Stress and Depression

moliuchick, RN · Nov 18, 2005

As new grads we're all extremely stressed out, and that's normal, right? But what about depression? Are you guys depressed too? Does stress and depression go hand in hand?
I know something isn't right with me, I don't know if it's just all the stress or if it's depression too. I just don't feel like myself at all. On my days off I don't want to do anything, I'm so cranky, no fun to be around, I cry a lot, I just don't have the interest in things that I used to. I know this isn't good, but I don't know what to do about it. I don't know if this is normal for being a new grad and it'll pass once I get some experience or if it's something else. I don't know what to do
Anyone else feel like this?

Hi there, I just want to tell you that's exactly how I felt when I first started out. I have been a nurse on the med/surg floor for 2 months. I hated my job in my first month because I felt like an idiot most of the time. I am lucky to have a great preceptor. She is very patient with me but the doctors are not at all nice to me. At first, I was sad and depress because I was yelled at by some stupid doctors on the phone and 99% of the time was their fault. :angryfire At first, my feelings got hurt and now, I treat them like "dogs" I show no fear. The more you show your fear, the more they will step all over you. Yesterday, I got yelled by one on the phone, I am like thinking to myself, "you guys go to hell". I guess I feel pretty good being yelled at because I know I didn't do anything wrong and they are the idiots, not me! At this point, I am taking it easy. When I get tired, I just tell myself, 1 and a half month, I will be transferring to the OR. I think it will be a bit better over there.

I have seen a lot of bad nurses and I think I am one of the good ones which helps the patients out and makes them feel good in the hosp. I am proud of what I do everyday. And I am just sick of the stupid abusive doctors who yelled at me. Again, my conclusion is try to take it easy. It is just a job, don't take your anger to your family. It is not worth it.

moliuchick, RN · Nov 18, 2005

RainDreamer-
Your avatar makes me so homesick- native Arizonan here.
I've been a nurse for 12 years, but I am depressed because I am no longer in AZ- there were lots of jobs there, and I was wanted as a nurse. Now I live in north TX, too many nurses here, no jobs, and nurses are not valued or wanted at all.
jezabel writes: yikes! i sold my house recently and had been planning on moving to the austin area. do you have any heads up on the job market there?
Is our market really that bad here in N. Texas? How come our floor is always short of nurses and we always have to get people from the agencies? And how come they are so desperate and we have so many "bad" nurses who know nothing about their patients here????

HappyJaxRN · Nov 18, 2005

As new grads we're all extremely stressed out, and that's normal, right? But what about depression? Are you guys depressed too? Does stress and depression go hand in hand?
I know something isn't right with me, I don't know if it's just all the stress or if it's depression too. I just don't feel like myself at all. On my days off I don't want to do anything, I'm so cranky, no fun to be around, I cry a lot, I just don't have the interest in things that I used to. I know this isn't good, but I don't know what to do about it. I don't know if this is normal for being a new grad and it'll pass once I get some experience or if it's something else. I don't know what to do
Anyone else feel like this?

Hi there. Maybe we can find some relief knowing that others feel this way too. Let me say >>>>>BIG HUG

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2005

Wow, thank you guys SO SO much!! It really does help reading everyone's thoughts and knowing that so many of us are going through these same feelings together.

Tomorrow I start on the night shift, which I think will help A LOT! It was tough for me to work on days ..... I hated it. I've never been a morning person and I just hated all the crap that goes on during the day shift ....... SO many people around, all the docs everywhere, all the discharges we had to do. I'll be glad to go on the night shift and I'm actually kinda excited about it! I'll let you guys know how it goes.

I don't feel as depressed as I did when I originally posted this. On my days off I've been spending a ton of time with my family and that helps tremendously. I just try to enjoy the days off, relax and have fun.

I might mention it to my doctor though. I don't think I need antidepressants, I really don't feel that depressed now ..... I think it's just anxiety and stress like some of you mentioned. Do any of you take medication for anxiety? I don't want to start taking something and be dependent on it forever.

What Marla mentioned about being a good nurse vs. a good employee ...... I really do think I'm a good nurse, as far as taking care of the patients. I LOVE helping the moms with their new babies, I love teaching them and helping them. I absolutely love that part of my job. And I need to remind myself that's what it's all about, right?

(((((Thanks everyone)))))

HelloKittyRN · Nov 20, 2005

I've been a nurse for 10 months and sometimes I still find myself getting back in to the groove of depression and not wanting to leave the house or even talk to anyone. I think its that whole reality shock thing. Going from nursing school to actual working is a very big transition and sometimes really hard to handle. If I start to feel anxious or depressed I try to do something that I enjoy. Sometimes its shopping, sometimes I like to read and then I found out that doing scrapbooking really made me feel relaxed! You just have to find what works for you. I don't personally take anything for anxiety, but I know a lot of the nurses on my floor take something for their nerves. Most of them take Xanax or Valium. I was also having trouble sleeping at night and then I tried Tylenol PM and that helped a lot. I don't need it nearly as often anymore, only once in a while, but it was really great. We're all here to talk with you especially if you're stressed. Because I'm still such a new nurse I remember how hard those first few months were. They still can be difficult, but I think I've learned to manage a little better. I hope this helps you. If you need anything just let me know.

steelcityrn, RN · Nov 20, 2005

Many nurses I have known have suffered from depression. I think alot of it has to do with the fact that you invested alot of time and money to follow your hearts dream and then reality hits hard when you see what nursing is really about, esp. in the hospitals. Stress is unbelievable! Then throw in the shift work and coffee, junk foods and cig's(if you smoke) and your setting your body up for a decline. Don't wait any longer, go see your PCP and get yourself on a anti-depressant, just like we would teach our patients to be compliant and know many will take 6 weeks to 3 months to be theraputic. Low dose paxil has worked for some I know, wellbutrin also. Don't see much prozac anymore. You don't have to live your life on them either. May just be needed for a year or so until your mind/bod and spirit pick up. Then you tend to eat better, exercise and sleep right. Then you can take to your DR about weaning off of them. Good Luck

AtlantaRN, RN · Dec 15, 2005

I didn't get depressed from work ,but from home stressors...just remember that if you don't take care of you, no one else will...

every hospital should have a mental health rider like magellan

remember to enjoy your life; don't get so hung up on making a living that you

forget to have a life...i'm learning this (i have 8 days off, and coming down with a cold LOL) I guess i'm getting the cold cause I have the time to!

linda