WHAT IS UP #1 | The Student's Secrets

Welcome to "What Is Up," a series of posts about a lot of awesome stuff I learn in med school. In this way, I'd be able to gauge my understanding of certain topics I will encounter everyday. Feel free to correct me if you spot any errors or misconceptions. Thank you!

Stories shared in this series are works of fiction. Names, places, events and incidents are crafted from imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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This case is patterned after a case that will be discussed in class tomorrow.

JC is a 21-year-old male student who was rushed to the emergency room after attempting to stab his father with a machete. He wanted to do it for fear that his father was an escaped convict who planned to kill the whole family on his debut which was just 5 days away.

Image Courtesy: Youtube channel Kids Channel - Cars Nursery Rhymes Learning Videos

JC was a candidate for inclusion to the list of those graduating with honors until six months ago when he started engaging in illicit drug use with friends bi-weekly. At this point in time, he felt guilty but seemed unable to stop himself from doing it. He lost his interest in games he used to love like Warcraft and Minecraft. Every time he’d wake up, he felt having his energy drained and lost to a point that he’d rather stay in bed than attend classes, another reason of which was that he’s unable to understand the lessons and gets left behind sometimes.

Three months ago, he became increasingly alert and suspicious of his surroundings. He felt that he was the talk of the town and that people dislike him. Unable to cope, he eventually left school. In most cases, he locked himself inside his room & didn't bother of his family’s attempts to reach out to him. There were times he wouldn't eat for fear that his father was putting poison in his food. Most of the time, he'd remain awake at night and hear voices saying that his father is almost done with his plans.

Hailing from a poor family, JC's childhood revolved around his aunt, maternal grandmother, and male cousin who were rude and unforgiving caregivers. Every time he'd speak out his mind, his complaints were met with strong criticism, sometimes punishment. Hence, he kept his feelings to himself.

His mother, diagnosed with depression, seemed emotionally detached and anxious. His father left them for another woman, but came back for his 21st birthday. JC wanted to meet his caregivers' expectations; however, no matter how hard he tried he felt no love and was forgotten. He grew up as a loner, not capable of building friendships. Having no one to talk to, he was often bullied in class until the age of 14.

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What was alarming? What went wrong? What factors led to his illnesses? What can we do?

Here are my answers to the questions. How about you? Let me know what you think. :)