As we are all undoubtedly aware, our nursing jobs can leave even the hardiest of us tired, burned out, anxious, and depressed. Most of us will experience it at least once during the course of our careers, and I think it's safe to say that almost everyone suffers the occasional bout of "nerves". Caring for others makes it difficult to care for ourselves, so we all too often get through our work days by drinking too much coffee, eating too much junk food, and neglecting our bodies' needs for proper hydration and elimination.
This is a tough job for anyone. But for those of us who are compromised by emotional and/or mental illness, every day can be an uphill battle, and stability is a goal that sometimes seems impossible to achieve given the nature of nursing in the 21st Century.
Here, then, is a thread for nurses with depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses to share the wellness tips and tricks that help them stay in control of their illness---and manage stress---while working as a nurse in today's healthcare environment. I don't know about you, but I'm sure I'm not the only AN member who's interested in learning about the self-care strategies other members use to keep their sanity in a profession that often seems all too eager to separate us from it.
Just a reminder: please do not ask for, or offer medical advice, as this is against the Terms of Service of this forum. It's also not a good idea to recommend a particular medication or treatment for the same reason; as always, your own healthcare provider is the person best suited to advise you on any concerns.
So, how do you cope? For me, it's a combination of several medications, a low-stress job, and regular therapy sessions with my psychiatrist; however, these things are only the beginning. Exercise in the form of gardening, music, prayer, and journaling are also part of my healthier lifestyle these days.
Now, it's YOUR turn. Enjoy!