DH student questioning if this is for me

Hello. This is my first time posting. I am in my second semester of first year and started seeing patients. I enjoy most aspects of it, and am doing academically very well. My issue is I am making myself physically ill from stress… which I know it’s not shocking because I’ve read the horror stories of school.

My issue is with being the one doing the things that cause someone discomfort. I was previously an assistant for years and have helped in some rough procedures, I didn’t think anything could phase me. But something about deep pocket depths makes my stomach turn. I have started having migraines, insomnia, nausea, etc during clinic and everyday life

I am already on anxiety meds and am looking to seeing a therapist as well. I am terrified that I wasted years and thousands of dollars on a career I won’t be able to stomach. Which frankly, makes my anxiety worse.

Ironically I have no issues really giving anesthetic, it’s primarily probing that sets me off and makes me feel miserable

Has anyone experienced this? Any tips on working past this? I feel like I’m failing myself within my own mind.

Posted Mar 4, 2026, 7:23 AM UTC

22
Loading comments…