I can really feel how stuck and heavy this feels for you right now. You’re caught in a loop of overthinking, escaping into your phone, then ending up more stressed. The constant worry, zoning out, losing focus these aren’t just random habits, they’re signs of anxiety taking over. In DSM-5 terms, this lines up with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (too much worry, restlessness, can’t focus) and Social Anxiety Disorder (fear of patients, fear when people raise their voice, avoiding social situations). The sadness you feel when you see someone else’s problem that’s your empathy, but right now it’s unfiltered, so instead of helping, it drowns you. The body image thoughts (“I feel the fattest person”) show up in depression and sometimes body dysmorphic disorder. And the phone use? It’s your brain trying to calm itself down, but the escape is making the stress cycle worse. You’ve already proven you’re capable you did MBBS. This fear and avoidance doesn’t erase that. It just means you need support to rebuild your confidence.
Next Steps
Here’s what I’d want you to hold onto:
Start very small. Instead of thinking “I can’t handle patients,” try: “Today I’ll just read one case.” Exposure works step by step.
Ground yourself when you zone out. Look around and name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear. It pulls you back into the present.
When someone raises their voice, remind yourself: “It’s volume, not danger.” Slow breathing helps your body believe it.
Phone is not the enemy, but set limits. Example: after 30 minutes scrolling, take a 5-minute break to stretch, walk, or pray.
Be kinder to your body. Instead of “I’m the fattest,” try “I don’t feel comfortable right now, but I can work on it slowly.”
Health Tips
For overthinking – Write your thoughts down. Don’t try to solve everything in your head. Even 5 minutes of journaling gives your brain relief.
For phone stress – Don’t quit suddenly. Just put small limits. Example: no phone in bed at night, or 30 minutes scrolling then take a 5-minute break to do something offline.
For fear and social anxiety – Start tiny exposures. Read one case, or talk to one trusted person about medicine. Step by step you’ll rebuild confidence..
For sadness when others suffer – You’re empathetic, but you need boundaries. Say to yourself: “This is their pain, not mine to carry fully.” Pray for them, but don’t absorb it.