Nursing school is causing anorexia, help!

Nursing Students General Students

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Well, I feel like my title is pretty self explanatory. Whenever I'm under stress my appetite seems to disappear. Obviously nursing school = stress. (well, at least in my opinion) Through out the day I'll even think, "Hm, I should probably eat.. no, I don't deserve to I should've studied more/I need to study more. I don't deserve food. I'm disgusting anyway" (and then it just snowballs into an inner monologue of self loathing.) Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but I can't help it. I guess I need to find a way to manage my stress. I take meds for anxiety/depression, but they don't seem to help when there is a large influx of stress (ie starting the fall semester of nursing school). Anyway, do you have any suggestions for stress management besides meds? Please don't say time management. I'm well aware of that. The problem is, I feel like there isn't enough time for what I have to manage. Sorry to be whiny, must be lack of nutrients. I also self injure when under stress, but that is easily concealable. however, people can notice when I loose weight, even when I wear baggy clothes. Since I've had an eating disorder in the past my friends start to freak out when I drop pounds suddenly. Which is sweet, shows they care, but their constant hounding only adds to my stress. I'm a mess, help!!

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When I get overly stressed, my appetite goes out the window as well. However, your body needs nourishment. Some things that help me manage stress are yoga and other form of exercise. Yoga is my favorite because they turn the lights way down and it is just you, your body, and your mat. It takes a bit to get into; but I would try it. Weight training is also nice because it releases stress. If you can't afford a gym membership, try going on walks and think of the things you do have and are grateful for. These can be as simple as having all your limbs... A lot of people can't say that. Also, most schools have gyms and offer fitness classes.

Just remember that your brain can't think or learn anything with proper nourishment. If you start feeling that way, try taking a break and reminding yourself that and eat a piece of fruit. Hang in there, obstacles in life are only as difficult as you make them out to be. You can do this!

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I will definitely give yoga a try! My boyfriend kept suggesting that to me, actually. He's the least stressed person I know so I was kind of like, "yeah, yeah, like you know anything about stress!" but maybe he is that way because he does yoga. I'm starting to connect the dots here!

Walks would also probably be helpful; however I live in a city packed with miserable people, so usually walking out in all that makes me anxious. How I miss the suburbs... *sigh*

thanks for your suggestions!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You need professional help that cannot be offered here, both in terms of effectiveness but also in terms of the terms of service of this board. I urge you to see your doctor right away and share what you are sharing here.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

As not done has said......as per the Terms of service we cannot offer medical advice. You need to see professional care immediately. Go to your local emergency department...Call your primary care giver or you primary counselor. Go to the campus health nurse or counselor services immediately. Listen to your friends. You need assistance that is more than time management this a sign that your meds are not being effective for you right now.

We care about you well being. Seek medical attention immediately.

I wish you the best .......sending positive thoughts and prayers.

Thread closed.

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Ah, I probably should've mentioned I am currently seeing a therapist for my "issues". I guess it's all a work in progress, though. I do tell her what's going on, but she just tells me things I already know like I need to find a way to manage my stress and work on ceasing my negative thinking. She's never really great at giving suggestions as to how to do these things, though. Sigh. I probably need a better shrink. But I guess it's good to have this one in the meantime in case of an emergency. I honestly don't have enough time right now to search for a better therapist, unfortunately.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

We cannot offer medical advice. :hug: You need to seek further assistance as you are showing signs of increased activity in your disease. Assistance we can't give you here.

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