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'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'm curious, you mentioned being Dx'd with ADHD as a teen. Do you take ADHD meds? I only ask because before I started on them my moods were out of control, I wasn't sleeping very much at all, I was barely eating and I was so stressed my friends said I vibrated with stress, that it was stressful standing next to me.
After starting the ADHD meds, nursing school is still stressful, but I sleep, I eat normal meals and the report from my friends is that they like being with me again
I know everyone's different....I was just curious :)
I've been on psychiatric medication since I was 16 and in therapy since I was 13. (I kind of hope that all these people taking medication are also receiving some sort of therapy for their conditions. It makes me sad to see people popping pills and thinking that's all they need to do to feel better.)
I have Bipolar Disorder. I had Bipolar Disorder way before nursing school. My illness and medications are in no way related to starting nursing school. (I'm in my second year.) In fact, sometimes I wonder why on earth people find it so stressful? I get bored and wish they'd hurry up and teach us more, faster (but perhaps that's a symptom of my illness?)
I take a nice combination of Luvox, Lithium, Seroquel and Modavigil which balance my moods, counter the side effects and do not impair my cognition at all. I don't think I'd be able to work or study without my meds...
I am thanking God for this thread right now, I need it!
You see...I am right now going through withdrawal from Geodon. I have Bipolar Spectrum d/o, and since my diagnosis nine months ago, I have been on a low dose of Geodon to stabalize my moods. However, I've had some pretty awful side effects that have been more negatively impacting my life more than my hypomania ever did (I never had a truly "manic" episode...and I have Geodon a'plenty for a PRN if I start to go a bit manic), so I'm going off of it. I'm doing a six week trial without it. (Yes, my psychiatrist is aware). Right now I'm having increased respiratory secretions, and I'm sweaty (I'll be feeling a LOT worse this time tomorrow). But it'll be worth it, I know it! (I'm staying on my Zoloft, that has been wonderful for me!)
It feels so wonderful to actually talk about this with people who understand! I haven't said anything to people at work because I'm embarrassed. There exists a stigma, even among (or perhaps especially among) healthcare providers concerning mental illness. I'm glad that other nurses exist who have my problems. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of me.
CuriousMe
2,642 Posts
I'm curious, you mentioned being Dx'd with ADHD as a teen. Do you take ADHD meds? I only ask because before I started on them my moods were out of control, I wasn't sleeping very much at all, I was barely eating and I was so stressed my friends said I vibrated with stress, that it was stressful standing next to me.
After starting the ADHD meds, nursing school is still stressful, but I sleep, I eat normal meals and the report from my friends is that they like being with me again
I know everyone's different....I was just curious :)