Issues with psych rotation-PTSD

[kkordalski87]

First of all, I apologize for any spelling or grammar errors; as well as if I start to ramble. I have been extremely anxious these last couple of weeks starting my second semester. I am a nursing student in a second degree program that is having a really huge problem with my psych rotation. I guess without getting too specific amount my past; my single parent mother has been dealing with mental illness (at any specific times diagnosis's of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) and prescription drug addiction for the majority of my life. I've have experienced a number of traumatic events as a result of her addiction and mental instability. I sought out help and therapy before to work out these issues and had thought I had squashed any problems surrounding it. That is until I started my psych rotation last week...

I have had many psychology courses throughout my collegiate career but nothing that was so entrenched into the aspects of mentally ill patients. In my theory coursework I am having a hard time not relating the text back to my mother and family issues. Worse yet I am having anxiety attacks and flashbacks (ex. visiting my mother in the unit after her attempted suicide) while being on the psych unit itself. And I am finding it extremely difficult to perform the duties of this rotation such as speaking with the patients.

I recently (today) spoke with a counselor that mentioned that I did have symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I was wondering if anybody on this forums has had similar issues and what they did to combat it.

P.S. I worked as a CNA for a major hospital for 8 months and had no prior issues with working with psychiatric patients on my floor (they were not my favorite patient but I treated them no differently).

Thank you all,

KK

[CVICU-Nurse1.5]

As a student we only have so long in each rotation. I'd suggest finding some way to get by each day until the rotation is done. I personally mark off calendar days and it makes time go faster.

Try not to think too much about the past, it won't do your future good or the patients that need you to be alert.

[Katie71275]

Unfortunately this is all too familiar. Psych is where a lot of family problems come out for nursing problems. My mother had similar problems minus the schizophrenia and eventually committed suicide via gunshot. I know how you feel. I would suggest counseling and getting through it as best you can. Hugs.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

There are a few threads on here about nurses dealing with various mental illnesses. I've posted on here about my own struggles with PTSD. Recently, work stress (plus life stress) has triggered my anxiety to sky rocket.

Listen to your body and the s/s of anxiety/stress and change your mindset when those feelings arise. Nip them in the bud, don't ignore your feelings, but don't allow them to control you!

Also, do not get too sucked into your Pts problems. Be empathetic but don't become consumed.

I am working on taking my own advice!! It's been challenging, but I'm actively working on these things.