How to deal with this stress

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

First here is some background. I graduated in May 2008, took and passed boards in October 2008. I had a job and lost it 4 weeks into orientation. I've been looking for a job since the end of October, actually since before I graduated. I haven't found anything, though now at least I have a couple of interviews. I've not slept well in months, sleep too much when I do sleep. I feel I've developed IBS though I can't figure out what the trigger is as its not always greasy food that set my tummy off. I've started to go to Curves again if only to help with my weight which has finally gotten to a point I never wanted to be at. I don't have insurance so I can't go to a doctor about anything. My BP is up, at least the bottom number stays in the 90's. I also have constant headaches. I know everything is stress related, but I don't know how to deal with it well. A friend of mine had dragged me to two guided meditation classes and they seem to help some. I can't seem to do it on my own though. I have also tried to do something craft related to get my mind off things.

How do you deal with stress when your broke and see no end in sight? I do post as much as I am able. This site alone has kept me sane I think. Reading that I'm not the only one having job troubles does help.

I just get so frustrated, it wasn't supposed to be like this.

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I have great results with meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, NLP and hypnosis...

One of the hardest things with meditation is doing nothing. We just aren't used to doing that. One of the easiest methods for meditation is merely to sit down comfortably (any position is fine) and clear your head. Thoughts are going to pop in- that's OK- just don't dwell on them. Let them float back out of your head as quickly and easily as they came in. Some find it helpful to repeat a mantra (something like- "I am relaxed and at peace" or simply "Om" etc. Steer clear of phrases that include what you are trying to avoid. Your subconscious is like a 4yr old... Saying something like "I am not stressed" focuses on the "stressed", ignores the "not" and leaves you feeling what you're trying to avoid ;)

Experiment with different mantras and phrases and see what your body/mind response is. (Keep a journal and document your progress.) Do this for a half hour (or more) each day. Soon I bet you'll see some real results. ;)

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I' sorry you're having such a hard time. I have read about your job and job hunt struggles, and am cheering for you.

I know you don't want to hear this, but I would be remiss if I didn't say it, so here goes: Please don't assume that your symptoms are related to IBS without medical diagnosis. There are just too many serious diagnoses that can produce the same symptoms. Your B/P is worrisome, too.

Please set aside a day to spend on the phone seeking assistance for your medical needs. My primary care physician offers physicals with lab work for $45 for patients who pay upfront. She also works hard to prescribe meds that she can provide (samples) or that are on the $1 list at Wal-Mart. Many others do the same if they know of the need in advance. The social work department at the local hospital can help you, as can Catholic or Lutheran Social Services. Many parishes offer assistance with medical needs as well. The waiting list is long at most sliding-scale clinics, but you can make an appointment today, and perhaps place your name on a cancellation list. You're doing a great job at trying to improve your health with exercise and meditation, but you need some help along the way.

Please keep us posted on your progress. And then listen for a great big cheer from Omaha when you find a job!

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

I don't know if it would be IBS or not. But ever since I had my gallbladder out in 2007 I've had issues. It doesn't seem to matter if the meal is high fat or not. Actually, I've learned to steer clear of high fat meals accordinly. I still do on occasion, and I pay the price.

I do need to see my doctor and she does have a thing where I think you pay $60 for the visit if you are self-pay. Unfortunately I don't have that either right now. I just have to keep trying to take care of things on my own until I can. Mom does get tired of hearing about what aches lol.

I just need to keep doing things fun to keep my mind off things. My BF helps pay for this bowling league we are on, but it looks like we will have to drop out. Fortunately I do love to read, between my mom and I we have quite a fantasy/romance collection. I have discovered paranormal romance novels. It's relaxing for the few hours it takes me to finish a book.

Thanks for the encouragement Equinox, Jolie. I know things will get better....eventually.

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