Depression/anxiety

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Hi everyone, im looking for some guidance in my current situation. I have been an RN for 2 years, I am 25 years old and work night shift at a community hospital. I am starting to realize I have some mental issues. I am becoming very depressed and anxious and it is affectinn every aspect of mu life such as work and relationships at home. I no longer have the motivation to do anything and have been isolating myself from others. All I want to do is sleep. I overanalyze everything and get agitated more easily now. When I come home from work it is difficult for me to fall asleep because my mind races and millions of thoughts enter my head. My head feels like it is a million pounds and I no longer know who I am when I look in the mirror anymore. When I went to my doctor they said my vitamin D was low so ive been taking supplements. I really want to start looking into receiving help but unsure where to start. Do I see a counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist? I need some guidance about what to do in this situation as it is starting to affect my everyday living. I am tired of feeling like this and want to go back to how I felt before. I just have a flat affect toward everything I do and nothing excites me anymore and im just not happy. Thanks for listening.

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Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I think you should first start by determining what helps you the most. Do you think talking it out with a counselor will help? Or maybe a trip to your PCP to discuss other options?

I have anxiety & tried counseling but it didn't really work for me. I finally brought up the issue at an appointment with my PCP and he placed me on a low dose SSRI. I do much better now. But, that is me personally. I do recommend seeing your doc though, at least to just start the conversation.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Start with your PCP. Vitamin D is a useful thing but it sounds like your problems might be a little bigger than that. Ask your PCP for a referral to a mental health professional. He might have someone he routinely refers people to. If not, then you might have to do a little searching for yourself. Please don't give up. Wishing you the best.

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Specializes in ED.

I have anxiety out the wazoo, and I am pretty prone to depression (spending days in bed, no motivation to do anything, even taking a shower is a big deal). When I realized what was going on, I saw my PCP, who put me on an SSRI, which worked quite well. But everyone is different. Your PCP should be a good starting point. Make sure they listen and take your concerns seriously. Sometimes exercising a little and taking vitamin D can help tremendously, sometimes you need additional help, whether it be medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Hope you find what works for you.

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I actually did see my primary like a year ago for a check up and I told her I was feeling kind of depressed and all she did was ask if I was suicidal which Im not and then asked if I wanted to start zoloft. I feel meds would be my last resort and I did not like the fact she was so quick to push me on medication. So I guess you can say I held off trying to get help because I felt like she brushed off how I was feeling and didnt give me a referral to anyone. I felt I should see someone who is trained to handle mental illnesses instead of a doctor who just has a broad idea of what it is. I am able to look up therapists because I have good insurance so I dont need a referral but not sure who to see. Like I said in my question, a psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor?

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I know you haven't got the determination or energy but it is incredibly important that you see the right person. You would have worked with someone who always appeared to get things generally right and also possess some integrity that you can trust with your vulnerability. Someone who didn't gossip or indulged in negative comments about others. Pluck up the courage and approach that person. Explain your situation and ask them if they could help you find a mental health professional they would trust.That doesn't have to be a Dr. Capable people generally only have proficient people in their çircles. They will help you find the right Dr or professional to see.

Your only job is to identify the right person to initially approach for help. That person if worth their salt, will help you unconditionally and immediately. But it's very important that you identify the right person initially who will be able to evaluate whichever mental health professional you eventually use. Opinions are like noses, everyone has one.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

I would still consult with your primary care; they may have recommendations as far as who you might want to start with. I personally started with an LCSW for counseling. My NP also started me on a low dose of Wellbutrin (SSRIs had too many side effects for me, personally), but that's because the physical symptoms of anxiety were becoming so debilitating to me.

Good luck! It can and will get so much better!

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
I actually did see my primary like a year ago for a check up and I told her I was feeling kind of depressed and all she did was ask if I was suicidal which Im not and then asked if I wanted to start zoloft. I feel meds would be my last resort and I did not like the fact she was so quick to push me on medication. So I guess you can say I held off trying to get help because I felt like she brushed off how I was feeling and didnt give me a referral to anyone. I felt I should see someone who is trained to handle mental illnesses instead of a doctor who just has a broad idea of what it is. I am able to look up therapists because I have good insurance so I dont need a referral but not sure who to see. Like I said in my question, a psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor?

If meds are your last resort, you might want to start with a psychologist. At least you know this person had to complete a rigorous course of study and be licensed. They don't prescribe medication. I've found that if someone can prescribe, they usually do prescribe, often to the exclusion of all else.

The problem with "therapists" and "counselors" is that the industry is still largely unregulated. Some practitioners are worth their weight in gold; others have an M.A. in nothing in particular and now hang out a shingle.

I hope you don't have to weed through too many people to find someone who can genuinely help you. Good luck.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Do you have an employee assisted program at your hospital? Maybe you could start there.

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I'm sorry for your problem, I'm in the same situation like you are ...I was working long night shifts and was very stressful for me, understaffed and underpressure. I left my job and became depressed.

My advice for you is to take same time for yourself. Get out and take some fresh air and try to stay positive. Try to do yoga as well and respiration exercises and see how is going to be. If you dont sleep enough every task will seem like impossible, for our body sleeping well is essential. And dont forget you're not alone, we are here for you and belive me there are many of us in your same situation so dont give up!!A big hug!

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Get off nights and get some sunlight, along with therapy.

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Specializes in Cardicac Neuro Telemetry.

I would advise seeing a psychiatrist. A lot of family medicine doctors are not comfortable dealing with mental health issues. I went through a spurt of terrible anxiety and after seeing my family doctor, he referred me to a psychiatrist. I am SO glad I went to see her.

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