Nursing with Depression

Nurses Stress 101

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Hi all. I am a new grad nurse who is currently signed off work for a severe bout of depression. I am afraid to go back to work as it seems work has exacerbated my depression over the last few months. Anyone have any experience getting through a severe depression and successfully integrating back into the unit? Any help is appreciated.

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Do you work night shift? Nights has exacerbated my depression severely to the point that I am about to be nonfunctioning. My mental health provider even said this can happen. I am trying desperately to find a day shift position.

If you do work nights, maybe switching to days will help you.

Same here. I don't work nights period. I am epileptic & have bipolar disorder so I know working nights will only make me more prone to seizures & manicky.

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Currently I am on days but could have the option to go back to nights if I think that would help but it would be about six weeks until I could go back to nights. I would have to work days until then as I can't afford that much time off.

Both days and nights have their pros and cons for me and I'm having a hard time deciding.

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Currently I am on days but could have the option to go back to nights if I think that would help but it would be about six weeks until I could go back to nights. I would have to work days until then as I can't afford that much time off.

Both days and nights have their pros and cons for me and I'm having a hard time deciding.

I have never worked days as a nurse but I thought maybe it would help because I didn't have the weight gain and mood swings I now have when I worked day shift in college.

Maybe switching jobs? If you are disatisfied with you job switching may help.

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Same here. I don't work nights period. I am epileptic & have bipolar disorder so I know working nights will only make me more prone to seizures & manicky.

I have never worked days as a nurse. I have switched jobs many times in 5 years because I thought it was the job that was bothering but the last few months I have been thinking it's Night shift, not the job in particular.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I have never worked days as a nurse. I have switched jobs many times in 5 years because I thought it was the job that was bothering but the last few months I have been thinking it's Night shift, not the job in particular.

It probably is nights. I have had to turn down so many jobs I have wanted, including this last job I was called for. All because I know if I work nights I won't get enough sleep & I could have a seizure or become manic. Then I will be useless.

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As a grad nurse we had to sign a contract that said we would stay on a certain unit for a year after orientation, so I am in this position until at least September. I did a few months on nights and it didn't agree with me. I was irritable and fell asleep driving home twice. Although my switch to days has been marred by my current health condition, I'm hoping that by the time I go back to work I will be better equipped for days.

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

In my area there a very few psychiatrists. I see a Psychologist for talk therapy and he recommends to my PCP prescriptions. This has worked well for me. Sounds like you need to see a therapist to work on whatever contributes to your depression. It can be hard to find one to get in to see soon, but it is worth considering. Especially if you are going back to work before you are really ready. I use to see mine monthly, now I go for checkups q 6 months.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

Have you been there a year yet? Can you get FMLA?

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I am going to start the FMLA process. I just don't want to use it as a crutch for going back to work too soon.

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I am going to start the FMLA process. I just don't want to use it as a crutch for going back to work too soon.

Some places have the employee assistance mental health programs too. Usually it is a free service to employees. You could contact human resources to see if this program is available to you.

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It probably is nights. I have had to turn down so many jobs I have wanted, including this last job I was called for. All because I know if I work nights I won't get enough sleep & I could have a seizure or become manic. Then I will be useless.

I am having these issues now. No sleep. Mood swings. Emotional.

Please tell me it will get better.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I am having these issues now. No sleep. Mood swings. Emotional.

Please tell me it will get better.

If you get more sleep it can get better.

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