Nursing school is feeding my low self esteem

[PJishere]

Hi,

I'm on my 2nd year of ADN program. I'm doing well actually. I actually enjoyed the first year, everything seemed so new and fresh. But as I progress into the 2nd year. I feel that I'm not progressing the way I had wanted. I'm back to my usual quiet self who wants to blend in the background.

I feel like nursing is awakening the stressors I buried from childhood and growing up. I give myself **** for the littlest things and I yell at myself everyday like I have tourettes. I want to cry but I just end up getting mad at myself.

My major problem I guess is I hate interacting with my classmates (except for a few). But I dont mind being in the hospital with patients. I just dont feel like im good enough compared to my classmates. I feel like im seen as weak because I dont speak much or participate in class. I honestly am just not a very verbal person. I have anxiety talking in a class setting.

I'm not looking for sympathy. I guess I just want to know how you guys coped with low self esteem and stress.

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

My self esteem improved greatly once I did two things: stopped comparing myself to other people, and stopped caring what other people thought of me. I know those aren't necessarily easy things to do, but try not to let other people live in your head rent free. Don't compare your skills to your classmates - if you want to compare yourself to someone, compare yourself to the person you were last year at this time. Surely you've learned so much! Celebrate that.

You do you - it matters not what people think of you, as long as you're not rude to them, of course.

[PJishere]

thanks so much. I do gotta stop comparing myself. I should look at my progress despite feeling like I've taken a step back.

I read into people too much, some personalities are too strong and obnoxious, those are the ones I don't like to interact with but I have no choice since theyre in my group. *sigh* just a little longer till I graduate