Advice pls - return to training?

[Alex3]

Dear All,

I am struggling to make a decision and would appreciate any advice you may be able to offer. At present my partner is 'fairly well', despite having terminal GIST. Unlike me he does not suffer from depression and is intent on enjoying the remainder of his life and really does enjoy each day.

Earlier in the year I deferred from my nursing course due to depression and found some temp administrative work. As yet, despite being on anti-depressants and working in an easy job I feel I have not progressed in terms of coming out of my depression. I'm angry, withdrawn and could sleep all day, given the chance. I have to force myself to go running and go to work.

I am due to be returning to my nursing course in a couple of wks but I have major concerns as I feel I will have to lie to the occupational therapist and say that all is fine, when it simply isn't.I'd love cognitive behavioural therapy but my college does not do it and frankly I'm broke. I do want to be a nurse but think the timing is wrong at present.

In terms of my partner's illness - it seems as if he will no longer have any more active treatment as the tumours have spread. This will be confirmed next week when he goes for a second opinion in another hospital.

If you were in my shoes, what would you do? I know this sounds very pathetic but I really don't know what to do for the best.

[augigi, CNS]

I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time.

First of all, I'd go back to the doctor and tell them the antidepressants aren't working. There are lots of them out there, so maybe they need to try a different one. I don't have your family stresses, but also recently suffered a severe bout of depression and am slowly recovering, so I know how it feels to force yourself out of bed. However, after about 6 weeks of antidepressants, I'm feeling much brighter.

Second, there are agencies to help with depression. Can you contact them and ask if they'd recommend a counsellor/therapist who could give you a payment plan or offer free assistance?

If I were you, I would not add the stress of nursing school to your load at the moment. Getting out and doing things you enjoy helps depression, but adding stress exacerbates it. You may be better to take this time with your family, rest and recover.

Feel free to PM me if you want to talk. Hope things improve.

[ZootRN]

Dear All,

I am struggling to make a decision and would appreciate any advice you may be able to offer. At present my partner is 'fairly well', despite having terminal GIST. Unlike me he does not suffer from depression and is intent on enjoying the remainder of his life and really does enjoy each day.

Earlier in the year I deferred from my nursing course due to depression and found some temp administrative work. As yet, despite being on anti-depressants and working in an easy job I feel I have not progressed in terms of coming out of my depression. I'm angry, withdrawn and could sleep all day, given the chance. I have to force myself to go running and go to work.

I am due to be returning to my nursing course in a couple of wks but I have major concerns as I feel I will have to lie to the occupational therapist and say that all is fine, when it simply isn't.I'd love cognitive behavioural therapy but my college does not do it and frankly I'm broke. I do want to be a nurse but think the timing is wrong at present.

In terms of my partner's illness - it seems as if he will no longer have any more active treatment as the tumours have spread. This will be confirmed next week when he goes for a second opinion in another hospital.

If you were in my shoes, what would you do? I know this sounds very pathetic but I really don't know what to do for the best.

Read "Feeling good" by David Burns. He is a psychotherapist specializing in cognitive therapy. Excellent book.