Does Nursing School equal Depression?

Nspirit · Aug 4, 2013

Anbo, I think we all go through this at some point or another. I was in a funk for about a month. I spoke to a family member and my best friend and it helped. The advice here is very good and that's why we're here, to help each other.

cjdmomma · Aug 5, 2013

That is pretty much me. I have been stress eating like crazy. I don't compare myself to others, but I relate to everything else. UGG... don't even get me started on my house!! WHAT A MESS! It is always a mess, but what are you going to do? I have to get through school. One semester left and I am done. We can do it, I know it! You are not alone, I promise you that. Nursing school stresses out even the most easy going of people.

You got this!!

scarlett 42 · Aug 5, 2013

Since I have started Nursing School (October start date. I am now halfway through my accelerated BSN program.) I have had this overwhelming depression. I don't know if its the stress or constantly comparing myself to the overwhelming gorgeous girls in my cohort but I can't seem to feel alright with myself. I am doing well in the program (3.5 gpa) but I have no energy for my daily activities outside of school. I have packed on the pounds. My room is a mess, family stress is through the roof, and lets not mention the financial hardships. Everyday I want to quit. Am I alone in this? Or does everyone go through this?[/quote']
It sounds like stress to me. Please don't compare yourself with fellow students. Everyone reacts differently under pressure. If I may, don't sweat the small stuff. Your room does not need to be spotless, keeping your working area tidy helps with concentration. A little extra weight? You will lose it soon enough when you start your job. Take a walk now and then, keep some fresh veggies in the fridge ready to eat when you want to reach for those Doritos and ice water handy when that Pepsi calls to you. Sleep does wonders. It may be hard to close that book, but its ok if you don't have a book in front of you all the time. If family stress is heavy on your shoulders, talk to them. Tell them what you are feeling. Lean on them. Chances are they will ask you how they can help... Money issues are tough areas. They are temporary, even though they make it hard to concentrate sometimes. Your advisors at school can line you up with good resources to help you with financial counseling. Nursing school is hard but there is an end in sight. Stay the course and you will finish. We all have insecurities about ourselves we wish we could change. Gorgeous on the outside doesn't mean a thing when taking a test or determine how well we can help our patients when the time comes. Confidence and competence will carry you much further. Good luck, and I hope this helps a little.

bloodorange · Aug 5, 2013

First of all, *hugs*!

Second, I have no idea if this applies to you or not, but I know there's lots of kidding around on AN that booze helps everything. I find that drinking more than very, very sparingly makes me feel depressed, exhausted, sad and lethargic. not to mention puffy.

Either way, take care of yourself! Lots of water, sleep, some exercise if you can.

NurseDirtyBird · Aug 5, 2013

It sounds to me like you may have some preexisting issues that are being exacerbated by the stress of nursing school. There are lots of working nurses with plenty of issues, and we all made it through nursing school. It's entirely possible for you to do it. I would take previous posters' advice and find a pro to talk to. Taking care of yourself is very important during this stressful time.

LisalaRN99, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2013

Definitely check with a professional, such as a counselor at school or with your family doctor. You also should talk to your family and friends. The type of stress we undergo during nursing school can really do a number on us sometimes! I know because I was depressed in nursing school as well. My doctor and a therapist got me through it! I, too, was comparing myself too much with others. We strive for perfection and yet nobody in life is perfect. Our self talk can be very negative. Take care of yourself!

Tinker88 · Aug 6, 2013

...I don't know if its the stress or constantly comparing myself to the overwhelming gorgeous girls in my cohort, but I can't seem to feel alright with myself.

Girl, we all can feel this way at times! We work so hard and get so busy that we forget to take care of ourselves. Sounds to me like you need some "me time". Make an appointment for a massage, a pedi, or a new hair style! Sometimes, just taking some time for me makes me feel more confident because I FEEL better. Try eating healthier foods and staying away from sugar. Sugar makes us feel BLAH! Lately, I've been drinking coconut water and tulsi teas instead of cokes and sweet tea! How are people supposed to feel good if they don't ingest good things? You are fatigued from everyday stress, and when you come home you don't feel like doing anything! We are all guilty of this, especially me! Try taking a walk with someone after eating. I'll get your blood flowing! I have no financial advice, but I know consuming less sugar and taking some time for you will give you a little more energy.

RNnewbie2014 · Aug 6, 2013

I completely understand!! I am in my early 20s and become quite depressed often. I think its lack of socialization and time to not have think about not only school but the responsibilities that come in with life as well. My parents have a lot of issues on their own, so I moved away from them because I found my depression was heavily set in being around them. If you find causes that are preventable, I would say remove yourself away from the situation that may cause it to worsen! My room was rarely clean last semester. I stayed too busy and too tired to clean very much. I have felt the same way about man I just want to have a life! It will be worth it though and that is what you have to keep telling yourself!! Surround yourself with positive people!! Good luck!! I know you can make it through it!

Jessicacknox · Aug 6, 2013

I honestly know exactly how you feel. I am 35, married, have 4 kids that range in age from 8 yrs old to 17 years old, and I am in a nursing program through my work that requires me to work 24 hours a week. The daily stress I feel sometimes completely overwhelms me and sometimes I feel like it would be easier to quit. I feel like I get no support from my family and friends they are just quick to always put me down and tell me how I am slacking as a wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I have also put on some weight since starting the program which also adds to my depression/self esteem issues. I just keep telling myself that I have worked so hard to be here and to give up now would be insane.

Keep your head up. We will get through this and it will all be worth it in the end.

Anbo3882 · Aug 7, 2013

I have been making tremendous strides in the last week. I talked to one of the administrators at school and she really helped me concentrate on the good. She complimented me on my GPA and admitted that she was eager to meet with me because she had heard a lot of good things form the professors about me. This definitely gave me a boost in self esteem. I decided to go to my doctor to get referred to counseling. She wanted to check my hormone levels. Turns out I have low levels of t3 and estrogen which is likely attributing to my depression. She referred me to a counselor and endocrinologist. I have appointments to see both this week. I have been feeling better lately and your posts here have really helped me. I think I just needed to know that I was not alone in feeling this way. Talking to people who have been through this crazy roller coaster we call nursing school has really helped put things into perspective. My depression isn't gone but the fog is clearing.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 7, 2013

Hey Anbo!!!

I am very glad you updated us with your progress, and I am glad you are starting to take care of yourself. :)

Sending positive vibes on your path...one step at a time. :up: :up: :up:

springchick1, ADN, RN · Aug 7, 2013

I don't t know if anyone mentioned this but my school does random drug testing where they show up at class one night and pull 10 people out and drug test them. I would be prepared for that as well. Talk to your doctor.