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Questions & Answers

Depression

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Depression

The question

I am so depressed, frustrated, and not sure what to do next. I lost a lot of money, good times for nothing, sold my car, sold my apartment, and spent my father savings thinking I am investing and that this will help me achieve my goals and fulfill my dreams. I applied to 250 programs coast to coast through the residency match for General Surgery, Neurosurgery, and ENT. I sent over 1000 emails seeking non-categorical pre-residency/fellowships positions, but I haven't received even a single interview. I feel that the work of many years has gone in vain and that my future is doomed with all doors closed! I do not have the energy to continue. There is nothing more that I can do. Should I go back home or stay quiet and do nothing to save further loses specially I cannot afford going in this way any further?

Now I deeply feel these verses:"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish'?" (Luke 14:28-30).

The answer

This verse is appropriate in situations where a plan of action is about to be put forth. It cautions the individual and/or the group to study all aspects of the cost/benefit analysis and design a plan of preparation and support should obstacles arise. Nonetheless, this verse is not intended to frighten anyone who is prayerful, diligent, and realistic. In your situation, you have not made foolish decisions. You followed all the right steps to secure a position. There is no need to run out of steam now, even though you've experienced some disappointments. Perhaps you will be invited to a position in the Post-Match. Try to re-energize yourself and continue to seek another opportunity. Expand your search and let God choose for you. You are still young and have stamina. It is not over yet.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1619 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.