Nursing & Depression

driftwood52 · Aug 7, 2005

It sounds to me like you had a panic attack. I've had them since I was 18 yrs. old. I take Wellbutrin XL for them and Xanax PRN. They are the worst thing I've ever dealt with, mainly because you never know when they're going to happen. I'm sorry you're having to deal with so much stress right now. I certainly hope it gets better for you. Do you think you could change from Paxil and try something else if it's not working as well? I went through 4 before I found one that works.
Panic attacks can run your life. I know because I'm a new grad. (12/04) and didn't take boards until 5/05 because of it. I'm still not working but am trying to get a job at a local hospital hopefully this month. I'm scared to death because of anxiety but I'm so tired of letting it run my life.
I do believe you should speak to your Dr. about your meds. And if you have another episode like that I believe it's panic attacks.
Good luck to you with your issues and family and I'm so sorry about your dog. I have 2 and am very attached, they're like family.
Sandy

Thanks for writing.....I'm up early today because I'm scheduled to work 7am-7pm, I have been off since Wednesday, so I hope it goes well. As many on this site have stated, we nurses have to be at our best when we are at work. So this morning, I'm trying not to think about any of my sadness.

I need to be more assertive with my Doctor (as I have asked him twice in the past year) if he thought I should try another antidepressant....he said "Paxil has worked well for you, so probably not".......but I guess I will have to insist. I hate to change doctors because he knows all my "stuff". But I can't go on like this, I guess I have frustration and anger about him, eventhough he has helped me a lot......but I want him to really be able to hear my current pain. How long did it take for your to know that Wellbutrin was working better than others?

sandiLa · Aug 7, 2005

It only took about 3-4 wks. for me to notice a significant change. Since I'd been taking other anti-depressants the medicine was still in my system. I never weaned off one I just didn't take that one anymore and started the next dose of the new one.

I wouldn't change Dr.'s unless you feel it's neccessary. Just tell him you want to try something different. And remind him you know your body better than he does. That's the same problem I had with my first Dr. He put me on Lexapro (bad reaction to that one), then Cymbalta (another reaction), and Paxil (gave me terrible headaches), now the Wellbutrin XL, I've had no problems so far from this one, thank goodness because I was at my wits end after taking three. I kept thinking nothing will ever help stop these panic attacks. But I kept going and trying to find one that worked for me. My Dr. told me that everyone has a certain mix of medications that works best for them and he had a lot of problems with people dealing with panic attacks so we'd find what was best for me. It was like night an day with him and my first Dr. And the best thing, my new Dr. is a GP and he doesn't try to money you to death. He listens and doesn't make me feel like an idiot. The last Dr. kept saying, Oh it'll get better you just need to learn how to control the panic attacks. Yea right, like I'd have been sitting in his office if I could control them.

Also I belong to a Yahoo group for panic attacks and a lot of the people there say they take Zoloft, well the majority of the ones who take meds for it take Zoloft. They say it works great for them.

I hope you find something to help you. Have faith, I know you will, just be persistent with that Dr. Good luck and keep us posted.

Sandy

driftwood52 · Aug 7, 2005

It sounds to me like you had a panic attack. I've had them since I was 18 yrs. old. I take Wellbutrin XL for them and Xanax PRN. They are the worst thing I've ever dealt with, mainly because you never know when they're going to happen. I'm sorry you're having to deal with so much stress right now. I certainly hope it gets better for you. Do you think you could change from Paxil and try something else if it's not working as well? I went through 4 before I found one that works.
Panic attacks can run your life. I know because I'm a new grad. (12/04) and didn't take boards until 5/05 because of it. I'm still not working but am trying to get a job at a local hospital hopefully this month. I'm scared to death because of anxiety but I'm so tired of letting it run my life.
I do believe you should speak to your Dr. about your meds. And if you have another episode like that I believe it's panic attacks.
Thanks for sharing! I am really lonely right now and I'm trying to keep myself on track and be basically functional so that I can go to work this upcoming week. I agree and I am going to talk to my doctor about trying another medication (it sure can't hurt)........as much as I'm hurting right now. You know how it feels when depression just "comes down over you", I can feel it coming over me, but there is nothing I can do to stop it. I tried explaining that to my mother once, she tries, but she doesn't get it. Like someone on this site said, "Unless you have experienced depression, you have no idea".
So I am glad I found this web site, just writing about my feelings helps. I know time heals all wounds and I look forward to the day when I can think of my friend and my Brittany and smile - instead of crying. Everything is just so SAD to me right now. Thanks for listening.
Good luck to you with your issues and family and I'm so sorry about your dog. I have 2 and am very attached, they're like family.
Sandy

Thanks for listening

mattsmom81 · Aug 7, 2005

Hi to everyone...just want to tell everyone that with a combination of a good therapist, Zoloft, and tincture of time.... my depression and anxiety are out of my life and I've felt better than I have in years.

