Depressed

[hypo19]

I am almost through my second semester of nursing school. Just got a divorce and only get to see my daughter 50% of the time. I had to move out of our house because I could not afford the mortgage payments. I am so down and have reached out to all of my friends but still feel so alone. I know I can do this...I even think about going to med school or ARNP school but right now I don't even know how I am going to get to tomorrow. I have a periop test tomorrow that I have just kind of started reading for. It seems somewhat simple to me but I just can't absorb any information. I am stuck in this rut and right now I have to be awesome! I have to do well for myself and my daughter. I am currently on meds for depression, anxiety, and add. I know this has a lot to do with situational depression but I can't seem to snap out of it. I was fine for the first few weeks and then all of a sudden, BOOM. It has hit me.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Okay, let's try eating the elephant one bite at a time. :)

First of all, you're going through a lot, for which you (like most women) aren't giving yourself anywhere near enough credit. You're trying to make it through nursing school, be a mom, get through a divorce, plan for your future, AND manage your emotional issues all at one time. That would be hard on anybody!

Secondly, nursing school all by itself is a HUGE stressor. Sometimes it almost feels as if the professors' goal in life is to separate students from their sanity .

Next, I wonder if you are seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, and if you are sure you've been diagnosed correctly. Many people (mis)diagnosed with depression/anxiety/attention deficit disorder are actually suffering from Bipolar II or another psychiatric condition, or a combination of several d/o's. Severe stress tends to bring such disorders out into the open, even if one has previously been dx'd with a simpler form of depression or anxiety. Feelings of hopelessness/helplessness, distractibility, racing thoughts, anxiety, difficulty eating and sleeping....all can signal progression of a pre-existing mood disorder, or even the emergence of a different type. If you aren't seeing someone, please consider getting a referral; believe me, being dx'd and medicated properly can make an enormous difference in quality of life.

Finally (and perhaps most importantly): What kind of support systems do you have in place? Are there family and/or friends nearby that you can talk to when you're feeling down? What (if anything) do you do for fun, or just for YOU period?

Wishing the best for you. Hang in there, it can and does get better! :hug:

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Well said Viva!

:hug:.....I am sorry you are going trought this OP. Although it doesn't seem like it now, It does get better. Talk with someone.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

one. day. at. a. time.

it really does work.

one day, years from now, you'll look around and forget so much of this. how do i know? been there, done that, had two little kids, and all is well now. "years," you say, "years? i can't be like this for years!" that's the thing.... you won't. it gets better. meanwhile, one foot, other foot. the only complete certainty is that the time will pass. :hug::heartbeat

[Sifty]

Have you told you lecturers what is happening? They may be able to help or point you in the right direction. Maybe also give you some slack in regards to your study and let you know what your options are.