A better life tomorrow?

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"The trouble with rat race is that even if you win, you are still a rat."

-Lily Tomlin

Many times, we are drawn to pursue something because we imagine or think that achieving it will give us a better life but no one tells us the costs of that better life. Will we really be happy or satisfied once we reach there? We may experience a few moments of happiness and delight after an achievement, but soon we are in pursuit of a better life. This constant dissatisfaction and subsequent pursuits can consume our lifetimes and some may die with regrets that we didn't get to live our lives.



I have seen many take up MBBS or a subject in post graduation, not because they like it but because they think they will earn a lot of money after they become a doctor and subsequently get to live a better (or luxurious) life but no one prepares them of the hectic and strenuous life of doctors, especially early in their careers. The long duty hours can itself be depressing for many. Many will compare with their engineer friends who are already earning when they are still studying and have to study a few more years for post graduation and feel deep dissatisfaction with their medical profession. Add to this, expectations by family members which many find difficult to negotiate (because it is generally difficult to have conversation with most parents).

When all factors are added together, it can be difficult to cope up and lead to mental breakdown, sometimes even the extreme step of suicide. It's no secret that doctors suicide are rising every day. Sometimes, I wonder if this is the better life that we aspire for that we ultimately have to die for it?

Dr. Suhasini Das, MD (Psychiatry), FIPS
Consultant Psychiatrist

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