Bit of extra help?

[redtshirt]

Hi all,

I'm qualified about a year now and I love nursing. But recently my mental health outside of work has deteriorated. I have an ongoing embarrassing health problem and that has gotten so much worse over the last few months, its not life threatening but it is becoming debilitating. I went to my family doc about it a few months ago and she started me on medication to help and referred me to a consultant. I had been attending and still am attending a councilor to work out some issues related to the health problem and stress management. The medications my family dr gave me can also be used in depression. When I went to the consultant he said due to the side effects of the medication I needed to come off it. I was started on something new which doesn't work half as well. My mental health had improved dramatically on the first medication but have since deteriorated further than before.

To manage my moods,stress and depression I go for a run or do some exercise. I listen to music to keep me calm I also have a relaxation CD the councilor gave me. I have given up caffeine and fizzy drinks. I never drink alcohol or smoke. I try not to eat junk food and I do eat well. I don't work night shifts. When I am off I spend the day with my boyfriend or friends. I don't ever feel stressed about work in fact I enjoy being there. I use lavender oil to calm me and help me sleep. I am however still plagued with horrible feelings and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Though not right now. I know not to act on these nor have I ever tried, my rational side keeps me in control. However the line between rational and irrational thought is becoming thinner. And some days I am terrified of what goes through my head.

So I am asking is there any more I can do myself to help this? Is it possible to work while on antidepressants? I am very reluctant to go on them at my age (22) and because I am willing to give everything else a go first. How easy is it to come off antidepressants?

Thanks for all your help

[Courtcatt]

I am not a doctor, nor a nurse..(yet) :) but from previous experience... I too have been in your boat and really feel for you. Honestly...you shouldnt worry about getting on antidepressants if your doctor feels you need them and you feel that you have been going in circles trying to find an answer. I think you would be surprised at how many people/nurses are on antidepressants... Im not trying to say its a scapegoat to every problem, but if you need them and you've tried to get control of things and are still in a rut then maybe they will help you for the time being. If anything, it wont effect your work in a negative way...it would help so I wouldnt worry about that at all. (ALthough you should know that different medications work very differently depending on the person and it does sometimes take time to find the right one). It isnt "easy" getting off antidepressants but it isnt hard either.. it needs to be monitored by a doctor and basically weaned off of them slowly to avoid a major chemical change. It sounds like your really making an effort to better yourself though... and if thats not working then I'd consider it...it might just be temporary thing...either way best of luck to you and I'll send good thoughts your way :)