Lacking all motivation

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Specializes in Med-Surg RN.

Hello. I start back for my junior year of my BSN program on Monday. I honestly don't know what to do. I have previously been a very studious, determined, and motivated student. I have a 3.687 GPA and my professors all admire my work ethic, but over the past year, I feel like I've just been slowly falling apart. Especially last semester and this summer, I have been extremely anxious and more recently I just have no motivation to do anything. I don't even want to get up and that is even a struggle. All I want to do is sleep. I had meant to review over the summer, but my materials have been virtually untouched. I am so worried if I can even get through the semester and clinicals mentally. I really want to, but then again, it feels like I'm fighting a losing battle. I guess I could just really use some encouragement or advice.

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I would strongly suggest you meet with a counselor, not academic but clinical. Don't mean to be scary but there are many possible reasons for your current emotional state...and you want to be sure to deal with this before it becomes worse. Right now you are getting out of bed but left unchecked you might not. Please see a medical professional and take care of this now ?

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Specializes in Med-Surg RN.

Thanks Waiting for Retirement for your input. It's appreciated.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I'll second the recommendation to see student health/counseling or other medical professional for an assessment. It's not uncommon at all for students to develop depression, anxiety, or physical health issues impacting mood & energy during school. Getting this addressed sooner rather than later is important. Treating the underlying issue could easily get you back in a better place. No shame in needing to prioritize your own health - we can't take care of others unless we are caring for ourselves as well. ?

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Specializes in Med-Surg RN.

Thanks verene. I have actually seen a counselor intern employed by my university twice over this summer via Skype, but I get really uncomfortable about the sessions. This week I just didn't want to deal with it, so I told her next week would be better for a session. I can't really see a doctor about it as my parents are judgemental about mental health & so I don't want to tell them and I don't have money to pay on my own. I suppose I'll just try pushing myself to see the intern even though I hate it.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.
14 minutes ago, SNgirl21 said:

Thanks verene. I have actually seen a counselor intern employed by my university twice over this summer via Skype, but I get really uncomfortable about the sessions. This week I just didn't want to deal with it, so I told her next week would be better for a session. I can't really see a doctor about it as my parents are judgemental about mental health & so I don't want to tell them and I don't have money to pay on my own. I suppose I'll just try pushing myself to see the intern even though I hate it.

You can go see your PCP as an entry point. Even if on parental insurance your parents do not get the details of *why* you went to the appointment. There are also underlying physical issues that can impact mental health, and a PCP is qualified to start the rule out process for these factors, and to manage medications for anxiety/depression if necessary.

I think the combination of skype + intern is difficult for therapy, and if that's all you've got it's probably better than nothing, but there may also be other no or low cost options out there that either this intern, the student health center, or your PCP could connect you to. Therapy works better when you are comfortable with the therapist providing it.

I hope you realize, that struggling with mental health is not your fault nor something to be ashamed of, no matter what your parents/family may say. Many, many individuals struggle with various mental health issues - according to the CDC about 8% of the U.S. adult population is affected by depression at any one point in time. The majority of those affected by depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns who receive treatment are able to go on to live functional, productive lives.

If you'd like online/phone support or to look for free resources & support groups in your area NAMI is an organization I'd recommend. And please, continue to reach out here at Allnurses - either in forums or in PMs, you are not alone, many nursing students and nurses have experienced challenges with anxiety and motivation along this path. Per terms of service we can't offer medical advice, but we can be here to answer questions, and to support you on your journey - including normalizing the emotional challenges and upheavals that may occur along the way.

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Specializes in Med-Surg RN.

Thank you so much verene?❤️. The situation w/ my parents is a bit more complicated than what I'm sharing here (I'm 20, but they don't treat me w/ the freedom of an adult. Too many details to share w/ everyone). BUT, the sentiment behind what you're saying is SO appreciated though & very, very thoughtful, so thank you!

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

I had same feelings during nursing school. I think it’s that nursing school blues. You put so much mental exhaustion getting through the class and then you have to do it again next semester! Try to do something you enjoy like getting a massage, shopping and then get back to it!

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Specializes in Med-Surg RN.
1 hour ago, strawberryluv said:

I had same feelings during nursing school. I think it’s that nursing school blues. You put so much mental exhaustion getting through the class and then you have to do it again next semester! Try to do something you enjoy like getting a massage, shopping and then get back to it!

Thank you strawberryluv for the suggestion. Tomorrow's the day.?

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Specializes in Medsurg.

Baby girl sounds like your going through the dreaded imTIREDofTHISshxxxx-itis. I been through it every semester. I swear I lost my mind each semester.

In my PN program I had to go to therapy each week. RN programs I had to start antidepressants and a mood stabilizer and had a bunch of pep talks from my loved ones. I seriously wanted to quit every-day.

If I can do it, you can. Post on here any time we here for you.

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Specializes in Med-Surg RN.
17 hours ago, Snatchedwig said:

Baby girl sounds like your going through the dreaded imTIREDofTHISshxxxx-itis. I been through it every semester. I swear I lost my mind each semester.

In my PN program I had to go to therapy each week. RN programs I had to start antidepressants and a mood stabilizer and had a bunch of pep talks from my loved ones. I seriously wanted to quit every-day.

If I can do it, you can. Post on here any time we here for you.

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Thank you Snatchedwig☺️

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Specializes in Mental Health.

You aren’t alone. I bet if you brought it up with your fellow students you’d find a dozen others you see everyday feeling the same way. That said, stay ahead of it. When anxiety gets bad it will kick your butt so do something sooner rather than later, even if it is downloading headspace and meditating every day.

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