I'm just curious, how many of you nursing professionals/ nursing students have opted to go on prescription meds since entering nursing school or the nursing workforce.
Given, I have had some depression in my teen years, I am now venturing to go back on prescription drugs. My moods are sometimes out of control, I cry, my sleeping is somewhat cruddy, and I am constantly on edge (at least a bit) even in my most "relaxed" states. I'm just giving you my background, so unless you have struggled with any of this, please do not tell me " Just learn to conquer emotions, relax, be organized, etc.". I have tried those already and I just want to open a thread where people are free to discuss if they are on something due to this.
I have also been diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager, and while I have all As and a B (BARELY), I am really having a difficult time. It should not be this hard. Nursing school seems like it will slowly push me to a looney breakdown lol. Ugh, I have no idea why I am laughing, it's not funny. But I just tell myself it will be worth it :).
Anyone else who can relate? It just seems like many nursing students and nurses out there have anxiety, depression, bipolar, (etc.) issues. Could be severe stress. I'm also thinking about the beginning/opening of Nurse Jackie where she is popping pills and looking up to the Heavens in ecstasy. I know how you feel girl. Yes I do.
i have been on paxil off and on for about 4 years, BEFORE i decided to go into the nursing field.i was a highstrung asst mgr, training to be a mgr. i swear i thought i had a nervous breakdown! i do think that i need to get back on it regularly, but i had stopped because i had gained 15lbs, which made me even more self concious and depressed! but anyway, i guess what i want to say is that i do take paxil but it had nothing to do with the nursing field, but now that its what i want to do then i have to reinforce my mental stability
I am really enjoying this thread and am grateful to everyone who has shared their stories with such honesty. I'm not currently on prescription meds for anxiety/depression/etc but thought I'd throw in my two cents given that most of the posts have been insightful and, *ahem*, relatively free of grammatical and judgmental errors
Situation: I've been struggling with feelings of depression coupled with some anxiety for the past few months.
Background: Part of this problem has been due to increasing stressors in our hospital, parts of it stem from the way my personal life intersects with my work (I am the child of an alcoholic and I work on a psychiatric unit that cares for many ETOH/opiate dependent pts). Still another part of it, believe it or not, is coming from the fact that nursing school is over and I no longer have the structure or social interaction to which I had become accustomed. I was horrified to think that I, a psych nurse, might need to seek some professional help. After all, aren't nurses, especially psych nurses, supposed to be immune to instability? Aren't nurses the ones who are supposed to be calm and unflappable 100% of the time, who are supposed to take care of everyone else before themselves? :lol_hitti It sounds absolutely ridiculous as I'm typing it, but that truly was my thought process. I finally mustered up the courage to call the employee assistance program at my hospital and set up some appointments with a counselor.
Assessment: Meeting with the therapist has been really helpful and, after only 2 appointments, I have been able to put together a few pieces about myself that I hadn't seen before. I anticipate that I'll continue on with therapy for the foreseeable future. The most diffcult part was picking up the phone and telling the stranger on the other end of the line that I needed some help.
Recommendation: Whether it's setting up some therapy appointments or finding an appropriate prescription med that helps make life more manageable, my recommendation to ANYONE reading this thread is to do what you need to do to stay healthy. It's difficult to give a patient your all when you feel less than 100% on the inside. Good nurses know how to use their resources, so be sure to reach out and get the help you need! Best of luck to anyone out there contending with these types of issues, and thanks to the OP for starting a great discussion. :heartbeat
As an LPN student (starting October 29) I am scared beyond all belief. These same questions have bothered me the last few months when I decided to change my major from Social Science Education to Nursing: "Am I going to be able to be an effective nurse with these prescription bottles next to my bed?" It is something that haunts me at night, wondering if I have the strength and stability to do my job and love it.
I've suffered from anxiety since the early age of 12. I've had 7 years of antidepressant therapy (have tried 4 and Prozac is the only one that comes close to making me "normal") and 3 years of benzo. It sounds awful for a teenager to use benzos, but I also had a terrible psychiatrist who would allow me to talk him into upping my dosage of Ativan each time I saw him. Doctors, right?
