Depression + Anxiety as a Nurse

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi guys,

I’ve had depression & anxiety for many years, if not forever really. I am very worried about my mental health affecting my nursing ability. I am currently in lvn/lpn school, doing well. Should I just drop out and be a CNA?

Thanks guys &

Happy early Thanksgiving ♥️

Specializes in LDRP.
37 minutes ago, jesslahtidah said:

thanks. ? i’m really poor so hopefully i can afford meds and such

I’m not sure if sharing links on here is allowed or not, but If you Google “good rx”, you will find a website that offers coupon codes for prescription drugs. And if you ask your doctor, they can sometimes give you a bunch of free samples. If you ever need to talk, I would be happy to listen. ❤️

2 Votes
Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Please, PLEASE get some help... I am concerned that you say some days you don’t want to be alive. Sometimes meds need to be changed or adjusted... for me personally Zoloft gave my life back, after trying 3 or 4 other antidepressants over the years.). I HAVE needed the dose increased twice though. Your body and brain are unique though.

I want to address a couple more things though. 1) “what gives you the right” to care for people? You say that like there is something morally or ethically wrong with you. You have an ILLNESS. You have every bit as much to give patients as a nurse with diabetes or asthma.

2) Your teacher said you “have to be ‘normal’ to be a nurse?” What does that even MEAN? I honestly don’t know what that means. If she is saying that one must be free of any issues whatsoever, she is—to use the technical term—FOS.

CNAs do very honorable work; I was one for five years and absolutely loved it. If working as a CNA is the right thing for you right now, that’s ok. But if you want to be a nurse, there are plenty of people who believe in you.

6 Votes

I hope I do not offend you by giving advice on a very personal subject, but distancing yourself from, if not completely cutting off, your parents may help therapy be more effective.

5 Votes
57 minutes ago, Queen Tiye said:

I hope I do not offend you by giving advice on a very personal subject, but distancing yourself from, if not completely cutting off, your parents may help therapy be more effective.

i’ve tried to, but my family is so small. i no longer have a relationship with my dad but his health is really bad so i wanna check. i told my mom we need therapy but to let me know if she needs anything.

1 Votes
2 hours ago, Here.I.Stand said:

Please, PLEASE get some help... I am concerned that you say some days you don’t want to be alive. Sometimes meds need to be changed or adjusted... for me personally Zoloft gave my life back, after trying 3 or 4 other antidepressants over the years.). I HAVE needed the dose increased twice though. Your body and brain are unique though.

I want to address a couple more things though. 1) “what gives you the right” to care for people? You say that like there is something morally or ethically wrong with you. You have an ILLNESS. You have every bit as much to give patients as a nurse with diabetes or asthma.

2) Your teacher said you “have to be ‘normal’ to be a nurse?” What does that even MEAN? I honestly don’t know what that means. If she is saying that one must be free of any issues whatsoever, she is—to use the technical term—FOS.

CNAs do very honorable work; I was one for five years and absolutely loved it. If working as a CNA is the right thing for you right now, that’s ok. But if you want to be a nurse, there are plenty of people who believe in you.

idk nurses are just so honorable in my eyes and i worry i can’t live up to that high of standards if i’m sad & anxious.

she was making fun of people with mental illnesses and i was incredibly uncomfortable. yeah, normal to her is without any diagnosis i guess, but that was just pre-reqs.

i have a consolation with a therapist on monday and decided to stick with the program. i want to be a cna in the meantime and be honest with my doctor + therapist...if i can afford therapy lol.

1 Votes

I've been an RN for almost 30 years and have lived with sometimes crippling depression/anxiety for most of that time. Though I've tried numerous antidepressants, my key to dealing with this dark cloud has been frequent exercise, work/life balance (3-12s work best for me, and SAD light therapy. Best of luck with your struggle-find what works for you and have no shame-you're in good company though you may not realize it:)

4 Votes
Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
15 hours ago, jesslahtidah said:

idk nurses are just so honorable in my eyes and i worry i can’t live up to that high of standards if i’m sad & anxious.

she was making fun of people with mental illnesses and i was incredibly uncomfortable. yeah, normal to her is without any diagnosis i guess, but that was just pre-reqs.

i have a consolation with a therapist on monday and decided to stick with the program. i want to be a cna in the meantime and be honest with my doctor + therapist...if i can afford therapy lol.

