I am so depressed......

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Sep 26, 2004

Hi Kelly,

I wish I could give you advice, but unfortunately most of us feel the same way, lol. Just keep on doing what you're doing, try some other relaxation techniques like exercise, breathing exercises, reading a novel. I wish I could help more. Keep your chin up!

enfermeraSG · Sep 26, 2004

Listen, I have never questioned myself more than I have now that I am in nursing school. I can totally relate to how you are feeling, although I am only in my first year. You are almost done! Considering how much of a struggle this has been for you ( and will be for me) don't you think you will feel the most amazing sense of accomplishment when you are done? You are strong if you are one the remaining 39! I get teary eyed at the thought of making it because it is so hard. I work full-time nights and have 3 kids, and my life is so disrupted. All the things that made everyday worth getting up for are on hold. I love working out, going to my kids games, and LOVE to cook. I can't do much if any of those things right now. The only way I am staying sane is to remind myself it is only temporary. I also have always been straight A's, on the dean's list kind of student. Now, I am happy to just pass. Hang in there! SG

jennielynn · Sep 26, 2004

(((Kelly))) Hang in there sweetheart; have confidence in yourself--you can do this!!! I do admire you greatly; I have a husband, 3 kids, and no job---and after 4 weeks of Nursing school--I bet I've cried atleast twice a week for the past several!!! Believe it or not; it helps; I just go to a quiet room, lock the door & bawl my eyes out! I think it's just all of the mental stress. Like you; I have no time to do the things I love to do--cook, read (except textbooks--amazing how I can read a 200 page novel in hours and it takes the same amount of time to read 20 pages in a med book--lol) exercise--I can't even tell you what's on tv anymore. And I've been surviving on about 5 hours sleep or less each night--though i don't know how.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that even though Nursing school, jobs and family life are demanding--you need to find time somewhere in there for yourself. I don't particulary like getting up at 4:30 am to exericise for a mere 30 minutes; but I find it does wonders for my stress level and attitude towards obstacles. You will be a much more emotionally stable person if you can schedule a little down time for yourself. Yes; that means something else in your life will have to be sacrificed--but with Nursing--that's the name of the game!

i hope you find some peace with where you are at. I can't promise that it will get easier--but that's the stuff that makes us stronger, right? Hang in there---you'll be just fine!!!

We had our first nursing foundations exam last monday and I got a 90%!!! We have another one on Monday and get this--the following week we have 3 major exams on Monday (Nursing, A&P, and Psychology) then on Thursday we have a lab practical and a Nursing Math exam. Talk about pressure!!! My weekends aren't spent outside enjoying this beautiful weather I'm sorry to say. But when I see that nice score on my tests----it's all worth the sacrifice! Oh, did I mention that I was just elected secretary of our chapter of NSNA??? Okay---if I didn't have any stress in my life; I'd probably have a mental breakdown!!!

lunakat · Sep 26, 2004

Boy I am sure glad I am not the only one stressing out. Remember your not alone! I try to do some yoga when ever I get the chance. if that doesn't work then I try to do some deep breathing exercises. If you feel the need to vent this is the place!

xokelly2 · Sep 26, 2004

The prospect of graduating is the only thing that is keeping me going....I have my second chronic exam monday...so I'm trying to finish my final paper adn study at the same time.. GOOD LUCK EVRYONE on all those tests I'm sure you all have comming up! Thanks everyone!!!! XOXO

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2004

Yes, I can relate. Except I'm a calm test taker, always have been. Be prepared as you are able to be at that moment in time and let the results be what they may.

I remember too the feeling of having no life except work and school, and that overwhelming fatigue of little sleep. You're in the final stretch, keep on keeping on. There's a party at the end waiting for you to arrive! :)

fluffwad · Sep 26, 2004

Nursing school was the worst 2 years of my life. My opinion is that the instructors/ program pressure the students to see if they can take the stress.

Its definitely not like "regular" college.

I tried to work for a short time during nursing school and decided that I could not do both.

Everyone I know felt crazed/ depressed while doing the nursing program.

cherokeesummer · Sep 26, 2004

Trust me hon, you are not alone! Each of us probably has a struggle. Granted, to each of us it feels as if the weight is unbearable, but we do share in a common cause, to help others, to get a good solid career, etc.

I don't have any children, I'm married and 27, have three dogs, a cat and my Hubby and I share a house with my Father in Law. It's a nice arrangement but we never have much time to spend together, I work full time and go to school full time on nights/weekends. It is tough. Tougher than my BA in Psych, for sure!

But, we can do it! We will, hang in there!!!!!!!! Come here and vent as needed :):):):)

mamaof3 · Sep 26, 2004

Your not alone here. I have been doing this for three years. I am finally in the nursing program and I don't know if I am going to make it. It has been a huge struggle financially for me and my kids. I am just getting tired at this point. I have been on Lorazapam, since I have started school (actually since my divorce). But I think I am now going through depression. I have to finish this for my family. I'm just not sure how either.

jbarnes · Sep 26, 2004

I too am in the third semester and every single day I dream of being done. I am actually counting the days. I am so tired. I mean mentally exhausted. The summer was great. I just stayed at home with the kids hanging out doing house work etc. It was nice. I love nursing and can't wait to get a job. This is really wearing on my nerves and my husband is hanging in there but he is tired as well. He has been working a ton of overtime every since I have been in school just to keep us afloat. One income just gets us by. I can't wait to lift some of the burden off of him. I see people around and they say "Are you still in school?" Drives me crazy.