Anyway, this post and the wonderful people (save for a few ignorant people who think anxiety/depression/bipolar are all a matter of "snapping out of it") who have responded have given me a renewed confidence.
I'll venture forth to say that our understanding of chronic, mental illness will help us be even more compassionate with our patients. While we may be ashamed of the prescriptions in our name and the stigma society has placed on those receiving treatment for aforementioned illnesses, we certainly are capable and responsible beings.
Why not rejoice that the medication we need is not destructive chemotherapy or antiretrovirals? While our SSRIs may cause us to gain a few pounds, we cannot imagine the pain and suffering someone taking those medications has to endure. Let us learn to appreciate each healthy day we get, laugh at the label "mentally ill", and know that we are great nurses, no matter what prescription we pick up each month.
Thank you to everyone who posted their story here. They were all very uplifting.
Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.
I think that for health care providers in general there are a lot of co dependency issues, etc and a lot of us are prone to this "rescue" behavior of wanting to save everyone and I think this is especially true for nurses. I know a lot of nurses with childhood baggage. Of course it causes us problems later on. I know for me I was depressed at age 16 but back then you did not talk about people being mentally ill and my mother had no idea what to do when I was crying and telling her there was something wrong with me but I did not know what it was. I was formally diagnosed with depression after she died when I was in my med 30's and have been on medication since that time. And I know without a doubt that medication and therapy saved my life.
at this time i am not on a antidepressant.but in the last 12 years due multiple situations i had 2 very bad episode of major depression.one after my dad died and i lost my job i needed celexa and ativan.after 1 year i took myself off.i have had psychotherapy as well i have found a wonderful psychologist.i also have wonderfully understanding pcp.i did well for years then last year my bil died of cancer and pneumonia on thanksgiving and my mom died 3 days after xmas.i then went inti immense financial difficulty.the med and psych therapy along with family and friends is what got me up everyday .i couldn't have done it with out them.none of this had anything to do with the nursing or job .i have been nurse 23 years.but my friends coworker and boss noticed my change in personality ,demeanor etc .they said i wasn't myself.the meds helped me to be.during this same period i got dx with cancer and had surgery.i am now off the med and counseling.but if i needed it again i would do it.
please zuzi and others you need to be more compassionate and understanding.nurses are people 1st .
Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.
Lots of people went on meds during the last couple of semesters. It brings you to the brink and then just before you go over the edge, you graduate. Hang in there.
I personally didn't go on meds until I took public speaking. I could not have gotten through that course without my trusty xanax.
Specializes in ICU, School Nurse, Med/Surg, Psych.
What is going on that nursing school triggors mental illness!!? I was dx PTSD while in the Army, long before I went to college. Nursing school was not anxiety provoking at all for me- tedious, pedontic and exasperating but not anxiety provoking. We need to change this and fast!!
Though my case may not be in the right forum, I thought I would share it nonetheless. To start, I had a 4.0 average with my nursing prereqs and was accepted to an accelerated BSN program. I was so stressed during nursing school, I had to go on Welbutrin which did nothing for me. That was when I noticed that I was always very squirmy all the time when I listened to my professor's lectures. In addition to this, I developed extreme test anxieties and all my studying/memory flew out the window. Needless to say, my undergraduate GPA dropped to a 3.2. And I swear I must have studied longer and harder than anyone else. My test grades were horrible. What saved me was my writing papers. At the time, I thought I was just dumber than my classmates (that still may be true). Anyhow, I am now in an FNP program and not doing too well with my test grades. My writing prereqs however, were again all A's. (Cutting to the chase now), I have long suspected that I had ADHD, and 2 wks ago, it was confirmed. I now realize why I could get A's in my writing classes, because I had time to put my thoughts down (this too took me forever).Now, during tests, I miss read question context,skip the choices to pick my answer, and freak at the ticking clock. Let me inform you that all my tests are online. Now the question is, do I inform the Dean of the school of my condition which is considered a disability or do I stay quiet? I don't believe I am stupid otherwise I could not be where I am today. But I think my ADHD is hiding my real capabilities. Meanwhile, I am hesitant to ask for longer test time that I'm entitled to according to the ADA act of 1973; feeling like I'm cheating.
