student UK nurse struggling with severe anxiety any advice please??

[studentgeorge15]

Hi, I am a student in my first year and this is my second go at nursing as I dropped out in the first year due to severe depression and anxiety. I have done 2 placements so far and on the second one now and I thought I would manage better this time round. However, my anxiety is so bad i practically have a meltdown before every single shift on placement. When i work as a HCA I do not have this problem, it is just the nursing which I know sounds silly. I am guessing I feel like this due to the added pressure of learning everything and having more responsibility as a student nurse. I cry all the time and shake with fear. I am terrified on every shift and find myself phoning in sick because I literally can't bring myself to go in. I do want to be a nurse and have so much passion for it but I feel like I should leave if I can't cope. I feel ill with worry and don't know what to do. I can manage the academic side of the course it is just placement. I can also manage to control my anxiety in my everyday life, the only thing I cant manage is the placement anyone have any advice or might be in the same situation because I feel so alone and lost at the moment. Thank you in advance, lisa.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I am sorry you feel this way. What in the placement is making you anxious?

[Gooselady, BSN, RN]

When anxiety gets so bad it interferes with activities of daily living -- like work -- you need to seek professional help :)

Anxiety is very, very common and also completely treatable! You shouldn't have to suffer like this, not today, with all the therapy and medications available. Often, people with anxiety do well with short term therapy and meds, kind of like a soft 'reset' of your brain into a more natural, calmer state.

If you are calling in because of it, or losing opportunities to complete school, I'd say (as an old battle axe psych RN) that your first task on Monday is to look into your options for treatment for anxiety. What you describe is way over the top, you CAN'T be that bad, nor can the job be. The anxiety is amplifying every single concern into a fear (it has a way of doing that).

Good luck, get some anxiety specific treatment and you'll be fine :)

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

We can not give medical advice per TOS, but please do yourself a huge favor and seek some professional counseling for your anxiety! You will be glad that you did.

Best wishes!

[studentgeorge15]

thank you for all of your advice, I forgot to mention that I am already on medication and I have had counselling from the uni. I think it is the fear of the unknown on the placement that makes me so anxious. I also convince myself that I will not make a good nurse and i just can't get out of the negative way of thinking. Its really bring me down