[RealNurseWitch]

I'm about to make an appointment to go to my doctor and ask for a psychiatry consult.

Things are getting really rough. I started a new Med/Surge position in September. I don't know if the new position is really to blame, but since then life in general is really getting to be too much to handle. My back hurts ALL of the time. I have developed this super-whiny attitude towards everything; working and raising my two young children... I am constantly feeling like "oh, woe is me, I work my butt off and then come home to a demanding 5 year old and an 11 month old". I am nasty toward everybody. At my job, I'm having anxiety attacks.

One solution I guess would be to go back to something less stressful, but here's the thing... I WANTED to come back to something more exciting, and also somewhere where I would use my nursing skills more.. because I was bored and unsatisfied in my old job.

I have a very strong history of anxiety and depression, and feel like perhaps medication and some therapy might be the answer, not jumping from job to job.

I have been trying to avoid medication for a while, but I don't think I can do it anymore. Even without the stress of the job, I do believe I'm a deeply depressed person; I have my reasons for believing that that I won't go into right now.

I hope this was an appropriate place to post all of this. Thanks....

[P_RN]

OK you know the answer, but I'll say it anyway. If you were nearsighted would you go ask for glasses? If you had diabetes would you take insulin? If you are feeling the stress would you.......? Of course you would. Life is for living not stressing. There is not a thing wrong with admitting you need a boost every now and then. Good luck. Been there done that, got the t-shirt as they say.

[NRSKarenRN]

P_RN gave excellent advice....

Consider talking to you Employee assistance program (EAP) if you have one. Often "life counseling" is free for a few sessions. They can also recommend mental health services in area---some have discounted resources.

Best Wishes

[brian]

I agree, PRN gave some sound advice. Good Luck with your situation.

[VivaLasViejas]

I have been there and know a lot about how you are feeling. Please feel free to PM me if you'd like; I'm a pretty good "crying towel". Otherwise, P_RN has given you most excellent advice, and I can tell you from experience that IT WORKS!!

Take care, and let us know how you're doing. We care.

[gingerwhinger]

I did it!!
My story is virtually the same as yours (minus the young children) finally had to admit it to myself and saw doctor, took the pills and felt remarkably different about things after a short time and so have been able to make better decisions - for me it is ditching the exciting jobs I have always pursued and take it easy in a slower paced job I am familiar with.
Best wishes - do it!!

[donster]

I, too, have been where you are now. Truly, the most difficult thing is recognizing your need for help. The second hardest thing is taking that first step towards getting it.

You've tackled the most difficult thing. The rest falls into place once you conquer the second hardest thing.

Please, do it.

You come here and post anytime, OK? Let us know how you're doing.

Sending you hugs.

Don

[Djuna]

I just wanted to wish you all the best on your path to inner peace and joy in your life