Any Nurses With Anxiety Disorders?

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Hi Everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone in this forum suffered from any form of an anxiety disorder. I have posttraumatic stress disorder and panic attacks can be quite troublesome. I had to withdraw from college two semester's ago because of my severe anxiety. I found it difficult to sit in a classroom without feeling any anxiety. On top of that I suffer from irritable bowel syndrome which sometimes requires me to go to the bathroom quite often. I'm going back to school this fall and only taking two classes to quickly ease myself back into the college routine. My anxiety is like night and day. However, it is something I do still think about quite frequently. Does anyone have any suggestions for overcoming anxiety in the classroom setting or if it would be of big hinderance in me doing well as a nurse? Any suggestions and answers would be appreciated.

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this is something that you can discuss with your medical professional and something that can be treated. It gets better if you get help. Counselling, meds, building a better support system -- these all help. Every day continues to be a struggle, but trust me I've been there.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Family Practice.

I'm not going to give you professional advice, but from personal experience, I can tell you what I've done. I take 20mg of Lexapro at bedtime and have learned to meditate. I've always suffered from depression and anxiety but nursing school pushed me over the edge. I got back on an antidepressant and learned how to sit in my room with my laptop playing white music and study. In my car on the way to school I would also listen to my meditation music. My panic attacks went away until after I finished school and lost my focus on meditation. The lexapro seems to help me though and occasional deep breathing exercises. If these conditions are affecting your day to day functioning, definitely see you MD and see what he/she suggests. When my instructor was teaching about hollistic nursing I absorbed as much as I could and used it to my personal advantage for my anxiety attacks and like I said it worked. Good luck to you and don't let this hold you back, there is alot of options out there. I thoroughly believe that medication and meditation are wonderful. Also, don't sweat the small stuff, if its not going to matter in ten years, let it go.

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Specializes in rehab; med/surg; l&d; peds/home care.

Yes, I suffer from several pscyh issues.

I do have PTSD from something in my past I don't wish to reveal publically. In fact I just saw my psychiatrist today, who is wonderful, and he really told me a lot about why previous treatment wasn't working and the docs who were doing it were not right. I don't always take any doc's word 100%, but I am glad to have a change of meds and to try to improve. He sounded very intelligent about what he was talking about, and it made a lot of sense to me why some other treatments didn't work.

I do have a LOT of medical problems. (CHronic back pain, Lupus, Severe asthma, DDD, OA, OP, DJD, Peripheral Neuropathy, Lumbar Radiculopathy, Severe Migraines (>15 a month), Endometrial Ca (in treatment, chemo presently). I am only 30 years old. I have struggled with depression and anxiety for the majority of my life. I have had panic attacks since I was 7 years old.

I am no longer able to practice, and currently filing for disability. I started 3 new meds today, and I am hoping they help soon. Of course, one of the meds insurance wouldn't cover, so I couldn't get it, but my friend who's a doc has some in his office that he'll give me. Thank God for him. They wanted 258 dollars for 30 Cymbalta. What a joke. That's after paying 1000 bucks a month for COBRA. Sigh. Anyway, I just wanted to chime in and tell you that you're not alone. Feel free to PM me if you'd ever like to talk. I haven't met too many nurses with PTSD.

As far as controlling anxiety in a classroom setting (do you suffer from social anxiety??) I would definitely talk to your MD about getting on something. If you PM me I will tell you what I've found that helps. I cannot give medical advice here, but I will be willing to share what I've tried that helps me. There are things out there that can help, it just takes time and a willing physician to help you out, along with finding ways to relax. Good luck to you. I have been where you are,and though it was very difficult, I made it!!!

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Specializes in ER, OB, Med/Surg,.

I have had Depression most of my life. I stay on my meds and usually do fine. This spring I was diagnosed with Panic Attacks and PTSD. I have a Primary Care Physician and a counselor who communicate well with each other, and are sharp cookies. Be aware that PTSD has triggers, and do ask for help from your co-workers. Having the support of your colleagues is essential. Support of family and friends is essential. I also find hobbies are very therapeutic. We all have wonderful contributions to make, and sometimes "being there" gives us sensitivity and insight for reaching patients in the same boat, and making connections with others.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Oncology, Ortho.

I, too, have had problems with depression for years. I've pretty much attributed it to dealing with the Lupus over the years. I have tried many different antidepressants which usually work, but unfortunately my body won't tolerate them for more than a few months and then I have to go off them for awhile. I'm reading a book, "The Zen Path through Depression," (author Philip Martin) that has really helped in dealing with it without drugs. Good luck to ya and {{{{hugs}}}}!

Susan

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Hi,

Thanks to all of you for your input. I'm actually on medication prescribed by my psychiatrist and in therapy. I mean I'm doing wonderfully lately..it's like night and day. However, it's just the fear that it may hinder my progress in school that causes more anxiety. I usually talk with the professor in each class to make them aware that I may have to walk out to catch a breather. I feel trapped in the classroom and that contributes to my panic attacks. I've been exposing myself to situations that are very similar to those in a classroom, and I have been doing great. Despite, my fear, I have built alot of confidence this past year. Therapy and meds have helped alot. My school recommends I go on disability for my panic attacks. However, my therapist nor my psychiatrist are willing to write me documentation. They believe, that it will give me less incentive to overcome my anxiety. Any thoughts on this??

Susanna

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PTSD and depression. Origins of which i rather not discuss publicly but will offline from this forum. Meds helped to a point but cognitive therapy and knowing "triggers" are what helped me most. I think "best coping mechanisms" vary from person to person.

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I have 2 classmates who suffer from anxiety disorders. Both of them are making it through school but they are both seeing counselors through school. They are also the worlds smallest anxiety support group for each other.

I think the systematic desensitization you are doing for classes is a really good idea.

As to those people who have anxiety and PTSD from physical and sexual abuse I want you to know that there are many treatment professionals working with the abusers who hold the abusive people accountable for the harm that they have caused their victims.

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

nowI tried to return to school with 96 credits behind me to enterthe LPN to RN program. I was so excited, I even precticed where my classrooms were and where the elevators were since my problem is increase activity and resp, PTSD, anxiety/depression. I made it through 2 days of class. I graduated in 1986 with a 4.0 with honors, I tutored my underclassmates. What a change huh? I agree time is the greatest healer, LOOK FOR GOOD DOCS!!!! Don't beleive everyting you here. I almost died for cryin out loud with no DX of Pertussis (yet) and the entry in the Doc's notes notes were Psychogenic?????? I should have done more to clue him in but I let it go and focused on myself. After the 4 month wait of a true diagnosis. I couldn't leave the house (physical conditions) and then when I could I needed my husband's help. He gave me full support and still does now for 4 years he had his hands full. My docs encouraged me to file SSDI and I met with the SSDI Doc and recieved benefits immediatley.

I hope this helps. I started a drug called ABILIFI. And I am more productive now nd have actually started working with a personal trainer after many PT sessions and am doing kenesis, alone! With my trainer and water classes! With people!!

I too have sbs and I worry but my GI doc has it controlled. U Are in my prayers and it is true let the cracks in your armour shine through!!!!

Sharona97

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Specializes in Certified Wound Care Nurse.

YES! And it has had an impact on me during my tenure at nursing school. If you would like to correspond to me privately, I would be willing to discuss this with you.

I am glad for this forum.

Take care,

Shawna

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Hi Shawna,

I'd love to chat.

Sheri

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