I started on Vyvanse 2 wks ago, and not sure it is helping during my tests. It helps me with focus, but the impulsivity is still here. I have cymbalta for my anxiety but am not taking it because it makes me sleepy, of which I don't have time to do. About 1500- 2000 pages to read each week, clinical and work gives you no time to sleep.
Should I let the Dean know of my disability?
Sorry to be so long, but does anyone here have a dilemma like this?
Hi there heehee : (by the way, love your screen name )
I'm a 40 yr-old who has returned to school. I'm in my second year of a three year BS nursing program. I've long suspected that I'm ADHD (and I say that I'm ADHD understanding that I'm more than my diagnosis...but it is part of who I am...so I'm more than tall, but still say that I'm tall ): I read about it in a book back when I was in my 20's and instantly recognized my whole life up to that point in time.
I had a successful career in technology, predominantly because my bosses didn't much care "how" I worked...if I wanted to pace around (or pipe music into my ears with headphones and an iPod") while problem solving or have all sorts of "fidgets" (small puzzles or things to manipulate with your hands) in the middle of the table for everyone during my project teams (predominantly so I could fiddle with one and keep my attention consistent)...they didn't care. But school, well that's different. To take exams, I'm expected to sit in a room with 54 other folks who are trying to be quiet and focus on my exam. That was a problem for me, as far as I'm concerned one of the most distracting situations in the world is trying to focus in a room with 54 other folks trying to be quiet (one coughs, who's opening up a candy wrapper, someone's shuffling their papers, etc) it was terrible. I would have done better in Grand Central Station....I'm weird, I know
So, I went through the process to get diagnosed, with the purpose of getting testing acomadations (in my case a quiet room by myself). Not surprisingly, I was diagnosed with ADHD (combined type)--which of course means I have the fun of being both hyperactive and inattentive . My Doc recommended that I start on a stimulant med. Truly, it never crossed my mind to take meds before, but the organizational challenge of nursing school was really getting to me. I was really anxious for the first time in my life (like waking up at 0400--without an alarm clock--for 0800 classes...with no commute since I live on campus--just to be sure I had everything I needed). I wasn't sleeping or eating....basically, not good. So, I started on Adderall XR and it was astounding!! Really, the only analogy I can think of is a 6 year old getting eye glasses for the first time and realizing that the green blobs were trees! I sleep now (I can even nap for the first time in my life), I can find my keys, I don't interrupt in conversations as much, all really great stuff.
Anyway, all this to say that you should talk to the disabilities office at your school not your Dean. They'll need your records from whomever diagnosed you, and then they will send a letter to your professor, not listing your disability, just listing what accommodation they need to provide in order to comply with ADA.
You should do this, it's not cheating. You've been diagnosed with a disability....the accommodations level the playing field. In my case, my classmates are usually able to concentrate when someone shuffles papers on the other side of the classroom, they don't get interrupted, then try to start concentrating again after each noise. Testing in my private room gives me the ability to be tested without interruption as well. You deserve the opportunity to perform to the best of your ability.
I have had three major depressive episodes that I can identify in my adult life. Prior to that, I struggled with compulsive eating/compulsive exercise. I gained a lot of weight in college in my late teens/early 20's and have struggled with that as well.
The last major depressive episode occurred after pre-natal loss. I started taking an antidepressant and saw a therapist, later seeing a specialist in eating disorders. I wish I would have gone to see a therapist years ago, and started an antidepressant years ago as well! The depressive episode was much more manageable, I was far more functional, and the episode was far shorter than my previous bouts of depression. This was prior to becoming a nurse.
