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Discussion

what do i do about an instructor who was inconsiderate about depression?

i'm in my psychiatric clinical right now. in clinical yesterday, a group of 8 of us was asked by our instructor on how we can relate to any of the patients. one person said her mom had a substance abuse problem and how she was an addict. another shared that her brother had bipolar. i shared that my mom has depression. i said she's trying hard to cope with it seeing a doc, taking meds and trying to stay active with the help of family and friends. then she makes the statement in a belittling manner that depression can be overcome easily and it's the easiest of the mental illness to be treated. she said she doesn't understand why people make such a big deal out of depression when the treatment is right now there. i was extremely angry. first of all, i thought it was rude for her to say when she doesnt know how it feels to have someone you love be diagnosed with depressed. and she's also a psych nurse???? i'm a quiet person and i feel like she puts me down constantly.

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    • Featured Replies

    Honestly, I'd let it go. Keep your head down, get your work done, and don't make waves. If you ever run into her after your graduate, feel free to tell her how you feel about her. But now, nothing but more trouble for you will come of complaining. I know it is not right, but nursing school is a huge test in sucking it up and taking it. You just have to get through it. I bet the other 7 people in your group agree with you, and this woman seems like a jerk. But causing a wave about it will only hurt you in the long run.

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    • Guides

    What do you do about it? Nothing if you want to graduate. Put your head down and get through it. After this semester is over you never have to see her again.

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    I had an instructor loudly comment that my top was inappropriate in lab at school one day because she could see cleavage when I bent forward. I'm busty, Other classmates heard and I was mortified... I sat on it for a weekend and when I was still fuming a few days later, I sent a forward but respectful email to my instructor about it. I told her that I respect her much as an RN and an instructor and that her wisdom and guidance is very valuable to me, but that I was so embarrassed when she called me out I couldn't focus for the rest of lab. I also said I was sure she meant no harm, but it made me feel awful, and if she notices something offensive about my appearance again would she please try to address me more privately about it... I got an email back right away apologizing and saying that she didn't even realize she said it loudly enough for others to hear, that she will try to be more aware if surroundings whenever she has to call out students in the future. And let me tell you, she respected me like crazy for respectfully but honestly approaching her, and to this day I keep in touch with her pretty regularly. Talk to your teacher or send an email, clear the air! I would bet she is unaware she offended you and your semester will be much better for you if you politely clear the air. Ps good luck to your momma :-)

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    As a student, there is nothing you can do.

    Learn from that and carry it forward to your practice. Many so called health care professionals belittle depression.

    BTW... every psych instructor I ever knew... was NUTZ!

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    Honestly, compared to addiction and bipolar, depression *is* much more easily treated and overcome. I wouldn't assume her comment was meant to be belittling. Ii think there's no harm in saying (either in person or email) that the comment made you feel like she was minimizing how debilitating and hard living with depression can be.

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    • Expert

    I can understand your feelings, but you don't "do" anything.

    This won't be the last time you encounter a nurse who has a negative attitude toward some type of illness or behavior, mental illness or otherwise. Use it as a lesson to cope with anger/irritation toward different/biased opinions about the patients you are assigned as a nurse.

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    You deal with hurt feelings and you move on.

    As a nurse, you will have much worse things said to you. And have to continue on with a smile on your face, rolling with the verbal punches.

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