Medical School is Rough Reaction (addressing mental health) | Rachel Southard

[@RachelSouthard]

Ahhh, reacting to my second most viewed video on my channel! I feel that my channel has gotten a lot of traction from my emotional breakdowns as a medical student, but HEY! That’s life. I’ve grown a lot over the last few years, and while reacting to this video, I pause and discuss how I’ve gotten better at handling the overwhelming emotions that i experience as a med student.

[@kzmedspace9457]

U r such a great inspiration for me ...rafal Ps I will get tested on uslme step1 can u do à video about how to succeed on it?

[@emilier.6780]

I think the big views on the more emotional videos just goes to show that we appreciate you opening up to us and showing us the reality of life instead of only highlights. Love you!❤🐜

[@yemialemu9902]

You inspired me to push and get through the tough times. I got into my program around the same time u started your medical school. I watched your videos everytime it got really overwhelming and extremely stressful in nursing school. Thanks for sharing your journey!🙏🙏 Thanks for being honest about everything and not make it look like this perfect ride with no obstacles in between. You're gonna be a wonderful Dr! 🥰🥰

[@metildajoseph5265]

Greetings Ms.Southard, Taking FIRST STEP (PROFESSIONAL) is TOUGH and Later EVERYTHING WILL FALL INTO PLACE. With regards, - RanjithJoseph (R.J)

[@ME96.]

Rachel thank you so much for being vulnerable. I'm a first year med student and feeling quite miserable. Your videos have made me feel better about my struggles. 90% of my classmates play it off as if they're fine so it is refreshing to see other people acknowledge how hard this is and that it is ok to cry and you can be emotional and a good physician. Thank you a million times

[@lifeofmeki]

Your vulnerability is inspiring, honestly. It’s what makes you, YOU and that is why so many of us can relate♥️

[@hannahcook9477]

Currently in my second year. I 100% agree when you isolate yourself in your room studying all day then try to interact with classmates in TBLs and other things it is very difficult to be comfortable and overwhelming.

[@katemichelle]

During my M1 year, I consistently would go back to this video when I was having a bad time. It really helped me remember that I wasn’t the only one struggling cause I wasn’t seeing that from other med students at my school. Really appreciate you helping me recognize I wasn’t alone

[@karahterry4423]

I hate how people said, "how are you supposed to be a doctor". She has a right to feel anxiety, fear, imposter syndrome, etc. Just because Rachel had a bad day doesn't mean she wont be able to do her job and it doesn't mean that she's "too emotional". Rachel is human, and that was her first year. Medical is not easy and she still persisted and look at her now.

[@Star-gh9ir]

Whenever I’m feeling frustrated, down or even having panic attacks due to the overwhelming work I have all the time. your videos are always there for thank you Rachel you’re a big part of my journey as a medical student.

[@bethanyjowers3133]

Rachel you have so much serenity and strength, it makes me so proud to see how you acknowledge your old self and care about her while you keep striving forward. Also your hair is still beautiful! Looking forward to the next video :)

[@daanstam6697]

Yep medschool is hard. It gave me a depression at the moment sadly. The studying is still not going well

[@RachelSouthard]

You got this ❤️

[@sav6569]

Current MS1! Been in school for two months now and I know exactly what these emotions feel like. Thank you for being vulnerable with us because it helps a lot of us not feel alone in our suffering. Love that your coping mechanism happens to be working out because same! I haven't been practicing my physical exam skills but I also have a winnie the pooh so I will get on that xD

[@oliviasullivan9866]

you’ve grown so much mentally in 2 years and i greatly admire that

[@Jake-pw8rp]

I started med school this year, and ive gone through all of these stages. Its literally the norm I think at first, but it really does get better with every day. I think you helped alot of people stay in it and fight through it.

[@emilier.6780]

So excited to watch this tomorrow!! Love that you're premiering these on Saturdays now, it's like a weekend treat!

[@claudialamberts398]

RIGHT !!

[@ligngood3787]

Wow, this is unbelievably helpful. You are flooding this older video with so much light by providing context from where you are now!! There are so many profound things in this video!! If only we could remember RIGHT NOW, to treat ourselves as we would another person instead of just two years later! You are a true godsend, and I'm grateful! Thank you!

