Monthly Mental Health Moment: April-June 2024

Transitions

In Medicine, July 1 is a time of transition. New interns start, current residents move up a year, some residents graduate and go onto fellowships or take on the role of an attending. Transitions are times of change and sometimes anxiety.

I currently had a big transition in my life; I got an 11-month-old Maine Coon kitten, Sofiya. And if it was a transition for me – it was an unbelievable change for her! She was living in Brooklyn and now lives in Central Pa. I can relate – I moved to the Harrisburg/Hershey area from Manhattan. She also has to get used to 2 boisterous black labs. Here are some things that I have learned from her transition that I think might be beneficial for others to consider:

1. Find and rely on your supports. She knows that I am a good resource here. I feed her. I get her toys. I handle her basic needs and provide attention. You have family and friends who are available to help. It’s okay to lean on them.
2. Find mentors whom you can trust. Sofiya is trusting me – she isn’t sure about the dogs yet. I recently read an article that looked at trust and mentors. Residents felt that they could be more honest about their capabilities if they believed that their mentors were personally committed to their success. The trainees needed to know that if they asked a question, they would be instructed and not belittled for not knowing. You might have difficulties with some individuals – we don’t all click – but find mentors who are interested in your success.


Keep your eye on the new challenges and formulate a plan.

3. If something isn’t going well then speak up! When Sofiya is not happy—maybe a dog is getting too close—she will hiss or growl. If there are little issues—you might just need to make a small request. But if you are struggling – feeling burnt out, anxious or overwhelmed – you might need to growl (though not literally). But you may need to make some noise and find out who can help. In our institution, students, residents, fellows and attendings can find help through our Office. Sometimes individuals are unsure if they should reach out. If you are even thinking about it, contact us. We can meet for a consult and discuss what’s going on.
4. Find time for self-care and balance. Sofiya knows when she needs a nap. She finds time to play. She seeks me out when she wants companionship. We all need to take care of our basic needs.
5. Change is scary and overwhelming. We need to use our supports and tools to make things easier but we also need to acknowledge that it will feel uncomfortable for a while. That is part of change. Sofiya is stuck with me – her previous owner’s son was allergic. She might not like all the new activity but she’ll adjust. I’ll help her. We will figure out tools to help her navigate the changes—tall cat trees and some alone time. You will need to find tools that help you navigate your new role. But you can do it – you have trained for this — you’ve finished the previous steps and are now ready to move onto the next leg of the journey.

Whether your next adventure is here or at another institution, PMH wishes you all the best. Use your supports! If you are staying here, remember we are here and ready to help.

Just reach out!

Best,
Martha Peaslee Levine, MD
Director of the Office for Professional Mental Health

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