Mental health vs BON

[StartingOverFresh]

First time poster here and I want to share a little bit of background before diving into my question/situation. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the US Army where I served in multiple combat zones (not a medic but saw a fair amount of combat). After starting a family I decided it was time for me to separate and pursue a career in nursing. I was able to attend/ graduate from a good nursing program and land a great job in an ICU setting. Throughout this entire time I knew in the back of my mind that I should seek out professional mental health but have put off doing this out of fear of "ruining my chances of nursing". 

At work, I have no problems managing patients and separating my working life from my personal life. I have not experienced any suicidal/homicidal thoughts but would like to be able to relax and enjoy life more with my family. After dragging my feet for the past few years, my wife has convinced me to seek out help but I am worried about telling another health professional about my experiences and feelings. I fear that I could be reported to the BON if the clinician feels I could possibly be a safety risk to anyone at work. Put bluntly- I have worked hard for the past few years to set myself up where I am at and I don't want to relinquish my ability to do what I want to anyone else. 

I am at a crossroad now in my life where I need to decide between fully opening up and making my life even more enjoyable (at the risk of losing my license?) or suck it up  while continuing to work hard hoping that the stigma surrounding mental health is lessened so that one day. What opinions do you have? Other options? Blown out of proportion?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post I truly appreciate your advice!

[Davey Do]

As one who has received therapy for PTSD, yes, I'd say yes this is being blown out of proportion, StartingOverFresh.

Do what you know you need to do.

Welcome to allnurses and thank you for serving our country!

[StartingOverFresh]

Thank you for your support Davey Do I appreciate it and will be moving forward in my search for my inner peace! 

[PoodleBreath]

I also have PTSD and have been in therapy. I also spent many years working with veterans who have PTSD. My suggestion is to find a provider who specializes in PTSD (a lot of them say they do but their experience is very limited and it can be very frustrating) Find someone who is really dedicated to this. You're not alone. And remember that your trauma comes from a place of a deeply personal wish to serve others, even at great cost to yourself. We need dedicated, caring, understanding people in this profession. But we also need to protect each other and this profession needs to stop costing us so much of ourselves.

 

[Davey Do]

18 minutes ago, StartingOverFresh said:

Thank you for your support Davey Do I appreciate it and will be moving forward in my search for my inner peace! 

You're so welcome, StartingFreshOver. I wish you godspeed in your endeavor!

My initial reply to your post was short because I was being called away, but also wanted to convey to you the admiration and respect I sense on the fulfillment of your military duties and the fact that you became a nurse and continue to serve your fellow persons.

Your search for inner peace has already begun, as you are considering actions and are proactive in seeking information and advice.

I have a suggestion that is worth your consideration, which is to manually write down any thoughts and feelings that cycle in your mind or repeatedly revisit. The act of writing, and not merely typing, what's in your mind is a sort of catharsis. We can make those thoughts and feelings tangible and do with them whatever we wish.

After my traumatic incident, I sought services from an art therapist and can readily say it was a life-enhancing experience.

Once again, good luck in your endeavor, StartingFreshOver, and know that we here on allnurses will be here as your virtual support!

 

[StartingOverFresh]

Poodlebreath thank you also for the encouragement! I now plan to take this year dedicated to self care. I am going to look into the VA for treatment which I have not historically done due to the negative connotations. I really appreciate all of the positivity from both you and Davey Do!