Does Nursing School equal Depression?

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Since I have started Nursing School (October start date. I am now halfway through my accelerated BSN program.) I have had this overwhelming depression. I don't know if its the stress or constantly comparing myself to the overwhelming gorgeous girls in my cohort, but I can't seem to feel alright with myself. I am doing well in the program (3.5 gpa) but I have no energy for my daily activities outside of school. I have packed on the pounds. My room is a mess, family stress is through the roof, and lets not mention the financial hardships. Everyday I want to quit. Am I alone in this? Or does everyone go through this?

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Specializes in Hospice.

Comparing yourself to others, especially physically, will make anyone depressed in any setting! Concentrate on making yourself the best YOU can be in your life, physically (healthwise, especially), and intellectually. Easier said than done, I know. I have always been the awkward one in school (when I was a kid), but now that I am 49, there isn't much about anyone else that intimidates me or makes me feel inadequate, other than the times I know I could do better, in which case I am disappointed in myself. You don't mention your age but you say your "room is a mess" so I am assuming you are young and living at home. (Forgive me if I'm wrong). If that is the case, realize as well that with life experience you will gain confidence. You should be proud of that GPA, btw. Nursing school is only a short period of your life, so chin up and carry on!:yes:

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Yes I am living at home but I am not so young (in my 30's). Moved back in with my parents in order to pay for nursing school. I appreciate your encouragement. I think that I haven't had much support in this endeavor and it is bearing its ugly head as low self esteem. Stress can really do a number on you especially when you have no one to vent to who could possible understand what you are going through. I am trying to keep my head up and be strong. Only 10 months to graduation I keep telling myself. I know I can do this but I am having doubts every day. I guess I just wanted to know that I am not alone in this.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Based on your first and previous posts, you have two factors happening: You are doing WELL-awesome (3.5) GPA, and your feels of not receiving support, especially from your family. You also state about feelings of low self esteem as well.

In nursing school one will experience the messiness, economic issues, family and school stress...it happens very frequently. It's how you respond to the stressors determines how well you are going to succeed in nursing school and beyond.

If you are feeling depressed or suffering from feelings of low self esteem, please reach out to a mentor, counselor, or professional...they have professionals in your school that are available to assist students who are feeling this way-you won't be the first, and you certainly won't be the last. ;)

Take care of yourself! YOU deserve it!!! :yes:

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Specializes in Hospice.
Based on your first and previous posts, you have two factors happening: You are doing WELL-awesome (3.5) GPA, and your feels of not receiving support, especially from your family. You also state about feelings of low self esteem as well.

In nursing school one will experience the messiness, economic issues, family and school stress...it happens very frequently. It's how you respond to the stressors determines how well you are going to succeed in nursing school and beyond.

If you are feeling depressed or suffering from feelings of low self esteem, please reach out to a mentor, counselor, or professional...they have professionals in your school that are available to assist students who are feeling this way-you won't be the first, and you certainly won't be the last. ;)

Take care of yourself! YOU deserve it!!! :yes:

AWESOME advice. I would definitely second the PP's opinion of reaching out to a professional. Someone in the nursing program, staff or student, who you click with. You need some support from someone who can relate, not that you can't do this alone, you wouldn't be the first, but why do that if you can have some support. And there is always AN!

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I completely understand you....nursing school is not easy and you have to put in a lot time in. I have been in your shoes. I have felt overwhelmed but it was totally worth it in the end. You are doing well in school which is a major plus because nursing school is challenging. Take out time for yourself everyday and do an activity you enjoy. Exercise can really help with your self-esteem, increase those endorphins and maintain or lose weight. Its hard but if you set goals for yourself and accomplish them you will feel absolutely great. Keep up with what you're doing in school. P.S. Accel. program must be really tough....so pat yourself on the back for doing well.

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Just because her room is a mess doesn't mean she is young, middle aged or old. That is very generalized. Many people who are depressed do not have the energy to do things.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, Anbo3882:

This past June 18th, I started working on my nursing school prerequisites as part of a complete career change. I just turned 50 this past May; I've not been back to school in decades.

By Thursday evening, June 20th, I was a complete mess from anxiety that I would not be able to do it. No exams that first week whatsoever. My anxiety was from looking at a very micro piece of the journey. Self testing (chapter reviews) showed I was at A level for the first chapter, but didn't even start the 2nd chapter yet (the teacher was covering two or more chapters per week for the summer course). I figured, I would be so far behind, maybe I just couldn't keep up with the 18, 19, and 20 year young adults. This was just for one class with two others starting July 1st. Wow, if I cannot handle one class, how could I handle 3 at the fast pace a summer class moves?

I remember being miserable with sadness from that evening through the weekend until Sunday morning where -- thank Jesus -- I realized several things:

1. I was jumping the gun.

2. I wasn't seeing the big picture.

3. I forgot that it is Christ Jesus who strengthens me.

4. I was comparing myself to the other students far younger than me.

That Sunday morning, I changed my self talk to be positive. I told myself I could do it; I did work on picking up the pace finding ways to handle more each day. I stopped comparing myself to the younger adults. I purposely stuck to my walking schedule.

By the way, Anbo3882, did you know that walking 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week can help a lot with your moods as well as your health? For me, it gave me time to pray. If that's not you, you could listen to lectures (if you tape record them) while you walk. BTW, when I started walking, I was so far out of shape, I could only do 5 minutes, maybe 10 before I was out of breath.

You can make changes in your life to conquer several areas. To complete your BSN (that's an accomplishment -- a big picture item; you can do it!), and to get out of this time of sadness.

Please consider to change your self talk. You matter, you can do it, you've come so far (a 3.5 is an amazing GPA).

Thank you.

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Specializes in Hospice.
Just because her room is a mess doesn't mean she is young, middle aged or old. That is very generalized. Many people who are depressed do not have the energy to do things.

I wasn't making a comment on her housekeeping abilities. Mine are lacking on the best of days, I was referring to her own words as I was trying to narrow down her age group a little. It makes a difference if she is in her twenties and comparing herself to twenty something cohorts or if she is in her forties like me and comparing herself to twenty something cohorts (apples to oranges.) I was making a generalization based on what info she provided. She didn't seem offended by it, and personally I don't care if you are, the post was about her and helping her. She seemed to get that, so carry on.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

I sounds like you need to talk to someone...perhaps it's time for a physical and a good talk with your doctor. This type of stuff has no age limit.

I was very happy in school; so now you know it's possible. I was a single mom and had moved 2,000 miles to go to school but mainly to get away from a very angry now ex mother-in-law.

You need to talk to someone.

:up: Sending good thoughts your way...

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To Lorirn: I was offended nor was I trying to offend you. Yes, I know its about her! I was simply responding to what you implied....and I was correcting it. Thank you!!!!

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I mean't wasn't

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