[@maxblack7778]

oof. def feeling that awkwarndess and social anxiety as an M1 in my 3rd month. had an icky week where i felt like i constantly was confused and always feel pressure to prove that i belong there as a med student and a person and be friendly which translates into social anxiety big time. trying not to be so awkward and get out of my head (and apartment) but it can be really hard sometimes

[@marijabarbaric5727]

Insane.. I started watching you when I was still in high school but now as i am in med school I recognise and understand SO much more things than I did before and I love it!!

[@premedem]

I understand you and relate to you a lot. I feel as most people around me do not understand how stressful it is, only people in the same position will get it. Those who judge have no clue what it is like to have this stress, lol I cry all the time

[@laneybugz]

This is one of your videos that has stuck in my mind the most over time. Thank you for all that you do, Rachel. But GIRL when you put the video on 2x and I was already on 2x it was rough.

[@WittyKitten]

Looking forward to this video! I have 2 rounds of exams left before my first sem in med school is done and it's crazy how many of us are burnt out. It gets very lonely studying all the time and staying cooped up, but I'm adopting some kittens over winter break to bring a little joy♥

[@zulyc8641]

Not having time to think about what to eat or cook is SO true!!!

[@han_j3797]

My first year at med school has been the worst of my life. My parents are getting divorced, i just got diagnosed with PCOS and i failed my exams☺ I'm looking forward to 2022 to get back my life😥

[@lyynfayez6273]

OMG!!!!! I felt for a moment that I was the one who is crying in the video, you described exactly what I felt since day one in med school and I still suffer from this *anxiety* I'm sooooooo happy to know that someone else went through what I am going through till now I love u rachel

[@allthingsdereck6324]

i dont know why but you're soo much matured now. its like there is a certain discipline that has been instilled in you and it shows. oh btw been watching you since MS1. i remember that video and got scared lol. great work!!

[@RachelSouthard]

😭😭❤️

[@sarahfunderburg1915]

I absolutely love your videos and the truths you show behind medical school. I am a pre-med student and there is no doubt in my mind that I am going to medical school but it can get very intimidating and your videos remind me of why why im doing it all! I can't tell you how great it is to see you enjoying your life with that workload so thank you :))

[@brandony.1824]

Exactly! 5:46. I've had problems starting university this year and I feel like after 2020 being spent all online made me feel super isolated but this year I've been able to go out and meet all these amazing people and it's had a great positive effect on my mental health! Doing much better mentally this year than last. My only concerns are my grades as school is got harder this year.

[@laurensue2985]

Even the way you're talking now vs your first two years I can sense your stress level have drastically decreased 💕💕 I love your videos

[@bhagyak1833]

The most loving thing about you is your honesty and vulnerability among all other loving aspects of your personality...it's what helps most people to connect with you and it's beautiful...the growth is so significant...I loved you then and I love you more now too...you are a very special soul Rachel ❤️

[@RachelSouthard]

Thank you so much. Your thoughts mean so much to me ❤️

[@MedicineMomvlog]

It has been great to see how you have grown over the years. Medical school is truly life changing. Thank you for being so open with your experiences.

[@aliceschram1043]

Wow Rachael! Look how much you have grown, and yes you are going to b a great dr and being vulnerable at times is part of being human.

[@MCinMed]

Rachel I needed this so much right now. I am currently experiencing some of those same feelings regarding stress around the arguing and more gunner energy. Thank you for making me feel validated :)

[@purplepalmtrees14]

You’re going to be an amazing doctor! I wish all doctors were more like you!

