[50 Cent]

i was wondering if anybody knew of any nursing research done about nursing and mental illness. i can relate. how do you guyz cope with the long hours, day-night rotations, and the high stress of the job? do you have any advice? how does one not burnout under such working conditions and trying to cope with MI? a nurse's work is so crazy these days...how can a nurse not go crazy?

[zoeboboey]

Originally Posted by 50 Cent

i was wondering if anybody knew of any nursing research done about nursing and mental illness. i can relate. how do you guyz cope with the long hours, day-night rotations, and the high stress of the job? do you have any advice? how does one not burnout under such working conditions and trying to cope with MI? a nurse's work is so crazy these days...how can a nurse not go crazy?

When you figure it out, let me know

I do know that even WITHOUT mental illness a nurse is hard pressed to not burn out -

[Fire Wolf]

Having read this thread through I must say "Kudos!" to every one of us with the courage and bravity to step up and talk about our individual battles with mental illness in all it's many forms.

Anyone who admits that they have a mental illness automatically has to struggle with being a victim of discrimination. I am very careful when, and to whom, I share things with.

Society, as a whole, chooses to look negatively on the diagnosis of mental illness. Yet if the truth be known, many of us deemed "mentally ill" are working, functioning, and contributing to society in a beneficial way.

(( I cannot count the nurses that I personally know that are on antidepressants and anti-anxiety and insomnia medications because of the stress of the job ))

I have been a nurse for twenty years and have worked full time for both decades. I also live with DID/PTSD, dyslexia, and depression. It has not been easy by a long shot. (((can you say amen?? )))

My mother was treated with ECT for severe depression. She was often either physically or emotionaly absent. She was also abusive due to her own stuggles with mental illness. Back then there were few treatments for the mentally ill ..... and in the 40's and 50's mental illness carried a severe stigma. There was little to offer those that needed help.

My father was a control freak, horribly abusive, and a weekend alcoholic. (((I do wonder at times if there is not a genetic component to some forms of depression and illness. Sort of a chemical and enviromental predisposion to one illness or another.))))

I admire everyone here who has been so couragious and faught against such odds to not only battle their own "demons", but to continue in a field called nursing that needs compassion and empathy and also contains it's own unique set of stressors.

So often I have felt alone in this war trying to survive and "appear" normal.....


:hatparty: KUDO'S :hatparty:

[zoeboboey]

Originally Posted by Fire Wolf

Society, as a whole, chooses to look negatively on the diagnosis of mental illness. Yet if the truth be known, many of us deemed "mentally ill" are working, functioning, and contributing to society in a beneficial way.

Welcome to the club!!!

ALL of us as nurses ought to take good care of ourselves mentally, physically, spiritually, etc. Just like we tell our patients, LOL!

Welcome to the "club" - I think it should be "mentally interesting" vs. "mentally ill", LOL!

[Aquamarine]

Severina,
I know what you mean. I have ADHD which I was shocked to find out as I think of myself as very calm and laid back, at least for the most part. I also have some minimal depression . I most likely have PTSD also but have not even tried to get therapy as I am just finishing up with my RN, about 10 more weeks to go.
I do not think the medical field has much compassion or tolerance for staff with any disorders. I have had to speak up for myself and I know I am looked upon as not being that smart. In truth I am very intelligent but just put up with the stigma of the diagnosis. In time everyone will see.
I was employed as a Nutritionist for 15 years. and had an excellent reputation and a lot of good skils, the patients and the docs were all pleased.
My problmes are accelerated now because I have to sit so much which is a killer for me. I do much better on the go, nursing shoud be good for me.
I understand where you are coming from.
I have been through it all. The death of my 2 young kids, the death of my 2 and only sisters, the terrible physical abuse of a spouse, and emothional abuse of one parent and one other husband. So I will admit I have a unusual outlook on things also after springing back from all of that.
I get condescending statements from my instructors all the time about things that don't matter. Like: why do I always have to "write"; why do I carry my books with me to clinic; why was I late giving a dying man his bath when his granddaughter drove in from another city to see him, possibly for the last time...he got all the important treatment...meds, etc.;why do I write so much information about my patients (if you don't you do not get to do it again...you fail and you are kicked out!); and comments about being "different".
It never interfered with me doing an awesome job in my field before and probably won't again. I am glad I am different if that is what they want to call it. I call it experienced, empathetic, and practical. A bath is second to a last and emotional visit from a grandaughter...It is written in my final evaluation and I almost did not make the last semester because of that bath. I cannot believe it! You cannot think or make decisions on your own I guess if you are a student?! I know where you are coming from about the death issue. We don't have a set amount of years we are to live. You never know. Death is peace, illness often is not. It is not an accepted view in the USA but more in Europe. I found my niche before and I hope I will again before someone kills me with thier negative outlook.
Hang in there. Sometimes you have to just know...and keep it to yourself. You cannot change certain things and other reactions is one of those items you cannot control, but you can control your own thoughts and actions. I bet you are an awesome Hospice nurse. I would rather have someone like you during my final hours.
Again, Hang in there, don't expect too much from the other professionals. If you learn "ouside the box" and think the same way, things can be a little difficult but you will be an asset to yourself and then to others.

