Depressed nurse here, lexapro is not helping.

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Specializes in LTC.

Hello, I'm a fairly new nurse(8 months with a license) and work in a nursing home. After a few weeks into my new job, I started to become depressed...it was a very slow progression. Eventually it just got so bad, I could not even get out of bed. Note, that I was fine before I started working. Throughout nursing school, I was fine. I do have a history of depression...had one episode about 10 years ago. My father passed away, I was treated with zoloft which was effective then I got over it. Now it's back, but the condition is worse. All I want to do is sleep. I work 11-7 shift so I don't know if that has anything to do with it but I'm so fatigued. Many days I sleep all the way till I have to go to work. It's just like sleep, work, sleep, work. I have no energy. On my days off all I want to do is lay around, I don't enjoy things like I used to. I don't want to leave my house, just the thought of going out roller skating(like I used to for example) with my daughter makes me want to vomit. I tried St. Johns Wart but that didn't help. So my doctor suggested Lexapro. I have NO energy, and do not feel much better, maybe a tad but I still don't feel right. I was wondering if anyone could relate to my situation. Did the sadness depression develop because of the stressors associated with your job? What are you currently doing to treat yourself, or should I say your doctor is doing? This is not me. I have a pretty huge responsibility, I'm usually the only nurse on a floor with 60pts and about 3-4 aids. I don't want to do hospital nursing because I'm not big on tons of paper work, etc. I know that won't be any better. I just don't know if nursing is right for me period, but I have to survive and eat. I'm lost. ANY comments are welcome.:o

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Intermed, Neuro, LTC, Psych.

Wow, it sounds like you really have a lot of complex emotions going on. It sounds like you have a history of depression and maybe your new job is bringing all that out again. Nursing is a stressful job... no bones about that. I would suggest seeing your doctor about your medication if it's not helping. If you are seeing a regular family doctor, then ask for a referral to a psychiatrist.

Hope things get better!

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Hello, I'm sorry I didn't see your post until now. It's possible that your situation has changed in the last couple of months--I hope so. In any case, you are not alone.

I'm also a newish nurse (

I know antidepressants are controversial, but I am a big fan. Even if they are just a temporary measure to get through a difficult situation. Also, it's common for people to try an antidepressant and not see results. They'll try one and feel like it does nothing, and then they try another one and it changes everything. Or, sometimes it's just a matter of increasing the dose. I know meds aren't a panacea but they can be one powerful tool.

Do you still work nights? I know that messing with my sleep patterns brings out my depression and exhaustion. I worked a lot of night shifts last winter and I remember that time mostly as being cold, dark, and lonely. I was questioning if nursing was right for me every time I went to work. me --> :chair:

Maybe it's different during the summer. Maybe you've switched to day shifts by now?

To ward off depression, I know we're supposed to exercise, eat well, have good sleep hygiene, etc. etc. Nursing doesn't make it easy to do those things. Some things I do to get through the week include: spoiling the cats and dog (schlepping myself to the dog park and sitting on a bench is actually quite good for me), retail therapy (shoes), and soothing music / nature sounds for my alarm clock (to ease me into the day).

There's more to say, but I'm tired and inarticulate. Mainly, I just wanted to reach out. Please feel free to let me know how things are going with you. Any time. I don't have privileges to send you a private message on allnurses.com yet, but you are welcome to message me if you want to talk (if you are allowed). Or, if you want, post on here to let us know how things are going. I'm sure it would benefit others who find themselves in a similar position.

Be kind to yourself!

:paw:

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p.s. I didn't understand your comment about paperwork. Were you suggesting that hospitals have tons of paperwork, compared to LTC?? That can't be right!!!!

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I myself am not ashamed to say that I have taken many anti-deppresants since the age of 15, thats when I started battling depression/anxiety, and the one that has worked best for me is Effexor XR...The only thing I hate is, if I miss even ONE dose, I feel it and its not a good feeling. Good luck in trying to find the right fit for you!:redbeathe

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Specializes in Psych, Pediatrics, GI, Diabetes.

I feel you - I had my own issues during and after nursing school, and used meds and therapy to get through it...

Personally, the only way I could do nights is if it's in 12-hr shifts - I couldn't do it if it were in 8's...it messes me up too much...

I started off with Lexapro, and since it worked, I've used it on and off - varying doses, but same drug...honestly, what helped me more than anything was seeing a therapist, so maybe that could be something to consider??

Hope that things get better for you!

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Specializes in SICU.

if you are stiil checking your posts, I agree with the sleep thing. I am a new nurse as well (

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