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Discussion

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Hi all, I'm brand new to this forum and actually signed up just for this purpose.

My story: finishing my first semester of nursing school (RN) and my anxiety has shot through the roof, daily panic attacks, etc.

I recently got over being sick with a nasty stomach bug where I missed a week of school. Last week I came back and by the second day, my worst fear materialized: i had a panic attack in class! Fortunately class was nearly over and I have a buddy who's very understanding, but we went straight to clinical afterwards and it was awful.

I do have diagnosed anxiety disorder for which I take an antidepressant. I also know that nursing school is very stressful. My fear is that I won't be able to complete this semester which I've worked so hard for!

Can anyone out there share their experience and let me know what helped?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

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    Anyone out there?

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    Hi there! Welcome to Allnurses, we're glad you're here.

    I share your difficulty with anxiety. I have it as a component of my bipolar disorder, and it really messes with me if I don't take my medications. Without knowing a little more about your situation, it's hard to advise you, so I'm going to make a couple of presumptions: one, that you're not seeing a therapist or other competent mental health professional, and two, your meds haven't been adjusted in some time. If not, you may want to consider these things. You have to get to the bottom of why you're so anxious, and that's where therapy is indicated. Usually cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to help replace negative (scary) thoughts and responses with healthier ones.

    Another thing to think about is medications. You may not be on an optimal dose, or maybe you've been on it for awhile and it's not working well anymore, or maybe you even need another med. Here's why having a mental healthcare provider---not an internist or GP---is so important in the management of anxiety and other disorders. They are trained in psychiatric issues where a primary care provider is not. If cost is a factor, you can try your local mental health clinic to see if they offer discounts or sliding-scale fees.

    I wish you the best in your endeavors. Anxiety and panic attacks are hell and there are a lot of us here at AN who can relate. But it's possible to be successful in school and clinicals---and in nursing---even with these problems. You can do this!

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    Thank you soooo much for your response! I was starting to feel like there wasn't anybody out there!

    So you have it almost right, no my meds haven't been reevaluated or tinkered with in a while, I'm on citalopram 30 mg. Been on that dose for roughly 6 years. I also have a prescription for klonopin as needed but I really try to not take it if I can.. I do have both a therapist and a psych that I can easily talk to, a supportive network of family and friends, and of course my classmates.

    And the funny thing is that for the most part, I would say my anxiety is under control. It wasn't until this year when I started nursing school that it went through the roof!

    I logically make the connection between stress, triggers and anxiety-I can totally understand it but it still doesn't make it any less frustrating or scary.

    I guess it's just reassuring to hear that there are other people, especially in the nursing world, who struggle with this. It's really hard trying to keep everything all together, even more so when trying to become a nurse.

    Thanks again for reaching out! I hope to hear more from you in the future!!!

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    The worst part of nursing school for me wasn't clinical, but skills check-offs. I was the kid who beat herself up teaching herself to ride a bike rather than let someone else watch (and criticize) the learning process. Demo labs were excruciating---I got more nervous doing a skill in front of the instructor than I ever did when working with patients. I got through it however, and I didn't have the tools available to you. I was undiagnosed then and had no idea that the level of anxiety I experienced wasn't normal. I just thought everyone was moody and anxious about everything.

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    This is so true, I was talking to an older RN about the amount of pressure they place on undergrads... I think the key is not to feed into the hype that my life will be over if I make a mistake or I let my anxiety control me. But I have nothing but respect for the nurses like you who made it through, back before the resources and options we have available now! I can't imagine it.

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    You need to find other ways to deal with your anxiety. Sure, anti-depressants are great but they aren't magic pills. I only stayed on them for about six months (due to the side effects).

    I found that you need to make sure to take time for yourself. When you're not in class or clinical, you're studying. We have all been there. But take an hour when you get home and watch your favourite TV show, or go to the gym. Take one weekend off a month and go visit with friends/family/whatever floats your boat.

    Also, talk to someone! Pills won't work by themselves. You actually need to learn some coping strategies with your mental illness. I wish you all the best.

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    This may seem really obvious, or it may not. But are you consuming more caffeine since you started nursing school? Are you consuming caffeine before classes and clinicals? If so, I challenge you to go one day without caffeine and see how different you feel. Drink a lot of water instead. Caffeine is a stimulant and when your nerves are already on edge, it just makes things worse. Yes I know because I have been there. I love my coffee and my diet Mountain Dew, but I cannot have it before clinicals for sure. I very much look forward to having it when I get home.

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    Thank you for your reply! Actually I don't drink any caffeine whatsoever since I have issues with anxiety lol! I used to be a hardcore coffee drinker but I had to give it up.

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    You're so right oceangirl.. I'm so thankful that I have a few girls in my clinical group who have had their struggles with anxiety, it's really good to talk with them. That's kinda why I also reached out here, on this forum, to hear how others have coped. I'm trying to learn how to make time for self-care in the midst of all this learning, it's hard sometimes but sooo worth it!

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    Thank you for your reply! Actually I don't drink any caffeine whatsoever since I have issues with anxiety lol! I used to be a hardcore coffee drinker but I had to give it up.

    Are you consuming sugar...... what about skipping meals? I can keep up with these suggestions for awhile. :)

    I do agree that you should have an appointment soon with your doctor to talk about your meds, as well. You may need to try a different dose or a different med altogether.

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    Are you consuming sugar...... what about skipping meals? I can keep up with these suggestions for awhile. :)

    Heehee, I love it! Never skip meals, easy on the refined sugars, def don't have a sweet tooth. I made an appointment today to have some blood work done to look at CBC, thyroid, vitamin deficiencies, etc. I haven't had one done in ages so that might shed some light.

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