Nurse with anxiety/depression

Specialties Home Health

Published

Hi, I have been a nurse since 2008. I wanted to be an L&D nurse, but hospitals stopped hiring right before I graduated. Since then, I have worked in LTC, SNF, Wound Care and now Home Health. I have had anxiety since nursing school, and have been going through a lot of personal issues. I am now so depressed and anxious that I have taken a LOA. I am depressed that I didn't get the job I wanted, although I love nursing and helping people, I don't really like my job. I feel almost paralyzed by the way I feel, heart palpitations, and I cry every day. I feel so let down in so many ways, not just job. I feel like I have had a nervous breakdown. will this affect my chances of ever getting the job I really want? I started taking an antidepressant and anti anxiety (which only last a couple hours). Any advice from anyone? I live in Cali which I know is not the best place to get a nursing job. My husband and I have thought about moving out of state, but I am so mentally out of it right now, there is no way I can muster up the ability to move. I really need help, advice. Has anyone else gone through this and how did you get past it...if you Have?

Hmmm Im not sure. Will you have to explain to your manager your mental and emotional health issues. Because Im thinking he/she might ask why you want to transfer. My opinion is to talk to your doctor about it. Get his/her opinion on if you.could benefit from transferring. If your doctor thinks it might help, you could tell your manager that you discussed some heavy stress and that you snd your doctor believe it would be best for you to transfer

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Specializes in Med-Surg, CT Step-down, Home Health.

I can relate to your post. I have suffered from anxiety my whole life. Up until the past few years, its was manageable. After it started affecting my sleep and BP and me trying all kinds of herbal supplements, I finally went to see a psychiatrist. Best decision I ever made. Its only been a couple of weeks, but the anxiety is improving. I do not feel so stressed and my mind is quiet (that never was the case before). I start CBT this week and with any luck will be able to wean off the SSRI. Hang in there and if you can, go see a psychiatrist. They are a great help.

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Specializes in Home Health.

I've had to take a LOA twice in my 4 year nursing career. I've had anxiety and depression since high school but it got worse in college. I've tried multiple antidepressants and anti-anxiety pills. I highly suggest working closely with a psychiatrist until you find meds that work for you. They all work differently for each of us. As far as an anti-anxiety pill, I recommend klonopin personally as it actually calms me down without over sedating me...I can take it and still function just fine at work. I also spent my last LOA at a day hospital for ppl with anxiety and depression and was there for about 8 weeks but it saved my life. I quit my job in the hospital and started working home health, which I find far less stressful. I highly recommend seeing a good therapist on a weekly basis bc medicine can only put a bandaid on the symptoms. You are not alone at all. There are so many resources out there and there is ABSOL uTELY NO shame in feeling how you do. I can understand you're misery but just know there is light at the end of the tunnel and no job is worth sacrificing your sanity over. If you need someone to talk to feel free to PM me! Sending prayers and hugs your way!

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Specializes in I've done it all except CCU & OB.

Hi nursepenelope, I don't want to say too much here, but ask your doctor about an SSNRI, as opposed to an SSRI.

Sometimes it is the Norepinephrine that is the "missing link".

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Thsnks gor thev advice...its reallyv appreciated. Does it cover anxiety and depressuon? Can you nsme a good one?

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Specializes in I've done it all except CCU & OB.

CYMBALTA. Seriously, ask your Dr. ASAP. If this isn't helping after 2-3 weeks, I'd suggest seeing a psychiatrist--simply b/c this is their specialty--best of luck to you, you're not alone, as you can see from all the supportive posts from others who are going through very similar issues as well. God bless.

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Specializes in I've done it all except CCU & OB.

also yes it covers both anxiety and depression as well as some benefit for chronic pain.

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Any update on how you have been doing?

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