This Week @ MUSM is the official student newsletter of Mercer University School of Medicine designed to keep students up to date on key information and events.
Minimizing the Holidays Blues
The holidays are here and with it comes excitement and fun, but for some, the added stress and high expectations can lead to the holiday blues. The holiday blues are temporary feelings that can include loneliness or isolation, fatigue, sadness, frustration, tension, or a sense of loss and can be especially hard on those who already live with a mental health condition. Below are steps you can take to help minimize these symptoms:
  • Spend time with loved ones. It’s important to take time for yourself during your break, but don’t isolate yourself from those who love and support you. 
  • Eat or drink in moderation. Remember that alcohol can increase feelings of sadness, so be mindful of what you drink when you’re feeling down.
  • Take care of yourself and exercise. Even if you only have time for a short walk outside, it’s important to stay active.
  • Make a to-do-list. Keep it simple.
  • Set realistic goals and expectations. There are many activities to enjoy such as shopping, cooking, and entertaining, but don’t overextend yourself. 
  • Set a budget. You don’t have to break the bank to have fun or to buy gifts for loved ones. Many activities are free. Take a walk through your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights or make a homemade gift. They can be more personal and heartfelt.
  • Keep a gratitude journal. A 2003 study showed that people who wrote a list of things they were grateful for on a regular basis increased their well-being and sense of happiness.
  • Find ways to unwind. During this hectic time try meditation, yoga, listening to music or any other activity that helps you relax.
 
Remember the holiday blues are temporary, so it’s important to be patient with yourself. Try to savor the moments that you do enjoy during the holiday season.  
Student Health Services Available on All Campuses
Did you know that Mercer Campus Health providers from both Macon and Atlanta are available to all MUSM students (regardless of home campus) for telehealth visits? A telehealth visit is a safe and secure, one-on-one virtual visit that can be conducted for things like referrals, mental health visits, COVID clearance, rashes, and certain medication refills. All that you need is internet access, video accessibility through a computer or smartphone, and speakers or headphones.

To schedule a virtual visit, call Campus Health at 478-301-2696 (Macon) or 678-547-6130 (Atlanta). Once the appointment is made, you will receive an email confirmation with the link and instructions on how to connect to your appointment.

Remember that it’s important to not only take good care of your (future) patients, but also yourself.
Class of 2024: Complete the AAMC Y2Q Survey for Cash Prizes
Complete the AAMC Y2Q Survey before January 3 for a chance to win $50!!! Your chances increase with the survey response rate. A 90% response will give Class of 2024 students on each campus a chance at six $50 prizes PER CAMPUS. An 80% response earns a chance for two $50 prizes per campus; an 85% response means four $50 prizes per campus. Share your opinions for a chance at some CASH!
Loan Change Request Form
Students who wish to receive additional student loan funds before the Christmas holidays should request the funds by December 15, 2021. To request additional funds, either complete the Loan Change form located on the website or in the Financial Aid module of your Class canvas course, or send an email to musmfinancialaid@mercer.edu.
Medical Diversity Scholarship
The Buckfire Law Scholarship Committee is currently accepting applications for the 2022 Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Medical School Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship, established in 2014, is part of the law firm’s initiative to recognize medical school students who do outstanding work to promote ethnic diversity in their community. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2022. Learn more and apply
Macon LMSA School Supply Drive
Latino Medical Student Association is hosting a School Supply Drive benefitting local Bibb County students. They are collecting pens, pencils, spiral notebooks, notebook paper, glue sticks, crayons, personal-sized hand sanitizers. The collected items will be donated to Family Advancement Ministries which serves families in need in the Macon area, including many within the Hispanic community. Place your donations in the collection box located in the Atrium now through December 17.
This Week@MUSM is the official student newsletter of the Mercer University School of Medicine. Visit our website to learn more or view past issues.