reasons. Academic related stressors were found to be chiefly related to anxiety about examinations - inclusive of a fear of getting poor marks, the amount of content which has to be learnt, as well as a possible difficulty understanding the content of the study notes.

Any of these stress triggers can magnify when exams approach, and result in a major loss of self-confidence rooted in anxiety.

Intrapersonal stressors.

Although academic reasons are mostly responsible for the stress of medical students, every student has a life and personal feelings, some of which can also trigger anxiety. Here are some other stressors which may arise to complicate matters during your medical training.

·       You may have unresolved conflicts with other students. 

·       Teaching-related hassles as you may feel that is a lack of guidance from the teacher.

·       You are not certain exactly what is required from you during your studies, and fear that you may not come up to expectations.

·       Stressors which arise are also those pertaining to having to face the severe illness and death of some patients.

·       Some patients may also tend to discuss personal problems, and being unsure how to respond can result in more stress for a student medic.

·       A lack of experience may lead to anxiety if a student is unable to answer a patient’s questions.

Hopefully by paying attention to some of these stressors you can learn to identify some of the situations which you may be able to avoid before they trigger extra stress, which can filter down to affect your studying and exam preparation.

The transformation.

As medical studies progress, more and more tests and exams will pop up, all contributing to your transformation from a student to a knowledgeable doctor. This transformation process can cause numerous anxieties and fears as you study and prepare for tests, and most certainly affect your result outcomes. There is evidence that because of ongoing research in the medical sciences, medical knowledge is always growing, and by the time your final examinations arrive, you will be amazed at the awesome amount of material you have learned. 

Experts agree that a minor level of stress is beneficial as it allows the student to be more dynamic, and improves performance. High levels of stress may cause physical and psychological issues like anxiety and depression during medical training and exams.

However, even when you have written and passed your final examinations, and been transformed from a student into a doctor, it will take a while to become the excellent doctor you want to be, as you begin to gain experience by putting all the hard work into practice.

 

The best way to cope with stress issues.

After extensive research and studies, mental health practitioners have reached a consensus of opinion that the most successful way to cope with anxiety issues is by means of hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is able to access the subconscious mind where many ideas, memories and beliefs are stored.

Over the years, hypnotherapy has built up a proven record of success in helping students cope with stress and anxiety, especially those experiencing the additional stress of pre-exam anxiety.

Hypnotherapy happens when a qualified therapist makes use of increased relaxation and sensitivity to make positive suggestions to help you create a new, positive, optimistic mindset.

 

Neuro-linguistic-programming. (NLP)

NLP makes use of specific tools and techniques to help you change negative attitudes, and achieve your goals of reducing anxiety and stress. When combined with hypnotherapy NLP has the potential to restore your self-belief, self-confidence, build your optimism and help you to put exam stress permanently behind you.

 

This is part 2 of a 3 part series. Read more using the links below.

Hypnosis And Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) For Medical Student’s Exam Anxiety 1 Of 3