Any Nurses With Anxiety Disorders?

Nurses Disabilities

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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.

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.

my np prescribed cymbalta for me.

she told me that my insurance wouldn't cover it, and that she would be required to fill out a prior authorization form...

which she did;

sent it back to my insurance, and i was then approved.

why can't your doctor fill out this form?

leslie

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Try a second opinion on documentation questions u have susanna23, not every doc practices the same way. I found mine after a call to the crisis center. He's great and explains all questions and is really nice and social.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Dialysis, Home Health.

I would suggest online classes. That way you could be near a restroom and able to go at any time. Less stimuli to provoke a panic attack too. Just my 2 cents worth

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Don't mean to be "nosey" but what are some of the triggers for PTSD? I have a history of panic attacks, not severe, but at times tough to get through and I have been given the DX of PTSD. It makes me curious to ask does thecart come before the horse thing or what just happened and why. I understand the panic attack sx's, but the triggers on hte other just made me think differently about my physical responses. I'm tired, hope this makes sense. Thanks for any info.

Sheri

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.
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

I would find out why the school wants you to take out disability assistance. Take their reasons with a grain of salt. They are not automatically right. Do they have someone with the qualifications to say this? Also, find out why your therapist / psychiatrist won't write you up.

I am also on meds and was using therapy for a long time. I couldn't walk into my work situation without having a panic attack. So I did what you were doing; I desensitized myself, with the guidance of my counsellor. I am of course different than you but these methods worked for me.

It sounds like you are under a lot of pressure, are trying really hard, are happy with your progress. Don't let someone put you down if you are succeeding. My thoughts are with you...

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.
Don't mean to be "nosey" but what are some of the triggers for PTSD? I have a history of panic attacks, not severe, but at times tough to get through and I have been given the DX of PTSD. It makes me curious to ask does thecart come before the horse thing or what just happened and why. I understand the panic attack sx's, but the triggers on hte other just made me think differently about my physical responses. I'm tired, hope this makes sense. Thanks for any info.

Sheri

Hubby has PTSD. As I understand it, each person has their own 'triggers' or certain experiences that can set off panic attacks / flashbacks/mood swings etc. My husband experienced violence through his job; any conversation about that job, or going anywhere near that place/or somewhere similar/meeting ppl who worked there whom he associated with the trauma, or even situations that to me seem unrelated can set them off. Apparently the main trauma is linked to earlier traumatic experiences in his life too. If he is under extra stress it seems to be worse, in fact stress in itself seems to be a trigger for him. If I talk about my work then it stresses him out because in his case he cannot work, and he can't stand not being able to work (a number of conditions including the PTSD have resulted in this difficulty for him).

This is of course written by an outsider (me) to someone who is going through it (you), and the only knowledge I have is what I have experienced with my husband. But I hope this information helps...

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Hey yall,

I too suffer from depression-i have had it since i was young. I have been having panic attacks lately and have been put on Blood Pressure meds. I made an appt with a pshychiatrist for next week. I am embarrassed by this b.c i am a nurse and when i start the transition program they will do drug test and will know what meds i am taking. I am currently on 20 of Lexapro and 150 of Wellbutrin. Seems to help(or i can notice if i go a day or 2 without it- i feel mean and sad) I seriously hate this depression/anxiety issue. I would just like to feel happy like "normal" people do i guess. (sorry so long) Appreciate any replies!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

I've been diagnosed with "anxiety". I explain it as an uncontrollable urge to choke the crap out of those that irritate me, to the point that I'm on BP meds, had the cardiac work up as well. Small things set me off, I hold it inside, it boils my BP.

ex. son eats chips from a bag during movie night, the constant crinkle of the bag makes me want to explode, can't explain it.. but I simply say.. "Ben, grab a bowl please".

So they started me on lexapro and it has helped sooooo much. I was never "anxious", but always easily "angered". Well I guess its the same thing, different response. Since I started on my meds a month later, people are commenting on how much nicer and calmer I am.

So while I've never been a pill popper, I guess I need this. I'm OK with that. I don't see it as a weakness, going off verbally and attacking others because I couldn't tolerate more was weak. I'm OK, feeling pretty good and I function better.

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

I can't tell you how many times I've said I just want to feel normal. Like I did before I became ill.

Let's all keep up the good fight!

Hugs

Sheri:balloons:

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Specializes in Adult Care- Neuro ICU, Ortho, IRU, Pedi.
Hey yall,

I too suffer from depression-i have had it since i was young. I have been having panic attacks lately and have been put on Blood Pressure meds. I made an appt with a pshychiatrist for next week. I am embarrassed by this b.c i am a nurse and when i start the transition program they will do drug test and will know what meds i am taking. I am currently on 20 of Lexapro and 150 of Wellbutrin. Seems to help(or i can notice if i go a day or 2 without it- i feel mean and sad) I seriously hate this depression/anxiety issue. I would just like to feel happy like "normal" people do i guess. (sorry so long) Appreciate any replies!

Goodnesss gracious please don't worry about this. I've been an LVN working in the hospital setting for 10+ years and I'm not sure that I've met a nurse that doesn't take antidepressant...LOL. And this includes myself. But seriously I think it is part of our personality as nurses that we just put others before us. You will not be judged for this from an employer. If I were hiring I would take all the people that were controlling their psychological problems rather than covering them up. Good for you getting treatment and help! Now you can have empathy for a patient in the same situation. Good luck. Jennifer

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Thanks Sheri & Jennifer. I had a horrible night at work last night! I felt like I was going to have a nervous breakdown with the 6 patients I had. I was so angry b/c i could not get caught up and I felt such anxiety!:angryfireConstantly on the call lights, had to restart 4 of the 6 IV's. It was non stop & I finally got to sit down about 2:30 this morning-from 7pm last night. I feel mentally exhausted. Sorry to vent! Thanks for listening!

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Sorry to hear of your bad night. Just know around the corner there will be a good night for uou if not for one of your patients. We are all beining tested, if not by people then even oursekves.

Vent Away!!!

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