Just need to talk to someone

I just started the actual nursing portion for my ADN and I've started having panic attacks due to an irrational fear that I can't succeed. I always act very confident and I'm doing well on my coursework, but when I sit down to study I start hyperventilating. My pulse was just at 113 and Im sitting here doing a reading. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life besides nursing so this fear of messing up is just completely consuming everything I do. I lost contact with all of my friends. I've worked as a cna for a year now and have never called in once. When I found out I didn't score perfectly on a quiz I went home and completely regressed and I couldn't stop crying and my chest hurt and I called into work. I don't feel like I can talk to my class mates about this because it makes me feel so weak. I made an appointment with a doctor. I think I need to go on some kind of medication to calm down. I feel like all I have and all I do is nursing, so when I mess up, I feel so low because this is the only thing I focus my energy on. I don't have a boyfriend or kids and at this point, I don't really have anyone I would call my friend. I'm scared I'm going to be like this the entire way through the next two years. I hope when I gain confidence, things will get better. Did anyone else feel this stressed out during their fundamental class?

Consider counseling and medication. This is a stressful time and you need some support. Best to you..

First: Just breathe. When you start to feel that "freak out" moment coming on, sit back and take a few deep breaths. At this point I'm assuming that you have about 100 different thoughts plaguing your brain, which is what may be causing the overwhelmed feeling. Now with every exhalation visualize one of those thoughts leaving a room (the room that is your brain). Do this until the only thing your left is the task at hand. Yes this sounds silly, but it does work.

Now, let's try to figure out why your having these attacks in the first place :)

You said you made an appointment to see a doctor, that's a great first step. I think you may also want to try branching out to some of your fellow classmates. Study groups are a great way to alleviate the stresses of studying. Just think you'll be with people who are going through exactly what your going through and who have the same priorities. Having a support network is important during an type of schooling. I completely understand that you don't have a very large one right now (I don't either), but one thing that I've learned is it's important to build one. Try talking to just one person in your class & start from there. As for your fear of appearing weak, only the weak themselves will view you that way.

"Our strength grows out of our weakness" -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The greatest weakness of all is the great fear of appearing weak" - Jacques Bengine Bossuel

Wise words bdicenzo.

Yes thank you . you either are or are going to be a great nurse.

I feel like crap too just noow. I just want to know answers. I really feel overwhelmed.

Try some meditation, lots of different types and info online or at your library

I graduated today. Thank you All Nurses and goodluck to anyone starting out. As you can see, it's not always easy, but it's worth it.