Medical students can’t take it anymore: “We’re getting sick…”

Minerva Sanchez, Chair of the Mental Health Committee of the State Council of Medical Students (CEEM), and a student and user of Sapem.

the Mental health Whether in Medical students Since health professionals are currently “at risk”, it is therefore essential to work on its prevention. Improving access to mental health services From the early stages of the profession, such as university. Minerva SanchezCoordinator of the Mental Health Committee of the State Council of Medical Students (CEEM), analyzes in Medical Writing Services that accompany the doctor and the student throughout their professional life by the collective medical organization, such as: Psychological Support Service for Medical Students (Sapem)which was used. Promoting mental health in medical students can translate into Professionals are the best professionals for the future..

“Without health we are nothing, and if we do not take care of ourselves, how can we expect to take care of others? Medical students get sick while learning treatment This is a big problem. These services, Sapem, and later the MIR mental health program, or the comprehensive care program for sick doctors known as Paime, are great and I hope we can contribute more. To do this, we have tried to talk and have met with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Universities. We are working on it and we want a better future, and above all, some of it. Students who have access to good mental health care “And you won’t have to wait months,” says Minerva.

In its latest study on mental health, which includes measures of depression, anxiety, burnout and empathy, the CEEM found the data to be so “chilling” that 36.8% of students suffer from burnout High levels of depression are seen in 41 percent of students and even 11% of students have suicidal thoughts and self-harm“The problems are increasing after the pandemic, and in the case of medical students, the presence of these services is very necessary, mainly because of the type of personality we have, we tend to be more perfectionistic, demanding of ourselves, and they do not teach us how to manage our emotions from a young age and do not teach us how to manage our frustrations.

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Reducing the waiting list for mental health in universities

One step to improving this care would be, for Minerva, Opening waiting lists for mental health care services in colleges“The waiting lists in most universities are exaggerated; in many cases they are not accessible, and mental health care in all universities is not as free as it should be. We have had this concern for a long time and have tried to put it in perspective and recognise that if we, students, do not have the tools to manage the everyday problems we face in our daily lives, then it is of no use.”


“Psychological care for medical students will help future doctors gain the tools to handle the emotional burden.”


Regarding the remote service for psychological support for medical students (Sapem), she claims to be “proud” of its coordination with collaborating organizations such as the Social Protection Foundation of the Medical Mutual Medical School Organization and the Galatea Foundation, the organization providing psychological care. With Sapem, Students can send a WhatsApp message to the phone number With one message, they enter the service. They must fill out a form with their information and the institution will connect the student to a psychologist.

In Sabi Mild to moderate cases are treated.with symptoms or psychological problems of this level and what is done is a Psychological care consists of three treatment sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes.“Which focuses on getting the tools and, above all, on alleviating a little bit the feeling that the medical student is experiencing at that moment,” he describes. However, they do not only work on problems related to studies, but also on the reasons for which there are several consultations such as grief, loss of a partner, family problems, problems with concentration or problems with studying.


Mental health moves from doctors to patients

Minerva emphasizes that through this program “real” people are helped, with the tools that medical students need: “Often, the simple fact that they listen to you helps, because we are used to having access to everything, to the hospital, to the university, to do the guard duty, to serve people… We are so concerned about the health of others that we do not remember ourselves. Even if it’s three 30-minute sessions, it’s for you, to feel heard, and it’s helped me change my view of medicine.”

Psychological care can change the future of medical students, as a compassionate doctor who actively listens, conveys peace and understands patients is increasingly valued. “They need you to listen to them, and that can only happen if you are mentally in harmony with yourself. Enhancing psychological care from your career can help doctors get Sufficient tools to support the emotional burden And what this profession entails, so it will be necessary to take a step forward.”

The information published in Medical Writing contains statements, information and advertisements from official institutions and health professionals. However, if you have any questions regarding your health, consult your appropriate health professional.

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