Night shift & mental health

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Specializes in LPN.

I am an LPN and have been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and depression. I have been on the same medication regimen for a few years and have been pretty stable. Until I wasn't. About  7 months ago I decided to switch to the night shift. Since doing so I have experienced and increase in suicidal thoughts, more frequent and extended manic episodes, increased agitation, and impulsivity. I have tried changing pretty much everything except for the shift im working, meds incuded and m now starting to feel like it is night shift. Can anyone help me with any insight on this, whether it be from personal experience, a friend, or even an article you read about it?

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Night shift is your problem,  Personally, I could not handle nights. You have significant mental health issues , as well. Can you get back on days... or perhaps afternoons?

Please discuss this  with your provider. An increase in suicidal thoughts should be dealt with STAT, 

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Night shift plays havoc with our systems, Dtylee.

Having worked nearly half of my 40+ year career on the MN shift, I can commiserate. Our heath is much more important than money and needs to be prioritized. What helped me the best was staying on a MN shift, which I could do, remaining childless and my SO worked MNs

I could explain the physiology behind sleep deprivation and getting off one's typical circadian cycle, but bottom line, look out after your physical and mental health. Seek professional services and do whatever it takes to assure your well-being and safety.

The very best to you.

 

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Seven years on the same medication regimen with no issues. The only change you note is night shift which now results in medication changes, mental health changes, etc.

Change back to day shift and let your mental health provider know the issues you're having 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

When I started working I took a night position I did it for two years but my mental health started to suffer right from the start. I have alway suffered from depression but what I experienced was something different from what I previously felt. I also had a new baby at home. It got so bad that around the end of the 2nd year I tried to kill myself. My journey back to stable mental health is well documented on this forum and it's been 20 years. I work 8 hour day sifts now and while 5 8's is tough I have arranged it so I have a 3 day weekend every two weeks.  You are correct though.

hppy

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