Last week every osteopathic medical school celebrated mental health week. Approximately 400 physians commit suicide every single year. That is one an eye-opening, yet extremely saddening statistic. Part of being a physician and a medical student is putting your sanity first. Even though it is easy said, it is something I even struggle to practice at times. But it’s important to check up on your classmates and yourself and to know it is really okay to not be okay. Below I have listed out how you can spread the importance of mental health at your school.
- Mental Health Committee – this year at KYCOM, the student government started this specific committee to spread the importance throughout campus. I cannot even begin to describe how appreciated they make and other students feel. From creating small goodies to just knowing that someone cares about my problems, this organization is really something that I think every single school should stress to have. It’s also easier to seek help if you know classmates or friends who know who to contact. If your school doesn’t have a committee or is not as active, I challenge you to look into starting one!
- Group therapy – the mental health committee did this session during the mental health week. I heard this experience was helpful in many ways. Therapy also looks different for everyone. KYCOM also has yoga sessions with one of our professors in the OMM classroom during lunch hours.
What does your school do to help students?
