[DutchgirlRN]

Originally Posted by Suesquatch

HAH!

The generic sertraline was fine for me, but I'm now on Lexapro. Much more helpful, to me, with anxiety.

It was almost the death of me! I reported it to the FDA and was informed that a considerable amount of people had reported a similar experience and that generic sertraline is currently under investigation.

Lexapro didn't work for my dd or ds, they're on Effexor, Lexapro works great for dd. Goes to show you 2 things. We're all on an antidepressant and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for everyone. Glad you found something that works for you. I've been on Zoloft about 8+ years and very happily so.



Now back to our regularly scheduled thread....!

[sharona97]

Originally Posted by DutchgirlRN

I know it's very difficult to find a low stress job in nursing but perhaps she should try a different area of nursing than what she is used to.

If shrink # 1 or 2 doesn't work, try yet another, same with the meds. Weekly talk therapy in the beginning can do wonders. Best of Luck in a difficult situation.

Get her here onto allnurses...the best free therapy in the world.

P.S. IMO: I don't think the disability thread is the appropriate. Depression/Anxiety being a chemical imbalance is no different than having diabetes in terms of an illness and IMO is not or doesn't have to be a disability. A vast majority of us have faced the same problems (I'm living/surving proof myself) and there are threads galore out here on all nurses. Perhaps a moderator can point you in the right direction.

I agree that a panic/anxiety/depression/psychotic disorder doesn't have to be a disability; unfortunetly, it is a crippling disability to many. Diabetes is a known diagnosis, where panic/anxiety/depression/physchosis does not always have clear cut origins. It takes work to discover that origin and work to defeat the beast. I agree depression is everywhere, not just in the medical field, but I certainly woulnd't want people not to post because one might think it's not a dibilitating disease...IMO that would only add to the shame that guilts many who are struggling with disorders of this kind. I personally find it healing to read comforting posts and look at information pasted on posts. I agree have your wife join in this "non-threatening" "non-shameful" environment and as an added plus get some laugh therapy in there too. Anyone else?

[DutchgirlRN]

Originally Posted by sharona97

I certainly woulnd't want people not to post because one might think it's not a dibilitating disease...IMO that would only add to the shame that guilts many who are struggling with disorders of this kind. I personally find it healing to read comforting posts and look at information pasted on posts. I agree have your wife join in this "non-threatening" "non-shameful" environment and as an added plus get some laugh therapy in there too. Anyone else?

I would never advocate someone not posting because I don't think it's a debilitating disease. It definately can be disabling but it is not a disability IMO.

I "suffered" and I do mean "suffered" crippling depression/anxiety/panic for years. I missed 3 years of high school and had to have a homebound teacher. It is a chemical imbalance that needs to be treated chemically and with talk therapy. I also said IMHO. To each his own. There is loads of info on allnurse re: depression/anxiety/panic and it can be very beneficial to know you are not alone. I never knew that because as a teenager in the 70's we didn't discuss mental illness and I was the crazy person in the family who no one could understand. "Just snap out of it girl", we didn't have SSRI's, my parents certainly were not going to take me to a psychiatrist. What a shameful thing that would be to take your daughter to a shrink. My friends all deserted me because there was something wrong with me.

Does anyone know what courage it took for me to go back to school my Junior year, stay in school and graduate with those same friends. It wasn't easy but I know I'm a stronger and better person for having done it and I did it totally chemical free. As an educated adult who can now make my own decisions, I take advantage of SSRI's and talk therapy. It has changed my life dramatically. I did fairy well from age 16-35 but I've been dynamite since officially diagnosed with major depression and anxiety disorder at age 35. I'm now 52 y/o and happily celebrating the fact that I am not crazy after all!

[sharona97]

I'm sorry for what you'e gone through in your past. But unfortunetly there are some who are on SSDI due to PTSD/Anxiety?depression, etc. I did note your IMHO quote. I'm simply giving my opinion and experience in this arena. As the OP stated his wife is worried about ever being able to work again. There is merit to those feelings, and the posters on this bb I believe have ackowledged that.

[DutchgirlRN]

Originally Posted by sharona97

I'm sorry for what you'e gone through in your past. But unfortunetly there are some who are on SSDI due to PTSD/Anxiety?depression, etc. I did note your IMHO quote. I'm simply giving my opinion and experience in this arena. As the OP stated his wife is worried about ever being able to work again. There is merit to those feelings, and the posters on this bb I believe have ackowledged that.

I had PTSD too. Believe me I had it all. I worried was I ever going to be able to live. I certainly understand her concern about ever working again. Her situation deserves merit, her feelings deserve mertit, I can sympathasize because I have been through it and I can truly understand the situation. I just think it's not a disability like losing a leg. While disabling it is still a medical condition.

[Suesquatch]

Originally Posted by DutchgirlRN

I just think it's not a disability like losing a leg. While disabling it is still a medical condition.

?

My sister has schizophrenia. I'd certainly call that a disability.

[earle58]

Originally Posted by markjrn

My wife is an RN, returning to work after several physical struggles. In the midst of these, she has been hit with depression and anxiety/panic, and it seems to be destroying her life. She's unable to go to work without having a panic attack and just gave up her full time job. At home, she just sits or sleeps all day, and feels bad because she can't seem to do anything else. She's currently taking meds, but nothing seems to help. Does it get better than this?

your wife sounds immobilized with fear.
this goes way beyond the normal response to fear/anxiety.
and since it is disabling her, to me, it is a disability.

she needs to get to a reputable psychiatrist and get on the proper meds.
she also needs counselling.
this is not a matter of "i'm scared, therefore i can't go to work".
rather, these are mental responses that are paralyzing her.
please get her the help she needs.
let us know how you both do?
best of everything.

leslie

[DutchgirlRN]

Ok, Ok, I give up. Leslie is my rock. Thanks leslie.

While I personally as stated "IMHO" don't feel like depression belongs in a nurses with disabilities thread I do see your point as well. I was paralyzed with fear but to me IMHO it was an illness. Yes it definately disabled me from living my life but it was IMHO an illness.

It's kinda like, what came first the chicken or the egg? Does that make sense? Maybe a dozen or 1/2 a dozen x 2 = the same? Good grief now I am sounding like I'm crazy but I'm not just temporarily stupid.

[Suesquatch]

Originally Posted by DutchgirlRN

It's kinda like, what came first the chicken or the egg? Does that make sense? Maybe a dozen or 1/2 a dozen x 2 = the same? Good grief now I am sounding like I'm crazy but I'm not just temporarily stupid.

I know the feeling.

[steelcityrn]

Lots of good ideas here. Just wanted to add a suggestion that you make sure she knows its ok to not work at this time. Encourage her to take the stress off of herself. Many nurses take a sabatacal, as do other professions. Do you have any pets? They are great to have and spend time with. See if she and a friend can join yoga or exercise classes. Ask her if there is anything she has not had time for that she would like to try, and you would attend the first few times with her if she wanted you to be there. I am amazed at how many people later in life take painting, art clases and music. Basically as you know, there is no coming out of depression quickly. And telling someone they have everything to live for or they have it all never works. She has to sort things out as to why she has this and how she can begin to lift out of this place, and thats going to take time and require much patience. Best of luck and its good to see someone who cares so much about their spouse.