Thanks for your response and your support! I'm hanging in there, mostly up and down days. I haven't responded because I'm preparing for the residency.

Yes, I am proud. I'm counting down the days. Because I've disclosed my mental illness in my personal statement, the director is aware and stresses self-care. So I know I can retreat to my room when I need to.

I don't feel too bad about my avoidance. It feels good and I think by the end of summer, it'll be diferent. It's just hard to explain to others without feeling their sense of disappointmen. I also wonder if they judge me secretly.