[@purisomya6002]

Im not in med school yet but a week before my finals I was crying sticking to my mom like a baby, taking a break, getting back to studying and repeat... idk how I'll handle med school but a friend of mine who's a med student said she related so much to my condition and everyone has their own journey and stresses and phases according to where you are at... that once I'm gonna get into med school i'll learn to handle that too and I shouldn't be demotivated by my rough phases as pre med and doubt my ability to become a good doctor on the basis of that...it definitely made me feel better and confident and motivated! Having friends that don't judge you and make you feel vaild for whatever you are going through and sticking through you, motivating you, It's SO important! The way my family helped me get through that phase of exams made me realise how important it is to talk to them! How important it is to have an amazing support system! And your channel is a huge part of it! Seeing you struggle also tells me that it's okay to take time to process your emotions and its okay to feel tired! Watching other youtubers who seem like they have everything sorted, it scares me, and while I still believe you're still more sorted than any of them, your videos, your journey doesn't seem inhuman... You don't force us to believe it's all rainbows and unicorns, sometimes it's scorching sun and heat and burns, sometimes it's rain and cold... but the purity in you, your videos and the way they make me believe that everything has an end, that there's no substitute for determination... that everyone can get through this, guides me how to handle my emotions and not feel guilty about it... and now I'm looking at you come so far, that keeps me going... my friend delievered her first baby yesterday and sent me the photo, that keeps me going... Makes me believe someday I'm gonna say, it was all worth it! It's all phases you guys... It'll all pass!

[@houria685]

Rachel when you go to bed today, remember you are appreciated and you have helped someone out through a hard time.❤️

[@RhondaElle]

Love the message at the end about guidance. At 59, I appreciate you. I didn’t have guidance either and I had no idea how a person became a Dr. I never heard of a DO. It seemed to me that only men and rich people became doctors. You helped inspire me to make a career change and explore opportunities in health care. While I have a business marketing degree, I. start my first job as a lowly phlebotomist in Nov. So excited to see what it’s like to work in a hospital! So thank you for sharing your life with us. You never know who secretly wishes they had the guts to take a different road and how your videos may guide them toward that path. ☺️

[@claudiapalacios5782]

I’m a pre med and I’m currently on a travel phlebotomy assignment in a different state, away from family and friends and your videos have been keeping me sane whenever I’m feeling lonely or don’t have any motivation to study. Thank you for showing all the raw emotions and reminding people that these are real things people go through and most just don’t show their vulnerable side. I love all your videos and so happy to see all your growth in the past 3 years!!!

[@RachelSouthard]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@suraalsaeedi3822]

I followed you since you are in first year even though Iam not interested in med schools Iam more interesting in dental school but always motivated me and now you are in 3ed year i see how you approved you mental health and you are control your self

[@dulcefernanda4]

Literally every job has people with mental health problems and that doesn´t mean they can´t be good at their job!! Pluuusss, being perfect doesn´t mean not making mistakes, but to get up with more love each time you fall. (Sorry for my english)

[@shandisfancher8766]

Rachel, I’ve been following your journey for years (since your MCAT videos, was that 4 years ago?🤯). You are so relatable and watching your videos as a pre-med was encouraging because I felt like “wow, if Rachel could do that I bet I could too.” I’m currently in my first year of medical school now. 🥳 I’m only a few months in and I can already see that you’re right, med school IS rough… there are some high highs and some really low lows. I actually rewatched this video a few weeks ago when I was feeling down & overwhelmed, and seeing you experience a breadth of emotions helped me feel validated and less alone. 🥰

[@moonlightikah6753]

Hi! Im a medical student too and yes it is rough. Just wanted to tell you that if you feel like its too hard and felt alone, just remember, most of us are feeling the same way. Im on the verge of crying from my studies but i hold it back because i know i can do it. it hard but i know its not impossible. Take caree from another med student ❤❤

[@claudialamberts398]

YOU GOT THIS 😎🎃👹 You really do, many people believe in you and you have what it takes to get through the challenging times.

[@RachelSouthard]

❤️you aren’t alone, Shandis. So proud of you.

[@zoya3142]

WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT HOW RACHEL GOT SO MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL

[@AM-cz4rd]

I love the new merch! I look forward to your videos every week😄

[@isidoooora]

I love these different type of videos so much! please make more

[@robertstanley9633]

I honestly still enjoy watching your older vlog videos, you had a sense of wonder and awe that is still very inspiring every time you watch it 😊 best of luck in your studies 🙌🏽

[@bumblebeebook]

Needed this video today.

