Need Support and Advice

Davey Do · Oct 19, 2018

Yeah. About 20 years ago, I had multiple life stressors which included, but were not limited to, a failing marriage, health problems, a stabbing by a patient which resulted in PTSD symptoms, first responder at a MVA death with subsequent body fluid exposure, a $50,000.00 lawsuit, family ostracization, and what I guess you could call burnout.

The way I believe I recovered was going through therapy, specifically art therapy, and doing a lot of aerobic exercise like bicycling and working out with weights. I also got heavily into spiritual and recovery programs like Emotions Anonymous.

You've taken the first step in dealing with your situation, Invisible2u, by reaching out and gathering data.

We here on AN.com can act as virtual supporters, and I wish you the very very best in your journey!

BlinkyPinky · Oct 19, 2018

So sorry, DaveyDo! í ½í¸¥

Davey Do · Oct 19, 2018

So sorry, DaveyDo! ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

Thanks for the empathy, BlinkyPinky!

But it is now, as they say, all water under the bridge.

And as Joseph Campbell said- I'm paraphrasing here- "The consciousness is changed through trials and tribulations resulting in illuminating revelations".

Had I not gone through all that stuff, I would not be who I am- someone who is relatively okay with who they are.

Thanks again, BlinkyPinky!

Invisible2u · Oct 19, 2018

Thank you so much. I can not imagine all that you went through! Bless you

Davey Do · Oct 20, 2018

Thank you for the kind words, Invisible2u!

This thread is about you and your strife in dealing with your situation. Some members find comfort in expressing themselves and getting feedback from empathetic members on these forums. Whatever works, that is appropriate, to deal with one's feelings is therapeutic and encouraged.

I choose not to handle my emotional pain via the internet. Emotions and the situations that cause these emotions are very personal to me. I choose to deal with my feelings through other methods, including expression in the written word and art.

Should you like to discuss these methods that I have found to be therapeutic, Ivisible2u, whether be they specific or conceptual, is your choice. I am open and willing.

Once again, the very best to you!

Orion81RN · Oct 20, 2018

Yeah. About 20 years ago, I had multiple life stressors which included, but were not limited to, a failing marriage, health problems, a stabbing by a patient which resulted in PTSD symptoms, first responder at a MVA death with subsequent body fluid exposure, a $50,000.00 lawsuit, family ostracization, and what I guess you could call burnout.
The way I believe I recovered was going through therapy, specifically art therapy, and doing a lot of aerobic exercise like bicycling and working out with weights. I also got heavily into spiritual and recovery programs like Emotions Anonymous.
You've taken the first step in dealing with your situation, Invisible2u, by reaching out and gathering data.
We here on AN.com can act as virtual supporters, and I wish you the very very best in your journey!

Wow, thank you for sharing, Davey.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 20, 2018

I had a very unfortunate outcome involving a patient when I first became an APRN. It was devastating both personally and professionally. My practice fully supported me and years later I'm still employed at the same place.

Please take care of yourself.

allnurses Guide · Oct 20, 2018

I personally got so burned out in the dawn of my career that I actually tried to kill myself and almost succeeded. I received great support not only from my fellow nurses at the time but from physicians and hospital administrators. It took me about 5 years to totally recover and achieve a balanced life but all is good now.

I would like to add that nothing is so bad that it can't be fixed or addressed. As we are still in mental illness awareness month I remind all that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign one has been trying to be strong for too long.

Hppy