When one has a biochemical depression, it is amazing what the meds can do. I am now a believer! and encourage those of you who are hurting to reach out for the help you need. Six months ago I didn't want to live. Today, I have goals, am smiling, laughing and finding joy everyday...and I can see a bright future . Problems that come along down the road are something I feel I can deal with now, instead of a feeling of overwhelming dread and wish to depart from the overwhelming 'work' and pain of life.

Good thoughts and well wishes for all here today. PM if you want to talk further; I've been deep within the pit and understand.

grannynurse FNP student · Aug 8, 2005

Hi to everyone...just want to tell everyone that with a combination of a good therapist, Zoloft, and tincture of time.... my depression and anxiety are out of my life and I've felt better than I have in years.
When one has a biochemical depression, it is amazing what the meds can do. I am now a believer! and encourage those of you who are hurting to reach out for the help you need. Six months ago I didn't want to live. Today, I have goals, am smiling, laughing and finding joy everyday...and I can see a bright future . Problems that come along down the road are something I feel I can deal with now, instead of a feeling of overwhelming dread and wish to depart from the overwhelming 'work' and pain of life.
Good thoughts and well wishes for all here today. PM if you want to talk further; I've been deep within the pit and understand.

It is so sad that some view nurses with mental health problems and issues, in a negative manner. Nurses are just as likely to suffer from mental health problems as the general public. It is unfortunate, that some of us avoid getting the help we need because of preceived attitudes. Well or sick, an indivdual with mental health problems needs our support.

Grannynurse :balloons:

Cute_CNA, CNA · Aug 9, 2005

I totally know where you are coming from. I have been a Critical Care RN since 1986, have seen it all, truthfully am a bit jaded and cynical. That is not my major problem though, I too have suffered from depression since 1991- first a full blown Clinical Depression (back then I took Doxepin) an old antidepressant. It seemed to quit working in 1997, so my doctor prescribed Paxil, which worked great at the beginning.
Since then I have been through a divorce, the loss of my family of "procreation", which broke my heart beyond repair (I believe). My parents say I'm living in the past too much, but unless you have experience the break up of your family, security etcc....well.....
Back to my depression....it has been classified over the years as "dysthymic disorder" (generalized low grade depression) and anhedonia - inability to experience pleasure. Nothing in life really brings me pleasure except my dogs and traveling out West to the Rockies and finally to Alaska, but I feel like I can't move because of my aging parents and my adult children who live nearby.
My main reason for posting is to say that last Friday (week ago) I had to euthanize my 14 year old Brittany Spaniel. She has been my constant companion for 14 years, such a sweet dog, loving and intuitive....her passing has devastated me, I cry every day, took two days off of work, but have to go back tomorrow. I feel like I am losing my fragile grip on sanity. I'm trying to cry when it comes over me, as my therapist told me I have a long history of repressing my feelings. (Had a childhood of severe emotional abuse) - so I take my Paxil and today I suddenly had this feeling of pure "terror", nothing specific was going on.....I was trying to catch up on laundry and clean the kitchen - this feeling scared me so much that I thougt of going to the ER, it felt like my mind was gone, I was going to scream and not stop, I was afraid to call on my family for fear they would think "lets put her in the hospital". I am the only medical professional in my family and they "freak" out over things. Anyway, I took an extra paxil and then went to bed (where I shut out the world). I know I am under great stress: financial, aging parents, a grown son with alcohol addiction and then the grief over my loving dog has totall sent me over the edge. I have totally isolated myself, I don't want to talk to anyone or see anyone. Surfing the internet has been some help and I'm glad I found this site. What should I do next?

Hold on! Don't you dare let go!

You are a normal person responding to an abnormal situation. Maybe you will never be the same again. But this, too, shall pass.

It's not unusual for people with anxiety to feel out of control. Only you can decide whether it's going to leave you incapacitated. If you really want to scream, find a pillow and scream into it.

I think you have lots of unresolved issues in your life. There have been losses that you have not dealt with, I suspect. A counselor would probably do you some good.

You need to build up more of a support system. It sounds like you might be relying on your dogs a bit much for support, but you also need humans to help you think things out.

Have you ever considered writing ALL your feelings down about ALL the issues that have been plaguing you? I think it might be a good idea, to help you sort out how you feel, and to help you acknowledge that you have those feelings. You need to get them down onto paper so that they will stop taking up so much space in your mind. You are not discarding your feelings; you are merely putting them somewhere else so you don't have to spend so much energy on them.

Good luck!

Coach Patch · Apr 10, 2006

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and love that there is a place for nurses to express themselves. I was pulled to this particular discussion because I am curious about where nurses go for support.