I am no longer taking any medication, other than Tramadol for chronic pain during the day, and an occasionaly Tylenol #3 at night for the same reason. I have a chronic condition in my foot that makes floor nursing a challenge, although anything physical is painful with that foot. I think that having the pain medication helps as well, and there are studies that show that chronic pain can lead to depression as well.
If you need medication/help for stress and anxiety, please get it! Therapy and medication for anxiety is highly effective. One resource I found helpful was a book called "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook", which I used with my therapist.
New studies show (according to my doctoral candidate in psychology husband) that long term use of anti-anxiety medications are not effective--the pt. continues to require higher doses, and anxiety without the help of a therapist to go along with the medication can lead more frequent, increased anxiety. Studies show that any medication for mental health reasons, when combined with therapy, have significantly better outcomes than either one on its own. As you can tell, I'm a huge fan of therapy!
Oneof the stumbling blocks I had to it was the cost--I thought only wealthy people could afford therapy. Imagine my surprise when my insurance covered two visits a month, up to 30+ visits a year with just a $25 co-pay. A lot of college campuses offer services, and psychology schools/departments may offer a discount as well, as they try to encourage grad students to utilize the therapy resources.
Good luck to you.
I'm just curious, how many of you nursing professionals/ nursing students have opted to go on prescription meds since entering nursing school or the nursing workforce.
Given, I have had some depression in my teen years, I am now venturing to go back on prescription drugs. My moods are sometimes out of control, I cry, my sleeping is somewhat cruddy, and I am constantly on edge (at least a bit) even in my most "relaxed" states. I'm just giving you my background, so unless you have struggled with any of this, please do not tell me " Just learn to conquer emotions, relax, be organized, etc.". I have tried those already and I just want to open a thread where people are free to discuss if they are on something due to this.
I have also been diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager, and while I have all As and a B (BARELY), I am really having a difficult time. It should not be this hard. Nursing school seems like it will slowly push me to a looney breakdown lol. Ugh, I have no idea why I am laughing, it's not funny. But I just tell myself it will be worth it :).
Anyone else who can relate? It just seems like many nursing students and nurses out there have anxiety, depression, bipolar, (etc.) issues. Could be severe stress. I'm also thinking about the beginning/opening of Nurse Jackie where she is popping pills and looking up to the Heavens in ecstasy. I know how you feel girl. Yes I do.
...am yet another poster who suffered depression during nursing school. i also felt like there was absolutely no emotional support anywhere to be found within my nursing program. i felt very, very alone.
my pcp sent me to a psychiatrist, who started me on wellbutrin (after trials of prozac and zoloft). i took it for several years, until it started to make my hair fall out (rare side effect). i haven't been on anything since, and am doing okay. during a painful breakup, i considered restarting something, but made it through with the help of grace and friends.
many of the nurses i work with are on meds. one nurse was suffering so badly with panic attacks at work, and is finally doing better on lexapro.
am recalling that there was a fellow nursing student who experienced her first psychotic break during nursing school. came upon her as she was having a heated argument with an invisible someone in the hall of the nursing building. she ended up on the psych ward where we were doing rotation. wonder whatever happened to her.
i would never disparage a fellow nurse or coworker for being on medication. i know what it took to get her to the point of actually talking to someone about not feeling her best. i would want to be supportive about her doing whatever she feels is best to get her back on track, to -care for herself-, as a person, as a nurse, period.
any chance i get, i talk about it and attempt to destigmatize mental illness/health issues with my patients. too many people suffer needlessly for fear of being labeled crazy or unstable. it's total b.s.
misspink789
41 Posts
i have been on paxil off and on for about 4 years, BEFORE i decided to go into the nursing field.i was a highstrung asst mgr, training to be a mgr. i swear i thought i had a nervous breakdown! i do think that i need to get back on it regularly, but i had stopped because i had gained 15lbs, which made me even more self concious and depressed! but anyway, i guess what i want to say is that i do take paxil but it had nothing to do with the nursing field, but now that its what i want to do then i have to reinforce my mental stability