[@bluecornflower1015]

This video is SO good, thank you Rachel!!! ❤️ I think it can help a lot of medical students while having a hard time:(

[@aniekanmd]

"I look like a child"--- I heard that. Thankyou so much for sharing 🙏❤️

[@dinaramadan5756]

Omg Rachel this video is adorable. YOU CAN DO THIS. I BELIEVE IN YOU

[@nomithaputta1113]

I'm so excited to watch this!!! Also, you are so close to getting 200K subscribers, yay!

[@RachelSouthard]

so freakin close!

[@maddieebobaddiee]

omg I just graduated nursing school back in May and this is giving me flashbacks... I went to an ADN program (associate's degree, 2 years of the actual nursing classes/rotations) and I remember SUFFERING my entire first year but second year was amazing lol it was sooo much work but I felt like I was able to enjoy myself more :)

[@aqsamariam2330]

You've made it so far now! Gosh just look at that smiling face😏 so proud of you Rachel

[@Life.ofMira]

You inspire me so much Rachel! Much love from a Ghanaian med student ❤

[@yumnasiraj5119]

Crazy how I remember watching this video when you posted it 😭❤️

[@zoya3142]

ahhh I remember when that vlog came out! I watched it then and there! :) I'm so proud of you 💕 I hope that someday I become a doctor just like you.

[@lesliepacheco2814]

I love this video, having a hard time in college at the moment because of my mental health. But this video and everything you said is helping me a lot and to keep going. I got this and reminder: its always okay to take breaks. Breaks is ok.

[@lesliepacheco2814]

Thank you so much for everything. You have helped me a lot.

[@missykowalewski]

The first semester of med school is frightening at best. People with little knowledge acting like they have the knowing. Breaking away and learning in whatever style is best for the individual. The growth comes without feeling it. Seriously !?!?! Doctors don’t really have that much time to get together and socialize. They r one on one with patients and families. Someone geared to being alone is so much better at relating to their patients. They don’t need the validation from their peers. Go ahead March on. U r soooo on the right path. Ur light shines bright. I would bet that patient encounters don’t bother u anymore as well.

[@everydayleticia]

It has been amazing seeing you grow up. Thank you for being honest on your videos ❤️

[@maddiesnyder421]

I feel exactly like that as a first year undergrad. Imposter syndrome is so hard

[@all4honor]

SEE MINI CELEBRITY DOC...I just wanna say I told ya so. You're my greatest hero. Don't ever leave us please. You look like a Harvard Med School lady now. I kinda miss the mini the cry sessions.

[@JonathanOvetskiy]

This video made my day!! 😊

[@RUYINAETENGsMEDICDIARY]

I really can't wait to see this one!😪

[@xX12Awesomeness12Xx]

Rachel is the best

[@Pikachuwhereareyou]

This was insightful. I appreciate your existence ✨

[@lesliejohnson8004]

I really love your video's! I have always received inspiration from them, and I really appreciate you putting these out every week. I have also lost a lot of hair these past years while pursuing my educational/career goals. I have realized that everything comes with a price and I am happy with me, even when I don't look like I used to. Keep going Rachel! You are going to change lives and help so many people!

[@heavy.chemistry]

I remember watching this video specifically. It might have been the first video I saw.

[@Cattaaliyah]

Live the video inspire me to work harder everyday

[@karinakotsur527]

Definitely needed this. Midterm time baby!

[@simply.katarina]

An amazing video, you’ve come so far 🥺 So inspiring

[@lindsayhartje6678]

I really really hope third year brings me peace. I'm dying in second year right now.

[@RachelSouthard]

You got this!!

[@studywithmedstudent4459]

loved this! i can relate to alot! thanks rach

[@garretjones9425]

I enjoy your emotional roller-coaster ride.

