Going back to work. Anxious.

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Hey there. This is my first post on AN. Been stalking the posts since nursing school. Well let me say Im one confused lady here. Ha. Been in nursing as an Lpn in ltc now since 2010. Started as a Cna in 2004 till becoming a nurse. Anywho, Ive been on leave from work for last four months to get myself straight.

Was having increased anxiety from tolerance to klonopin. On top of anxiety was a lot more confusion and tiredness plus depression. Went to primary and he gave me a schedule to come off the benzodiazapine.

So, here I am after the withdrawl and looking now at my old anxiety straight in the face. Over the four months I have become agaraphobic. Not to the point where I will not go out at all. Pretty bad.

My question is how do you go back to work and just do it. My confidence is shook. I was working as a CNA to take a mental break from nursing. Management has been understanding. They really have been wonderful.

Now its time to go back. Anyone out there on AN ever been in a similar situation? I have thought myself out of going back to the dementia unit and staff I know and love back there. Thank you for reading this rambling post. And any encouragement and advice from fellow nurses is much appreciated.

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I have never been in your situation, so I can't offer real advice. But I can offer you support, and suggest that you consider going back to work part-time, until you begin to feel a bit better.

You stated that management has been helpful. I am hoping they will continue to support you.

Good luck!

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Thank you for support LilNel. Going part time really is feasible. I got to kick my own butt in this situation. And get back to nursing which I used to love.

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Let us know how you are doing once you get back to work.

Yes, I would definitely to back on a part-time basis. Try and break down this issue into small blocks.

Was work a trigger for panic attacks?

Focus on getting through one shift at a time. Don't look too far ahead in the future.

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