Dealing with Anxiety

nlitened · Dec 13, 2014

I have had issues with anxiety and crippling panic attacks in the past. I am not a medication type person, so I knew I had to look elsewhere for help and control. I had to pinpoint exactly what it was that was causing the anxiety and panic attacks. Once I did that I knew where to start tweaking things in my life. For me new experiences, new people, and anything unknown to me gives me great anxiety...still to this day just not as bad as it use to be. I have learned that I function best when I can follow a schedule and plan things accordingly. My day to day life is a routine. I know predictability may sound quite boring, but when it means the difference of functioning normally or living a life of anxiety- I will take boring anyday! If I have to go anywhere new I always make sure to do a drive by a day or two before. This way I become familiar with the location, the parking situation, etc. If it's a new experience I always make sure I have someone I feel comfortable with with me. And if I'm meeting a new person or say a new classroom full of fellow nursing students I take a deep breath, introduce myself, and start a conversation. I also meditate, exercise, and eat right. I know I can beat this anxiety, and for the past 7 years have only had one panic attack. I have taken back control of my life, and hope to be anxiety free in the future.

But again, you have to look at your specific anxiety and circumstances, and do what works best for you. No two people are exactly the same, so what worked for me (sans medication) may not work for you. Understand that you cannot control everything that goes on in your life, and everybody has feelings of anxiety sometimes. You are not alone.

I hope you can rise above your anxiety. And wish you success in school.

ComeTogether, LPN · Dec 13, 2014

I've always had anxiety, and only in the last 5 years have I been seeking help for it. It is all consuming and truly a horrible way to live. I've had to go on meds, first trying prozac, then zoloft, and finally Cymbalta, which seems to be working. It's tricky when you're looking to help the anxiety but not depression, IMO.

I also have prn xanax, which I truly take sparingly. (A 1 month supply of 60 tabs usually lasts me 6 months). I usually reserve it for travel (hate flying) and when I have anxiety attacks.

The best thing I've done is to try to take a CBT approach and try to force myself to think of what would happen if the things that I am anxious about actually took place.

I'm constantly afraid my husband is going to get in a car accident, and I found that it helps to think about how I will be OK if (God forbid) I ever lost him. Doesn't stop me from getting that sinking feeling when I hear sirens at 5:10 pm and he's on his way home, but I think it helps.

BertG77 · Dec 13, 2014

I've been on zoloft for the last 2 years and it, combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation have helped to reign in the non stop barrage of thoughts that accompany anxiety. Also, the patience, love and understanding of my partner has helped tremendously. The therapy helped me to become aware of negative thought processes, and triggers, and flaws in my thinking. My partner has helped me to learn to speak up and speak out when I need to. This step, advocating on my behalf has been the most challenging, but I think is integral to dealing effectively with anxiety. So, while in nursing school I've made use of all the resources available: counseling, the health center, the faculty, etc. I don't know about your program but every one of my professors has been outspoken about our need for self care and their willingness to help. Good on you for posting on this forum for advice! Seek it out anywhere and any way you can! You owe it to yourself.

ksuheather · Dec 14, 2014

Zoloft, xanax (sparingly), CBT and letting a few trusted classmates know what was going on so they could watch out for me and be my voice of reason

motay68 · Dec 14, 2014

I can't do medicine for myself. I give myself anxiety over getting addicted to medicine because I'm having anxiety. If you can figure that one out please preach to me Once or twice a month (depending on how much anxiety I'm having) I let myself have a full fledged cry fest over everything I worry about crazy or legit... No restrictions. If a butterfly dies in Japan or an old farmhouse is knocked down in some town I have never heard of I cry and cry and let everything out. Over just being stressed about money or kids, or school, or whatever. It's my pity party and it really helps me. Letting it out instead of just "sucking it up" make makes me feel like I'm validating my feelings without turning neurotic.

Also I tell myself it burns extra calories

Everline · Dec 14, 2014

I had a lot of anxiety during nursing school. I was pretty miserable and stressed just about the whole time. I didn't take meds. I sucked it up and powered through it somehow, but I always felt on the brink of falling apart. At some point I used cognitive behavioral techniques to work on the thoughts that were contributing to my anxiety. That helped me some. I also counted down the time, checked off days as they went by, told myself I didn't have long to go, etc. And lastly, I tried not to be too hard on myself, as a lot of the pressure I felt was from within.

I hope you find a way to ease your anxiety. I know it isn't easy. I wish you the best.

KatRNStudent · Dec 14, 2014

First of all I have struggled with anxiety for almost 8 years now. I took everything under the sun to help with it.. Paxil included. Paxil did not work for me.. it seems other people who have taken it have help with depression but not with their anxiety. To give you an idea of my anxiety.. I start nursing school in Jan 2015 and I was under the impression I had until next summer to complete my clinical packet (the shot record.. CPR cert etc.) and then I get an e-mail that I actually have it due by the end of Feb 2015. Now that is two months away but I went into full blown panic attack.. called my husband was shaking.. breathing heavy the whole thing. I HATE being thrown into things that I feel I didn't have enough notice on. I took a Xanax and felt better within ten minutes. I would suggest you get off Paxil (you have to wean off of it to avoid withdrawals) and get on Lexapro. I lowered my dose from 10mg to 5mg about a month ago and started having little panic attacks again haha so I upped it back to 10mg and I feel like a million bucks. I have found with Paxil you have to go on higher doses and still don't always have relief. On Lexapro you can stay on a lower dose and it does help a great deal. I have no side effects with Lexapro as well where as I had headaches with Paxil. Please keep in mind it takes a good month to get relief on Lexapro. Also, I have Xanax that I rarely use but it helps to have an as needed medication as well.

wlv82 · Dec 15, 2014

I went back to school this past fall to start on my pre reqs. I've always been a fairly anxious person but never considered meds because I didn't think I needed them. I only had two classes this semester but combining them with working full time and knowing I had to get really good grades made my anxiety go through the roof. I couldn't concentrate at work or studying. I was a mess. Luckily I had a physical about half way through the semester and my dr. suggested citalopram. I was hesitant because I was really worried about side effects but I tried it anyway. Right now I am only on 10mg but it has made such a huge difference. I know longer feel like I am going to lose it at any second and my anxiety is mostly gone. I also take melatonin at night to sleep, it really helps to turn my mind off. I suggest talking to your dr. about other meds if the one you are using isn't working for you. Oh, I've also found making time for exercise has helped a lot with my mood too.

Wave Watcher · Dec 15, 2014

I have been given Xanax before due to anxiety. I can say it really worked. Although, I wouldn't want to be on it long term. Not a good idea. Also, I was given Ativan very short term for just at night. I will never take it again. My husband said that one night I took it and fell asleep on the bed.....we have a Border Collie....he jumped up on the bed and sat on my face....I never moved. lol No thank you! Hang in there....I know your anxiety....you can work through it with help.