Advice on how to handle extreme anxiety

MermiesGreatGig · Feb 1, 2009

Have you approached a counselor about this? Perhaps a few sessions may help you uncover what's causing this.

If that doesn't help, maybe you need a mild anxiety medication for it. Do you have a family doctor you trust? Be careful, because some of the meds just put you to sleep. You still need to function.

Also, don't let the stigma of seeing a psychologist or going on anxiety medication keep you from doing it. I've done both, and it's no big deal at all. Actually, seeing a counselor was cool because I got to talk about all sorts of issues.

RNMom2010 · Feb 1, 2009

Anti-anxiety meds have helped me a LOT from feeling overwhelmed with nursing school, and life in general. And let me tell ya, there are quite a few more that are on some type of medication for depression/anxiety in the program. We don't let our pts get that anxious, we help them with medications, so what is wrong with helping yourself too!

earthcrosser · Feb 1, 2009

I had a panic attack once in clinicals - it was pretty bad and over a stupid reason, but I am one who used to let things build up until a tiny incident pushed me over the edge. I didn't get kicked out of the program, but being on probation and going to counseling helped me out a lot. Learning how to deal with issues and manage anxiety is important and sometimes, you need a professional to help you learn how to truly manage your emotions. It's embarrassing and not the best feeling to know you can't handle these things yourself, but it was the best thing that could happen to me ever. You need to talk with someone, and it's actually nice to talk with someone who is bound by confidentiality rules.

Becky8 · Feb 1, 2009

Thank you to all the help and great advice. I have been working on he suggestions discussed but found a great deal of consolation that I am not alone in experiencing this kind of anxiety. Our class does not share much in this respect so it is very helpful to reach out and have support. Thank you so very much.

starz_girl_1 · Feb 1, 2009

I have always had some sort of anxiety or sleeping issues all through my life, but going through nursing school has brought me to an all time EXTREME. I think I went a complete 2 weeks without sleep. Stress of the textbooks, assignments, clinicals, care plans, exams, ect.... I finally broke down and went to my doctor, who was of no help at all. A family member of mine refered me to her Pa, who has been a great deal of help and understanding. I went to a psychologist, who just looked at his computer for 30 min and billed my insurance over 300 for a melatonin OTC med.... But, GO and get some help. You will get though this, stick with it, you have come to far to let it all go. IF you are someone, who only accepts an A, lower your standard ~ nursing school is so much more info than A & P, and cannot be mastered at the rate they throw it at us. I wish you the best of luck. We all need to fiind our own way of relaxing- this isn't going to be for ever!!!!

me-too · Feb 2, 2009

Hi,

I am also in my second semester of another program but I suffer from extreme anxiety. I also find that no matter how much I study, and prepare myself, that as soon as I enter a lab, my brain freezes. I agree that meds have made me too sleepy to function and now I almost expect my anxiety to go into "high gear."

If anyone would like to write me, I would welcome that.

Thanks,

me-too

FLmomof5 · Feb 2, 2009

My daughter is a combat medic and while in Iraq (she will be home Thursday!!!! :yeah: ) she started having anxiety attacks. They put her on Celexa and she is doing great! Me, I have situational depression. With being laid off Friday (knew it was coming for 6 weeks), having a son with serious *issues*, another son laid off who moved back home, a 16 yo in HS, a 19 yo in college and my daughter in the sandbox and me in pre-reqs....my stress was through the roof! I went back on Celexa and doing much better.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Meds can really work wonders. If one doesn't work for you try another.

I wish you the best!

algrewet · Feb 2, 2009

WOW...you are not alone. I have the same issue. I get so deathly sick the night before clinical and it doesn't subside until the end of the clinical day. I went to doctor today and he prescribed me Celexa. He said it would be very good and give you a boost of energy. Something to look into....if you want. He also suggested exercising because it relieves some of that stress attached to it. My statement was...I dont have the time...and he said tape your lecture and take it with you.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 3, 2009

Having anxiety can make things so horrible and I think half the battle is finding something that will work for you. Whilst members can give their experiences on what worked for them remember anything regarding medication should be discussed with your PCP or even the local Pharmacist if looking to see what is available over the counter. Remember terms of service and not to offer medical advice

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 3, 2009

I have found great relief from severe anxiety with guided imagery and meditation:

This website has been a lifesaver for me. I bought the 'reducing stress' mp3 and it's awesome.

http://www.healthjourneys.com/

Best to you... from one anxiety sufferer to another...

-Diane

ShiphrahPuah · Feb 3, 2009

Consider talking to your doctor and getting meds. I had several stressful situations going on in my family while I was in school. I am sure I would not have been able to deal with school and clinicals as well as I had without Prozac. At first I was very resistant to the idea of meds, and I even tried to wean myself off twice while I was still in school. However, my very amazing doctor wisely advised me that adjusting to my new job once I was out of school was also going to produce a lot of stress and encouraged me to not view it as a negative thing that it was helping me for a period in my life. As one of my nursing instructors says about medications: "Better living through chemistry!"