How to Deal with Medical School Anxiety

Hello, future doctors! Medical school – The moment you enter, you realize it’s not just about reading textbooks or attending lectures; it’s about managing deadlines, exams, practicals, and your own expectations all at once. It’s no wonder that most of us feel anxious and stressed all the time.

Here are some practical  ways to deal with medical school anxiety: 

Break the Stigma Around Stress

Let’s talk about something no one usually talks about stress and anxiety in medical school. For some strange reason, stress has been glorified here. You’ll often hear phrases like “Late nights are part of the grind”,  or “If you’re not stressed, you’re not working hard enough”

But the reality is that this mindset is a toxic loop. The glorification of stress, overwork, and sleepless nights does not help. You are not here to prove that you endure a lot of stress, nor are you competing to be “better than the next person”.

The ultimate goal of medical school is not to suffer or win a competition. You’re here to learn, grow, and become a good doctor—someone who can help a person in need when the time comes. 

Find Easier Resources to Study

That being said, I would ask you to break the toxic chain of grind and look for easier resources to study. You don’t always have to understand everything in the class itself or by reading the standard books.

Explore YouTube and other lecture platforms eg Dr. Najeeb, Ninja Nerd, and Osmosis. These can help you understand stuff that you did not understand in class.

And please don’t shy away from using silly mnemonics, catchy acronyms, or songs to memorize information. Trust me, during exams, it’s usually these silly mnemonics that help you pass. 

Don’t stick to the resources that your seniors or batchmates are using. Whether it’s something you and your friends have come up with or visual mnemonics – try everything. 

Stay Consistent with College Pace

The feeling of falling behind is a major trigger for medical school anxiety. Medical school syllabus piles up faster than you can imagine. So, one of the easiest ways to keep anxiety at bay is to stay consistent with what’s being taught in college.

Read the material the same day. Even if it’s just a quick read-through of what was taught in class, it helps keep you on track.

I’m not asking you to spend the entire day studying. Just dedicate one hour every day to revise and learn.By keeping up with the pace of college, you’ll have a sense of control and confidence that will significantly reduce stress.

Friendships: Find the Right Balance

Friendships in medical school can affect your experience a lot, so it’s important to choose carefully.

Look for friends who lead balanced lives. Those who prioritize studies but also know how to enjoy themselves. These friends will understand your priorities and won’t make you feel guilty for staying back to study when you need to. They’ll help you with both: studying and relaxing.

Can’t find balanced friends? You can be friends with an outgoing group of people, but try to make sure your roommate or close friend is studious. When deadlines approach, simply stay in your room with that one studious friend and focus without distractions.

Be careful not to get stuck in the wrong crowd. If you only chase fun and ignore studies, you’ll end up stressed and unprepared.

Maintain Boundaries Around Over-Enthusiastic People

In medical school, you’ll surely come across people who bring books like Ganong and Gray’s Anatomy to class, and start preparing for NEET PG from day one. And yes, they might genuinely be good at what they do.

But here’s the truth: Your first goal in MBBS is not to top PG mock tests or master every gold-standard book. It’s to clear 1st year MBBS and build a good foundation. You have time. PG prep, intense study, and everything else will come in second year or later.

If you’re already feeling anxious, the best thing you can do is set strict boundaries with such people who constantly and deliberately flex their progress. Don’t let them mess with your confidence levels.

You’ll definitely find people like this—trust me, they exist in every batch. The key is to not let them get to you.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

That being said, I would like to remind you that everyone has their own pace. You do not need an over- enthusiastic person to make you feel insecure. If you compare yourself to everyone you will feel insecure of every other person.

Some people learn faster, some later. Some want to score distinction, others just want to pass first year MBBS. Both goals are valid – just understand how much you can do and stick to your priorities.

If you find yourself constantly comparing, step back. Limit interactions with people who make you feel insecure and mute unnecessary WhatsApp groups. At the end of the day, it is not about who scored the highest, it’s about becoming the best doctor you can be. 

Make Time for Your Physical Health

When you’re in medical school, it’s easy to lose track of your physical health—late-night studying, skipping meals, and overworking yourself become part of the routine. But ignoring your body will only make anxiety worse. 

Sleep is non-negotiable. Take a minimum 6–7 hours of sleep every night. Trust me, staying up to cram one more chapter won’t help if you’re too tired to retain anything.

Your mind needs a break too. Whether it’s playing music, sketching, dancing, or even playing a sport, hobbies keep you in touch with yourself. Don’t let your hobbies fade away under the pressure of your syllabus. A half-hour spent doing something you love will refresh you more than scrolling social media ever could.

Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Lastly, when anxiety strikes, remember why you’re here. You’ve chosen this journey because you want to help people, save lives, and make a difference.

One bad exam, one tough viva, or one overwhelming day doesn’t define your future. Remind yourself of the dream: Picture yourself in that white coat, treating patients, and achieving what you’ve worked so hard for.

And here’s something important—you’re not alone in this process. There are good people who genuinely want to help you, you just need to find these good seniors. Don’t hesitate to reach out or be a little shameless when asking questions. It’s an overwhelming journey for all of us, and many of us are more than happy to guide you through it. Talk to your seniors, seek their advice, and let them help you navigate this phase.

Final Words

MEDICAL SCHOOL IS HARD FOR EVERYONE, no matter how confident they look on the outside.

Remember you are stronger than you think. 

Trust the process, and keep going. You’ve got this, future doctor!