Stress
We are one of the archetypes of stressed-out students. There’s been pressure to get to uni, and there are still more within the course. You might be feeling the pressure from parents, competitive peers or even from yourself.
It’s a bit trite to try to give tips for feeling better in stressful situations – most of us get frightened, nervous and filled with dread at exam times. Some people recommend relaxation exercises; others prefer brisk exercise or downtime with friends. Stress is a normal, healthy human experience, provided that it doesn’t run out of control.
If things do seem to be getting on top of you, try to identify what it is that’s causing you most grief. Talking problems over with friends can help, as can speaking to someone impartial like your GP (see student health service details below). You can also talk to me (welfare@galenicals.org.uk), Ros Forge (the student adviser med-support@bristol.ac.uk 0117 3311848 ) or the clinical/ pre-clinical deans. In addition, the excellent Nightline people 0117 9266266 (46864 internal) are always there to listen to any problems and to give advice, should you need it. If you’d like to see someone on a more regular basis there’s the student counseling service (1A Priory Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1TX, UK. Tel: 0117 954 6655) or the Galenicals peer mentoring service for more informal contact with someone who knows very well what it’s like to be a Bristol Medical student. The most important thing is that you talk to someone -ducking away from issues rarely helps!
Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish extreme stress from pathological depression or anxiety. These conditions can become serious mental health problems that impact significantly on the sufferer’s everyday life but with the right help they can be managed well. The GPs at Student Health are experienced in helping with these sorts of problems – make an appointment to talk things through with one of them (0117 330 2720).
Clinical Years
Newer experiences in clinical medicine are often particularly trying. It’s easy to feel lost and uprooted in this fresh setting and many find it hard to settle into third year. Approach any Galenicals committee member if you need reassurance – we’ve all been through the transition.
More serious problems in clinical years (which you might identify in yourself or your teachers/doctors) can be addressed in other ways. Galenicals are concerned for anyone experiencing unsatisfactory treatment from our teachers and superiors. Remember that you should NEVER be made to feel humiliated, harassed or degraded. Report such issues to the Clinical Dean or contact welfare@galenicals.org.uk for advice as to how best to raise your concerns.
- Nightline 0117 9 266 266 (8pm to 8am)
- Samaritans 0117 9 831 000
- Tim Lovell – Clinical Dean – 0117 954 6518 (07850 908760 in emergencies)
- Geoff Clark – Pre-Clinical Dean’s office – 0117 9287 409
- Students Health Service 0117 330 2720, Hampton House, St Michael’s Hill.
Doubts about medicine?
If you think that medicine is not for you, then the best people to approach are the Pre-clinical/Clinical Deans or Ros Forge the student advisor. Ros has resources and information to help you think carefully about this and discuss alternative options.
In a crisis: Students Union Advice