This behavior should be reported to your school’s disabilities office. That is unacceptable.

2 Votes
Specializes in LDRP.
22 hours ago, jesslahtidah said:

idk nurses are just so honorable in my eyes and i worry i can’t live up to that high of standards if i’m sad & anxious.

she was making fun of people with mental illnesses and i was incredibly uncomfortable. yeah, normal to her is without any diagnosis i guess, but that was just pre-reqs.

i have a consolation with a therapist on monday and decided to stick with the program. i want to be a cna in the meantime and be honest with my doctor + therapist...if i can afford therapy lol.

Check with Catholic Charities. I know our local branch offers income-based counseling, and if you can’t pay anything that is okay, too. It wouldn’t hurt to call. I’m not catholic and I found them very helpful.

Please dont quit because that will only make things worse but if you need to take break then do so. PLEASE SEEK MORE HELP, YOU NEED TO SEE A PMHNP OR A PSYCHIATRIST, ARE YOU SEEING ONE RIGHT NOW? YOU NEED MEDICATION ADJUSTMENT. I belief that if your medication is right you will be able to do more and be productive. Let me tell you, no nurse is normal, i have anxiety but i dont take medication. I have a lot of co-workers on medications and that does not make them crazy or different. They are doing good. Dont feel isolated. Sorry to say but your teacher is an ***, for saying such nonsense about people struggling psychologically. Will keep you in my prayer. I just finished my masters in nursing, so the sky is your limit, let's take this journey together my friend.

2 Votes

You are not alone. I suffer from the same issues with similar origins. I would freeze during labs when I was being tested. My anxiety would ramp up so much that all I could muster was an autonomic fight or flight response. I was in fear every single day for clinical. Looking back now after 6 years with my RN, I should have gone to the lab and practiced those skills until I could do them backwards in my sleep. Muscle memory takes over when the mind can’t function. Also, don’t let anyone smell your fear. Fake it until you make it! You can do this. Once you get all those skills down it will free your mind to get the thinking done. Don’t give in to your fears. Courage is being afraid but doing it anyway. Best of luck.

2 Votes
Specializes in Community Health, Med/Surg, ICU Stepdown.

I too would like to support you and advise you not to quit! There are a lot of things you can do with a nursing degree. If hospital nursing feels too stressful there are clinics, public health, advice nursing and so much more. Many people feel anxious during nursing school as there is so much to learn, and you will feel more confident with time and experience. However I definitely agree that continuing therapy (and finding the right therapist) and finding the right medication(s) will help as what you describe sounds like clinical depression and anxiety.

I suffer from bipolar disorder which I have a genetic disposition to but it manifested after a sexual assault. I thought about quitting nursing school but six years later I am so glad I didn't. I love being a nurse and my diagnosis has not affected my work performance. I take medication and go to group and individual therapy. Group therapy sounds scary but it helps to not feel like you are the only one suffering with mental health issues.

In my opinion having a mental illness has given me increased compassion for my patients and better understanding of what they are going through. I feel qualified to help patients experiencing their own mental health struggles and it gives me a sense of purpose that in turn helps me feel better about myself, so win for them and win for me! Good luck and feel free to reach out any time you need support!

2 Votes
Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.

Hi Jess, my name is Jared and I just graduated from LPN school in August, and I'm a new nurse. I struggle with anxiety and depression as well.

In nursing school, I was very depressed and suicidal. I ended up hurting myself badly while I was enrolled in classes. I saw my psychiatrist, my therapist and not much else for awhile. After a suspected suicide attempt after a final for second semester, my friends called the cops on me, sending them to my house. That wasn't fun, I had to jump through hoops during the week off from classes JUST to stay in school for the last semester.

But, the school was a VERY valuable resource. They gave me (another) free therapist to talk to as well.

With the help I got, I somehow managed to make it through. I have been on and I'm still on an antidepressant, and two mood stabilizers (for my mood swings/bipolar symptoms). I really recommend you see a psychiatrist and therapist. I promise you life gets better, even if it's one little step at a time.

In 2013 exiting high school, I was a depressed and extremely suicidal grocery store bagger/carriage pusher. Now in 2019, I'm a new nurse and I'm more stable I've ever been in my whole life. Not perfect, but a lot better. It takes time!

I promise you, it is possible to get help and overcome this!

5 Votes
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