21-Year-Old Overcomes Depression to Achieve Medical School Dream

A 21-year-old student in Taichung, Taiwan, has overcome severe depression to achieve her lifelong dream of entering medical school. The student, referred to as Xiao Qing, was a high achiever from a young age, always determined to study medicine.

Three years ago, her confidence was shattered when she failed both the academic aptitude test and the subject-specific college entrance exams. The setbacks led to a diagnosis of depression. She underwent three years of treatment at the Taichung Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which included a combination of anti-depressant medication and a non-invasive treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Her perseverance and successful treatment allowed her to retake the exams and finally gain admission to medical school. Xiao Qing's journey underscores the significant impact of academic pressure on young people's mental health and demonstrates the positive outcomes possible with dedicated treatment and support.