New CNA feeling very depressed

tomc5555 · Aug 29, 2011

I'm a very new CNA, I've had my job for about a month now. The problem is every day before work I feel sick to my stomach thinking about it. The morning of work I wake up constantly and my heart pounds and races. I'm feeling very depressed constantly and I can feel it getting worse. I've been having break downs and I've been eating constantly. I feel lost and sad and I don't know how to make it better. Has anyone else had this kind of problem?

I would talk to your medical doctor ASAP. This could be a medical problem causing your feelings. Your MD should be able to sort this out with you.

Good luck.

yajaira21 · Aug 31, 2011

How is your work environment ? Sometimes people can be toxic ,are your co-workers making you feel this way? I have worked around creeps before. I would always come home mad and edgy and didn't know why but, when I really thought about it it was the people around me they had very negative vibes.

I got a new job and I dont have that problem anymore

mermcm83 · Aug 31, 2011

Don't let other peoples negative energy rub off on you and make you sick...no job is worth that. I would go talk with someone just in case it is more serious. But keep your head up, remember that you and everything that you do is important. :yeah:

amybear · Aug 31, 2011

I am in the exact same situation!!! I'm working my first CNA job and I only work every other weekend but I find myself dreading it days before I have to go in to work. I think I work in a decent place as far as nursing homes go but even so I feel nervous and depressed about going to work.

yousoldtheworld · Aug 31, 2011

A few years ago, I had very similar issues - I was even put on antidepressants. In my case, I think it was a combination of absolutely hating my job (I never felt comfortable or competent there, was constantly berated by coworkers, and found the job extremely unrewarding), the fact that I worked 3rd shift and rarely saw sunlight, and a variety of personal issues. Things improved when I got a new job and made a few small changes.

I definitely think you should at least talk to your doctor. You want to find out if there could be a medical cause to your feelings or if it is solely caused by your job. It can be really hard to tell, sometimes.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Sep 4, 2011

YES. I felt exactly like that for at least a month when I started my CNA job. I was stressed out and anxious even on my days off. I just felt like I was really bad at my job, that everyone hated me, and things would never get better. I was convinced that I would never get the hang of it and that pretty soon I would be fired. Things eventually got better as I got more comfortable with the job and the people there. Do you have problems with anxiety to begin with? I do. I was also working 2nd shift and I think that contributed to the problem. I wasn't used to those hours (I'm a morning person) and the schedule didn't suit me. AND... I started the job the same time of year as you and this is when I start to get depressed no matter what because I have SAD. Just some things to think about. What helped me was to write down all of my feelings about the job- that in itself is helpful, but I also told myself that I would read it in another month, and if I still felt the same way that I would give myself permission to quit. When the month was up I was already feeling a lot better, but knowing that I could quit helped me get through when it was bad.

jb2u, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

CNA work is very challenging!! First, you will get better at it, but the workload will always be there. Second, remember that there are other CNA jobs out there, such as home health or hospice, that may be more manageable.

I hope things get better for you!!

Melanie Quigney · Dec 17, 2021

I feel this. I love my job. I love all the residents, but depression is kicking my butt. Things break my heart daily. My body is actually physically and emotionally breaking at this moment. I found this thread, and I need help. I don't know what to do. It's not even the stress of the job that is making me sad. I'm not stressed over helping anyone. I'm sad watching people go. I'm questioning if I can emotionally handle it.