I am an RPN in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and am now a Certified Coach, specifically coaching nurses. I have been doing coaching workshops in hospitals, through the organizations themselves. I am now seeing my purpose more clearly, as I see the pain and need for healing that nurses themselves need.

I am presently looking for Toronto nurses, RNs, RPNs, nursing professionals, nursing managers, nursing directors etc etc who are willing to get together in a circle and share their experiences and help me understand where nurses are going for support.

I am also looking for others globally to help me understand where a nurse goes to be heard, loved, hugged and guided to healing herself. In researching on the web I found this forum. Otherwise, I only found groups there for nurses who are already abusing drugs and alcohol. Where is the support inbetween?

I am presently forming circles locally for such nurses and intend to move globally via teleclass as well as physically. I am so passionate about inspiring the healing of this profession and need everyones help to guide me in the direction that serves the nursing profession best.

Any feedback, ideas or wanting to participate in a direct conversation with me is my desire.

It is no mistake that I have joined this group. I need your help to make this happen.

Please look for a new forum group that I will start very soon.

Namaste,

Coach Patch

pooh54 · Apr 19, 2006

Howdy yall
from deep in the heat of texas
I dont understand why so many people are on drugs for so called or alledged depression.. I think its way overplayed in the news, the medias and everything else.
Basic things I do when Im a little down
1> I play golf
2> I exercise
3> I eat and sleep well
4> I get laid, excuse the language
5> I go dancing
6> I go to a movie
7> I go to a comedy club
8. Remember little problems are actually no problems, and all problems are little problems.
doo wah ditty

Hey teeitup, thanks for the suggestions. I just want to say that depression is MORE than feeling a little down, it can be like a black hole sucking all your energy into it. We nurses have to get better educated about depression since it's so pervasive in our hurry up and get it done culture. We also need to have a less judgemental attitude towards our fellow nurses regarding their issues. One of the nurses I work with has been quite open about her bipolar disorder but I hear many negative things from our fellow colleagues regarding her issues. It's supremely frustrating!

sasha2006 · Apr 19, 2006

Howdy yall
from deep in the heat of texas
I dont understand why so many people are on drugs for so called or alledged depression.. I think its way overplayed in the news, the medias and everything else.
Basic things I do when Im a little down
1> I play golf
2> I exercise
3> I eat and sleep well
4> I get laid, excuse the language
5> I go dancing
6> I go to a movie
7> I go to a comedy club
8. Remember little problems are actually no problems, and all problems are little problems.
doo wah ditty

I feel sorry for the patient that you treat that does suffer from depression or anxiety. I hope that you don't use your own personal bias to influence proper care of a real problem. Depression and anxiety are actual disorders. Golfing and getting laid aren't going to help someone with true depression Tom. Had to enlighten you on that one.

Some people draw a magic line from the neck down when considering what can go wrong in the human body, why should the brain and its functioning be considered any differently?

Your logic doesn't make much sense.

grannynurse FNP student · Apr 19, 2006

I feel sorry for the patient that you treat that does suffer from depression or anxiety. I hope that you don't use your own personal bias to influence proper care of a real problem. Depression and anxiety are actual disorders. Golfing and getting laid aren't going to help someone with true depression Tom. Had to enlighten you on that one.
Some people draw a magic line from the neck down when considering what can go wrong in the human body, why should the brain and its functioning be considered any differently?
Your logic doesn't make much sense.

It is too bad that depression is treated so cavalier by some of our peers. But there are a good number of our PCP who prescribe antdepressants inappropriately. And there are a good number of our patients who go in and ask for these drugs because they are feeling a little 'blue'. And believe the advertisments they have seen.

Grannynurse:balloons:

nicolentony · Apr 19, 2006

Although I only needed an antidepressant for a short time, I thank god that it was available for my postpartum depression. I was unable to relax and sleep after the birth of my son. I cried everyday for 20 minute jags for no reason. I was happy for the birth of my son, but I couldn't relax or sleep. My doctor put me on Zoloft and within 3 days, I felt like my old self again and I was able to go on with life.

celeste7767 · Apr 20, 2006

By definition, nursing is a job with a tremendous amount of responsibility and very little authority. I read somewhere years ago that that is the worst possible type of job to have if you want to maintain optimum mental health. The nurse is REQUIRED by the Nurse Practice Act, or by the facility in which she works, or by the physician, or by State Law to practice at specified standards whether they are possible to attain or not. For example, a patient in restraints is supposed to be checked every 15 minutes and have complete range of motion done q1hr. We have check sheets where the nurse signs her name that she has done this at the end of her shift. The people with the authority, usually JCAHO or the BON, come up with these standards of practice and, in a perfect world,where there is one RN for every 4 patients these standards can be achieved. I haven't worked for over a year, and I don't think I will ever return to nursing because I will not work in an job where I cannot possibly maintain the standards that are required of me.

Nursing & Depression

Nurses and Depression/Anxiety