On Mental Health

Medical school is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful at times. Many students travel far from home to attend school, often for the first time. The pressure to do well, even in a pass-fail system, can still feel overwhelming. Whether or not you’ve experienced mental health issues in the past, you may find that medical school places additional strain on your mental wellbeing. Luckily, WashU has numerous resources in place to ensure that you have the support and care you need. “Wellness Wednesdays” hosted by Student Support Services provide students with a variety of relaxation and self-care activities, including yoga, pickup basketball games, and mindfulness meditation. Intramural sports teams and fitness-centered student clubs provide opportunities to maintain fitness and reduce stress. Additionally, Washington University has several wonderful, compassionate psychologists on staff who are trained to help students manage the unique stresses that come with medical education. You can easily schedule an appointment with one of them at any time, or get a referral to see the staff psychiatrist. Above all, your professors and the administration are completely understanding of the many stresses that medical students can face, and are willing to make accommodations to ensure that all students have the resources and support they need to thrive in medical school.