[belzmom]

Originally Posted by Macy1103

I know from reading your posts that some people take ssri's...which one's work and do you notice the side effects?..And do you think "condition" would interfere with my career as a nurse. Do you really have to be tough as nails?....Any information from anyone interested in helping me on the quest would be appreciated in the utmost. I think becoming a nurse will do wonders for my being..I want to find my niche' , too!!

I have worked in mental health about 15 years, and know many other nurses who do as well. I hired a nurse who had spent her previous five years in a state psychiatric hospital as a patient - recovery is possible and even probable! As for anxiety disorders in general, medication is very rarely able to do it. Look for a therapist skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy of anxiety and you can learn skills that will enable you to manage the anxiety. The Anxiety and Depression Workbook is also a good resource. As for the SSRIs - they improve every year. All work and most have different side effect profiles. Lexapro, one of the newer ones, has fewer sexual side effects (I take it for major depression). You can also manage by taking Bupriprion along with an SSRI to help with sexual side effects, or utilizing trazadone at night to help with sleep (it is an antidepressant with the side effect of sleepiness). Look for a psychiatric NP to work with you to find what works. Good luck - I know you can do it! And no, being tough as nails is for hammers, not nurses, in my opinion!

[khbarrow]

I hope you'll go ahead and take the plunge. Obviously, life isn't fine, but it truly can be. Keep me posted. (It's always darkest before the dawn.}

Originally Posted by zoeboboey

I so appreciate your feedback!

I am still struggling with the basics - even showering and mouth care, sigh... I do go out every day to get my dunkin donuts coffee (LOL) but it's drive thru. I am just basically avoiding people and responsibilities, other than that I'm fine (ever hear what F.I.N.E. stands for? Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotional)

Anyway - I have just been running away from the whole thing - but from what I hear - maybe ECT is for the best. I have not heard one negative and I have talked to quite a few!

God bless!

[belzmom]

[quote=NancyK]
I have been through it all. The death of my 2 young kids, the death of my 2 and only sisters, the terrible physical abuse of a spouse, and emothional abuse of one parent and one other husband. So I will admit I have a unusual outlook on things also after springing back from all of that.
QUOTE]

I think your outlook is colored by wisdom and compassion, which I would hope all nurses aspire to. I am studying to be an NP - I am a clinical counselor who has worked in community mental health for 15 years. I have major depression and anxiety, and have hired many clinicians, nurses, and psychiatrists over the years who have mental illness. I found them to be the best as they really knew what people were going through and lacked the judgemental attitude some can have. I admire you for sticking to your priorities, which you are right, is hard as a student. I would rather have you caring for me than your instructor. Thank you for sticking with it and for your caring professionalism.

[belzmom]

Originally Posted by zoeboboey

Welcome to the club!!!

ALL of us as nurses ought to take good care of ourselves mentally, physically, spiritually, etc. Just like we tell our patients, LOL!

Welcome to the "club" - I think it should be "mentally interesting" vs. "mentally ill", LOL!

I noticed you are in Maine - liked your post. I am just starting the RN/FNP program at USM after 15 years in mental health (and I have mental illness as well). Love that phrase "mentally interesting."
Thanks!

[mattsmom81]

Originally Posted by zoeboboey

So someone having an employee health exam, what should they do? What should they put on the form? that they are not on meds?

I agree, they have ways around the law...

To be totally honest, if I knew for sure it would NOT show up on their drug screen I would not tell them.

I WOULD tell them if I knew it would show up on a drug screen. But that's just me, in an employment at will state , give them as little ammunition as possible I figure. JMHO.

It would be nice if all folks were openminded about depression and other MI's...but they aren't in my experience. Facilities look for that 'perfect nurse.'