PANAJI
A couple of weeks ago, a news headline sent shockwaves across Goa. An MBBS intern was found dead on a beach in North Goa. As the autopsy reportedly suggests a possible suicide, the tragedy once again brought into focus the growing concerns surrounding the mental health of medical students. Around the same time, the country was grappling with another crisis, with at least 12 student suicides reported across various Indian states in the 37 days between the initial cancellation of the NEET-UG examination and the June 21 retest, fuelling widespread public and political debate about the immense pressure faced by medical aspirants.
Recognising the mental burden
As the nation observes National Doctors' Day on July 1, it is an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions that doctors make to individual lives and communities. However, while celebrating their achievements and dedication, it is equally important to recognise the immense mental burden that many of them carry. From aspiring medical students preparing for competitive entrance examinations to MBBS and postgraduate students navigating demanding academic schedules, practical training, patient deaths, submissions, night duties and long working hours, the journey through medicine is often marked by extraordinary pressure and emotional strain.
Balancing expectations
The path towards becoming a doctor is rarely an easy one. Even before entering medical college, aspirants spend years preparing. When incidents such as examination paper leaks emerge, they can shatter years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope. For many students, these examinations become their entire world. Some carry the weight of their parents' sacrifices and expectations, while others place immense pressure on themselves to succeed. "When students invest years of intense preparation and their families' financial hopes, a sudden systemic failure destroys their sense of certainty," says Swarnim Hindlekar, a first-year MBBS student.
Growing pressure
Once admitted, the mental pressures faced by medical students often continue to grow. As they juggle academics and personal life, the impact on their mental health can be significant. “Yes, studying a demanding course like medicine does take a toll on mental wellbeing,” remarks Anushka Bhat, a medical student pursuing her MD. While Hindlekar finds studying medicine fascinating and fulfilling, she says the sheer volume of the curriculum can be overwhelming. “The problem is not the subject itself, but the relentless cycle of assessments and the high academic expectations, which can lead to chronic anxiety and burnout,” she says.
Coping mechanism
Despite the demanding nature of medical education, students have found ways to cope. For MBBS student Jayndu Deshmukh, spending time with friends is an important source of support. “I am fortunate enough to have a close-knit circle of friends who are always there for me,” he says. Bhat notes that recreational activities organised by institutions, such as sports and cultural events, play a significant role. “These extracurricular activities help us de-stress, as our peers come together to celebrate, perform and play,” she says. “Personally, I view shortcomings and failures as opportunities for growth,” she adds.
Building a safe space
While students often try to cope with these pressures on their own, educational institutions also play a crucial role. “I feel that most educational institutions provide safe spaces and counselling facilities for students,” remarks Deshmukh. However, he believes that every institution should have a dedicated counsellor or support team available for students to seek anonymous guidance. He adds that addressing mental health concerns requires the active participation of everyone within an institution.
Time to rest
Hindlekar points to initiatives such as mentor-mentee programmes, mental health talks and awareness sessions in her institution. However, she believes that ensuring good student mental health requires much more. According to her, reducing passive lecture hours and allowing more time for self-study could help reduce stress. “Designing the curriculum and exam schedules in a way that gives students adequate time to rest, while spacing out evaluations and vivas more reasonably, would help students absorb information better rather than constantly cramming,” she suggests.
Sustainable balance
For many students, an MBBS degree is more than an academic qualification. Yet, preparing future doctors for a demanding profession should not come at the cost of their mental well-being. As the nation celebrates National Doctors' Day, perhaps the conversation should extend beyond honouring those who wear the white coat to also ensuring that those training to wear it are given the support, empathy and space they need to thrive, rather than merely survive. The goal for both students and institutions should be to find a sustainable balance, learning to manage the chaos of a medical career without burning out before the journey even truly begins.
