Nursing school anxiety / depression

[GodHealsAll]

So I am 26 years old and currently enrolled in my local comm. college RN program part time. In the beginning of the semester I did well, I passed all my clinical skills, got a 82% and then a 75% on my first & second exams & got all 100% on my calc. for pharm exams. I work full time in a hospital and I would come straight home - study, spend time with my family (mother and daughter) & everything was fine. Out of no where and I mean out of no where I just started having so much anxiety and depression to the point where I can not even look at my text books/notes without having a panic attack. I find myself saying do I really want to be a nurse? Will I be happy? It's gotten to the point where I had an anxiety attack and had to leave work and be out the following day. I spoke to my doctor and he wants me on antidepressants and to see a therapist!! I only have 3 weeks left of my first semester and I have no motivation or desire to even study for this, I've tried and cannot focus! I feel burnt out! I have even been looking up alternative degrees. I know nursing students stress, but it can not possibly be this bad? or is it? What should I do? Does it get better as a working RN? I feel so heart broken and lost right now

[emmjayy, BSN, RN]

Hey, OP! Fellow anxiety/depression sufferer here. Fortunately, both of these are very mild in me but it is horrible when either/both hit!! Something that helps me (besides seeing a therapist - which is super helpful and nothing to be ashamed of) is examining my feelings and asking "why?" You're asking yourself if you really want to be a nurse - but why are you asking yourself that? What's underneath that, what's driving the question? Why are you panicking every time you think about studying? Identifying the root feelings, which are often messy and hard to talk about or even admit to yourself, is really helpful because it brings them out into the light and you can address them. A therapist can really help with that process. It does sound like you are doing a great job though - balancing a full time job, getting great grades in school, and being a mom! Take it from an objective internet stranger, you are rocking this - even though I know it doesn't feel that way.

I hope you get the support/help you need to push through :)

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

This may have very little to do with nursing... and more to do with underlying issues that would have surfaced no matter what you were studying.

Take care of yourself first. You can't invest resources that you just don't have to give. School will always be there when you're ready.

[GodHealsAll]

Thank you. But I do believe it does have a lot to do with nursing school this is my second time in it. The first time the same thing happened, but I thought it was because I was taking too many classes. And now taking the minimum amount of classes I still feel the same. I'm finishing off the semester and then speaking to a career counselor. I'm just heartbroken bc nursing is something I always thought I wanted to do. But it shouldn't be effecting my health like this. The thought of leaving nursing is relieving and also depressing. Thanks a lot for your comment.