Do a disproportionate amount of nurses suffer from anxiety?

[mrsjonesRN]

I already had major anxiety issues, starting in high school after a couple of very traumatic experiences. When I got into nursing school, then became a nurse, my anxiety exacerbated and increased 10 fold. I started to calm down some but then it flared up again. I have had to finally deal with issues from 10 years ago because I just couldn't suppress them any longer. I tried medication, outpatient therapy, that just didn't work for me. I now try to exercise for stress relief, talk to a close friend, and find out what my triggers are so I can talk myself down.

Getting a grasp on your anxiety now will be a lot better for you in the long run. Find what works best for you and don't let anxiety overtake your life.

[mrsjonesRN]

Update to my situation. I got away from the bedside. I have PTSD dreams about the hospital, but they are rapidly lessening in frequency and my anxiety symptoms outside of sleep have all but disappeared.

Good for you! Thankfully you found what worked for you and have gotten a hold on your anxiety.