New Male GN with anxiety

Nurses Men

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I just graduated ADN. I've been having severe issues with anxiety, and I think it is going to affect my overall performance and the way management looks at me....Our first two weeks consisted mainly of classroom work, and for some reason, this triggers my panic attacks. I've had to leave twice, and could NOT come back into the classroom. I am taking ativan daily. It seems to help, but i have no insurance right now, so ...well, I don't have access to medical advice or prescriptions. I am wondering if this panic disorder is going to send me into unemployment. I worry about it all the time...

I've always had a moderate anxiety disorder, just a nervous person. But for the last six months, I've been much more anxious, drinking more, and having full-blown panic attacks. (I think perhaps aggorphobia, however you spell that) I wonder does anyone else have a similar disorder? I am constantly tired, and almost daily, have panic attacks where i just need to leave the room...hot flashes, trembling, parasthesias, severe dizziness. I know i need to see a doc, but i have no benefits until august, and I have financial obligations. Nursing is stressful, but so is life. It doesnt seem as though stress triggers these attacks. Any advice greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in M/S/Ortho/Bari/ED.

Walmart Has a $4.00 prescription plan where anybody can get almost any medicine for $4.00. Ativan is not a long term solution since you really can't take it while you are working as a nurse.

There are other meds out there that can help you, along with counseling. Buspar is an older med for chronic anxiety, but it is non-narcotic.

If you can't get help until August have you tried your local free mental health clinic? Sometimes there is a wait, but every county should have a Health Department (MH) for those unable to get help elsewhere....You don't have to live in fear and panic. There are treatments out there that can get you down to a level you can function with. I'd start with the county Health Department.

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Walmart Has a $4.00 prescription plan where anybody can get almost any medicine for $4.00. Ativan is not a long term solution since you really can't take it while you are working as a nurse.

There are other meds out there that can help you, along with counseling. Buspar is an older med for chronic anxiety, but it is non-narcotic.

If you can't get help until August have you tried your local free mental health clinic? Sometimes there is a wait, but every county should have a Health Department (MH) for those unable to get help elsewhere....You don't have to live in fear and panic. There are treatments out there that can get you down to a level you can function with. I'd start with the county Health Department.

why cant i take ativan, if it helps, as a nurse??

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why cant i take ativan, if it helps, as a nurse??

Benzos are strongly addictive. BTW, don't combine with alcohol.

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

I would second the suggestion for seeing a mental health professional ASAP. Even if there isn't a free clinic, they often having sliding scale fees.

I wonder if you're suffering from depression as well...it's often linked with anxiety and panic attacks. You may need to take an antidepressant, which can help with both the fatigue and anxiety. Unlike the older drugs, these newer ones have few side effects and unlike tranquilizers they're not addictive.

One brief note: Make sure you feel comfortable with your counselor. if you don't, find another one, they won't be insulted

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

It's beyond the scope of this forum to help you. This should be discussed with your medical professionals. Good luck.

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