Depressed

I am a little confused by your post. Are you feeling badly due to the break-up, or because of PTSD?

Do you have vacation time? If so, sign-up to take vacation time ASAP. Do you have short-term disability insurance? If so, and your symptoms are due to PTSD, you might look into taking time off for inpatient therapy. Your employer doesn't need to know why you are requesting time off in either case.

Hope this is somewhat helpful. And honestly, from what I saw while working in a psychiatric facility, I don't know that inpatient services would be terribly useful. Mental health care in this country is pretty bad.

I can clarify. I feel bad over the breakup and it has exacerbated the symptoms I already have. I have a very hard time concentrating at work and have little motivation for even daily tasks. The demands at work are too much because I'm so cloudy lately.

It is natural to feel the way you do following a break-up. Perfectly natural. Having said that, perhaps you need a little time to sort out your feelings.

Again, do you have vacation time to take? If not, could you arrange your schedule so that maybe you could have four days/nights (whatever shift you work) in a row to sort out your head?

I understand you feel cloudy, anybody would after a break-up. It is an emotional time.

It is natural to feel the way you do following a break-up. Perfectly natural. Having said that, perhaps you need a little time to sort out your feelings.

Again, do you have vacation time to take? If not, could you arrange your schedule so that maybe you could have four days/nights (whatever shift you work) in a row to sort out your head?

I understand you feel cloudy, anybody would after a break-up. It is an emotional time.

Also, get in touch with your PCP as soon as possible. Perhaps a medication change would help.

I don't have a lot of vacation time because I just used a bunch for vacation. What I can do though is swap shifts and ask a few nurses (or a PRN nurse if they want all three) to work my three shifts next week and I will work for them in return. I have tried medication, I was stable at the right dose and it helped to not feel so low. I felt like I had one mood, I didn't feel happy or sad, and that worked for me at the time. I have been off meds for two years and have considered getting back on them! Thank you for the responses :)

Not a problem. Sometimes it is helpful just to have an outlet.

Best of luck to you. Remember, self-care is very important.

Hello,

I really need advice right now. I have mental illness, I was diagnosed with PTSD when I was 19 (5 years ago). I don't have any close relationships. I had a close relationship with my now ex boyfriend and he called me at work to tell me he moved his stuff out. This was a long time coming, we had deep issues, but before I left for work he said he wanted to get better and stay. I am willing to talk about this in PM or my personal email but not on this public post. I am not disclosing details right now.

I hurt so much that I can't concentrate at work. My head is not in the right place. I have no support. My therapist has told me for a long time that I "lack supportive relationships." She is right and this lack of relationships has greatly effected me. The effects of loneliness and isolation are profound. I feel like I can't get my head in a good place, going home hurts too much, and being at work is difficult when I am choking back tears and running to the bathroom to cry. I am watching the clock waiting for when I can just leave. I feel like I need time off work. I need time to completely dedicate to getting better. Can my employer hold this against me? Will I be seen as a weak person on the team?

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can feel your sadness through your post.

I don't really have anything to add to what others have already said. Try to take some time off, and maybe consult your physician.

I know how devastating loneliness can be - or at least it felt that way for me. Are there any groups that you feel you can get involved in? Church? Something supportive?

You're in my thoughts!

Sounds like if this still continues, your better off taking a LOA, because before you know it you will be calling out, jeopardizeing your job ... have your doc sign you out for stress, find out what papers you need from the employer. I'm sorry- been there

Just an update. I have regrouped, I am applying to new jobs and doing so has given me a better attitude and outlook on life. I practice self care such as going for walks to clear my head and I have got in touch with a few friends I haven't talked to much. I have a better support system and things have greatly improved in my personal life. I am so grateful that, with nursing, it is so diverse that when my life changes (like it just did) I can get a job that is a better fit for me. We will see what I land but I plan to get out of the jail and go back to the hospital, hopefully to rehab or burns, something more rewarding and somewhere where I can see my patients get better. That is when I feel the most fulfilled!