Question:
I'm not really sure if I'm experiencing burnout or if I've just got a really pessimistic mindset, but I've been feeling like everything I do has been futile lately. I thought I'd be happy once I got into pharm school but got a punch of imposter syndrome instead. I thought I'd be happy as I finished semesters in pharm school, but I'm getting this growing sense of anxiety that I just might not be cut-out for this career. I'm scared that I'm living my life by setting up these huge milestone/goals I need to meet to be happy, only to be disappointed once I pass them. It could just be a by-product of hustle culture, but I feel absolutely awful when I try to relax since I feel like I should be doing something more productive with my time, like planning for my future. I'm not really in touch with how I'm feeling at the moment but was hoping for any insight to help me pick myself up. Thanks for your help.
Response 1:
Just wanted to say that what you’re feeling is totally normal. With a course load and the demand of pharmacy school, it is only natural that you would feel burned out at some point! To be completely honest, I’m going through something similar.
With the imposter syndrome, everyone feels it at some point so you’re not alone! Sometimes it sneaks up on you. What has made me feel better is realizing that if you’re feeling it, someone else in your class is as well, or even talking about it with some of your classmates that you feel comfortable with.
In the end, you were accepted into a very competitive program because the school saw a future pharmacist in you. Easier said than done, but there is a reason you are here, and don’t doubt that you belong here.
For the second part of your question, I can only give you what’s worked for me so far. And even now, I’m still learning what works for me and what doesn’t. It’s all a learning process to see what works for you, and everyone’s different!. Taking strategic breaks built into my study blocks I found has helped, such as taking a break to clean or organize my room, get out of the apartment to just go for a walk (or to get a bubble tea haha), listen to music (and not do anything else), or even just meditate or sit and do nothing. Reaching out to family and talking out how I’m feeling also helps when I feel especially burned out.
In the end, breaks are needed in order to maintain your productivity and make it sustainable :)
One last tip I have is to take one day at a time.
Hopefully that helps, and you’re not alone!
You got this, don’t doubt it :)
Response 2:
Hi there! I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way, I can say with confidence that you are not alone. Pharmacy school is fast-paced and dense with material that sometimes it feels as if you’re not making much progress but just scrambling to catch up. I think it’s important to avoid focusing all of your energy on setting huge milestones/goals one after the other, as it may contribute to burnout and a lack of feeling of accomplishment once you reach them. Long term goals are important but short term ones are as well. Setting small goals throughout the week that involve a mixture of academics, hobbies and relationships (e.g. finishing a lecture, going to the gym, strengthening friendships) may help you feel more productive throughout your week, which can help avoid burnout.
Personally, I have learned that friends/peers in your program are such an important support system as they are first handedly experiencing similar emotions and experiences to you. Talking with people that you trust about your concerns and hearing their thoughts can provide you with encouragement, advice and comfort as you are not alone in experiencing burnout/imposter syndrome. There are also other resources who you can reach out to throughout the semester to get things off your chest (e.g. RxPRN (thank you for reaching out to us with your concern), academic advisors, upper year students, friends/family).
It is much easier said than done, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself and take one day at a time. Focus on your own self growth as a pharmacy student AND as your own person - celebrate your successes and failures. Pharmacy school gives ample opportunity to discover what you like and dislike (e.g. co-op placements) but you need to have the energy and optimism to step out of your comfort zone to take on these new experiences. Remind yourself that self-care is an essential part of this process. Take breaks, spend time with loved ones and do something you enjoy. Congratulate yourself for getting into a competitive program and keep your head high!
I hope that was able to give you some encouragement. Be proud of yourself for making it this far. Remember, it's a marathon not a sprint - you can do it!
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