[@usernotfound232]

I’m legit gonna buy ur merch as soon as I get into med school

[@მარიამი-ქ4ბ]

I JUST LOVE YOU ❤️💕

[@keeshvlogs]

sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited

[@anavalenzuela3223]

Imposter syndrome, man....that resonates so much

[@stephbrinkhurst5465]

God this is giving me straight Inner Child Work vibes 🥺🥺🥺🥺❤️❤️❤️❤️ Big you compassionately being there for little you ❤️ loved this video!! Pls do more 🥺😭♥️🥰😍🤗❤️

[@rafiamir2269]

I'm watching you from the start and now im 2nd year medical student and having same emotions as yours❤️❤️❤️ you are an inspiration for me love you and really wanna meet u on day 💕

[@Chrstnevy]

This was the first video of Rachel that I found in YT :DD

[@waterfirelord]

One more year of pain Rachel

[@a.stewart7554]

It looks like the thickness of your hair is back! ☺

[@RachelSouthard]

Not really ):

[@doctorharry]

In the building waiting 😎

[@AhmetKaan]

*To all the dreamers out there, don't ever let the world's negativity disenchant you or your spirit. If you surround yourself with love and right people, ANYTHING is possible...*

[@rayanarohini]

Loved the video, kisses from Brazil!!

[@inexorablehan3823]

Hi Rachel ,I hope you're well, I am taking a non traditional route to med school at the age of 30+ ,I just feel it's time to follow my life long dream .....would really love some motivation pleassse

[@Christerry1950]

So proud of you!

[@claudialamberts398]

SO EXCITED TO WATCH but when it comes out ill be at work :((

[@airbender9593]

Thank you for sharing your videos. It looks like you have some anatomy background. Being on top of classes should be less stressful.

[@talithakolo2037]

I literally watched that vlog yesterday 😂 I want to study medicine and your vlogs are really giving me an insight of how it is, thank you so much for that. I really hope I do well in the field.

[@anibyan7643]

This warmed my heart. you are so sweet hope to meet you one day. love from Toronto

[@davidlakhter]

I love you Rachel!!! I'm so happy for you - I'm glad to see how far you've come and I can't believe so much time has passed haha. red ant for life!

[@Tori.Rose2]

Is there a way to order the Harvard university format of the HERD crew neck? I see your tote bag on the website but would love the crewneck !!

[@kermina6334]

sooo excited 😍😍💙💙

[@justynaolczyk1590]

Rachel! Your plant in the right corner is so beautiful - what is its name? Thank you for motivating us to get the work done and study

[@RachelSouthard]

Awh thank you! I have no idea what type of plants they are ): I’m so sorry

[@imanibazemore6277]

I think it’s a type of dieffenbachia!

[@justynaolczyk1590]

@@imanibazemore6277 Oh yes it is! Thank you a million times ♥♥♥ Gotta go get it its sooo pretty!

[@imanibazemore6277]

@@justynaolczyk1590 of course! Glad I could help :)

[@denisse2646]

I admire you so much, it's very inspiring how much you have learned about yourself while in medical school, i will always support you and admire you ant queen, u r the best, and hopefully i will be a doctor tooo one day wishme luck

[@rebeccarosero3826]

Your hair still looks great

[@transittown7891]

Medical school is extremely demanding and a ton of studying for hours

[@MsSluuuuut]

Hi Rachel!! I love you. We want more videos with what you eat in a day , if u want too XD and what do you do in study breaks? do you watch netflix or smth?

[@raniaka1008]

Youuuu look so much like the doctor resident in chicago med!! Dr manning was her name, I think.

[@jaymsantiago]

😂😂 you have some balls looking at your old videos. I feel like I’d be cringed by watching my old self

[@all4honor]

What is the goal of the chart and why do you recommend it?

[@anonymous-user-2024]

Hello Rachel, do you have any resource recommendation on how to learn + retain bacteria/antibacterial agents in medical school? Practice questions? Thank you.

[@RachelSouthard]

Sketchy Medical!!

[@anonymous-user-2024]

@@RachelSouthard How about osmosis? And which resource did you find helpful for MCQ microbiology practice (bacteria, viruses, fungi)? Thank you.

[@AhmetKaan]

*"Everything in life is easier when you don't concern yourself with what other people are doing."* The chances of you seeing this comment is pretty low, but if you did, *I hope you have an amazing day.* 🖤

[@alexsevilla4974]

Rachel I’m curious, as a med student do you utilize physics and chemistry a lot? I know it’s needed to become a doctor but to what extent?