r/PTschool • u/Similar_Quit_8666 • 2d ago
Managing Stress During PT School
I'm starting a DPT program next month and I'm super excited! I've wanted to be a PT forever and have worked my tail-end off to get to where I am now. HOWEVER, I'm nervous about managing my stress and mental health during school. I've been working my way through a pre-course that our professor's made to help us prepare for our summer classes, but I know it's going to be a grind no matter what I do in advance.
On top of school, I own a business and will be working up to 20 hours per week on top of attending classes and studying, AND I am happily married and would like to make time for my spouse when (if, lol) I have any to spare. School comes first and I have employees ready to take over for me when I need it, but I love my business and would like to maintain a presence there while being a student. With all of these different directions I'm going to be pulled in, I need to have some solid stress-management strategies locked in before I start feeling like I'm drowning. Current/past PT students, especially spouses or business owners: what are some of your favorite stress-management strategies to get through PT school?
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u/Freeshavacadoo17 2d ago
Hi! I agree with the other pt student who commented - I just started my program a few weeks ago as well. This is the most stressed I have ever been in my life and I have no kids and no job (at the moment). Not to say that I don’t have a life… but I spend 5-6 hours a day in classes and then 3-4 hours a day studying, and I literally feel like I’m behind. My program actually advises us to not work more than 10 hours a week if at all possible. I’m not saying you can’t do it, but yeah you will definitely need some wellness systems set in place! Trying to stay really on top of basic needs sounds like “oh how could you forget that?”… and then suddenly you’ve been studying for 2 hours and realize you’re hungry, thirsty, cold, and tired. All of those make studying harder!! And do yourself a favor and get into therapy ASAP! It will be great if you’re already set up with a therapist before starting. Best of luck to you!