Major Anxiety & Depression starting this semester of Nursing school; Please help!

[JAS44]

So I just started my 3rd year of nursing school a couple weeks ago. Last semester was my first semester of clinical (Med-Surg) once a week along with classes 3 days a week. Of course I was stressed out (especially taking Pharm) but I did not feel the way that I do this semester. It has only been 2 weeks and I've already had doubts about becoming a nurse. I am currently in Maternity clinical on Tuesdays 1400-2100 and Med surg clinical on Thursdays 0645-1500. I also have classes MWF and a Lab on Fridays. Until October 5th, I won't have Med surg anymore, and Peds will replace my Maternity clinical. I have always been about nursing, and always wanted to be one after my father became terribly ill. I took care of him while I was in high school with the best of knowledge every day after he was able to come home after 8 months of hospitalization and physical rehab centers. I was always just one to find such pleasure is helping people and taking care of them.

Now, for some reason anxiety and depression is getting the best of me. I know that my schedule is heavy this first half of the semester. And I also know that life is life and it is normal to get overwhelmed. Some stressful and life changing events had happened to me over the summer as well so I'm sure that contributes to some of the anxiety. However, I only find myself freaking out when I go to open my laptop and start homework! I don't know what is going on but I know I want to do this. I don't really enjoy Med-Surg but I honestly think the only reason being is because this is new to me, I'm scared, I'm not totally familiar with what to do in every situation, so it's scary - it's hard.

I am not on any anxiety meds or antidepressants. As soon as I try to start homework it feels like my heart is racing and I literally could cry. I just don't understand why this hasn't been the case before. I'm in my junior year! I'm also scared I won't like it; even tho I do now. It may sound silly... but is it worth it? Are you able to enjoy your life as a nurse? Does your work consume you? Sometimes I wonder why I took on such a stressful career path when I know how anxious I get. Not to sound tough but I have been through a lot (more than most has seen for my age 22) and I'm not going to give up. But sometimes I get very close.

I just need some answers and some advice.. I don't have much support or advice. Why am I freaking out?! should I keep pushing?? Will I ever find a clinical rotation I really really enjoy? I don't know what to do.. If I keep letting my anxiety get the best of me I'm going to start falling behind. I was thinking about taking a year off of school but then next year I'd just have to deal with the same stress and be a year behind!!!

Thank you to everyone.

[thelittleRNwhocould]

I can empathize with what you're going through. While in nursing school, I struggled with severe anxiety, panic attacks (complete with wheezing/stridor, curled up in the fetal position crying), and bouts of depression. In my estimation, approximately a third of my cohort were on antidepressants or anxiolytics, and most were at least moderately, if not severely, stressed. I tried Xanax - once. I found that I couldn't function on it, unfortunately. Medications shouldn't be your first resort (and any good counselor will tell you so), but if you end up needing them it's nothing to be ashamed of.

Nursing school is crazy. It is overwhelming. It is hard. Does your school provide counseling services? When I was at my worst with panic attacks, I made an appointment with one of the therapists that the school kept on staff. She helped me discuss what was stressing me, gave me suggestions for how to decrease my anxiety (one of which was biofeedback, which was actually very helpful - it's an awareness of your body, and using your breathing to slow your heart rate and relax your body).

Remember to breathe. Take a second, set the book down, and breathe in and out deeply and steadily with your eyes closed. Schedule in times to relax (whether that's coloring, taking a walk, taking a hot bath/shower, drinking a cup of tea or decaf coffee, etc). Limit your caffeine, drink more water, eat food that is healthy (your body feels better when you eat better). Reach out to your support systems (family? friends? nursing school friends? church? Whatever will help you feel supported). And just know - this will end. The endless papers, homework assignments, care plans, textbook reading.... it will all end, and you will be so proud of that RN you get to sign behind your name.

[shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP]

You need to get help. Ask your advisor about seeing a psychiatrist and a talk therapist. Do this ASAP so it doesn't impact school performance.

Good luck.