Nursing School Is Literally Driving Me Crazy

[jesskidding, LPN]

I am a first year/second semester student in an ADN program.

I also have a number of anxiety and panic disorders along with major depression that are all being treated with medications.

Is there anyone else out there that is going through nursing school with these issues? How do you handle everything? Did you let your school know? As of now I am thinking it's better to keep it to myself.

I was thinking about going to the Student's With Disabilities office and letting them know everything just in case something happens and they need something on record. For example, I panic during an exam, etc.

I am a great student and even better in clinical, but for some reason my symptoms are worse during school and slack off during breaks.

Thankfully, my school offers 10 "hybrid" spots for students to watch lectures from home and we come in for skills check-offs, test, etc. This has helped with my social anxiety as I don't have to sit in a room for hours with 60+ people.

Also, thank goodness, I feel most at ease when caring for my patients during clinical.

Has anyone else been through this and what advice to you have?

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

I have not been through this, but as an instructor, I've seen it. It will not be an easy journey for you, but it will not be impossible. It's best or you to take advantage of whatever you can to help you make the most of your educational experience. -most impirtantly: do you have a diagnosis? are you in therapy? Do you take medication? Now is not the time to try getting through life without these things. Don't be too proud or embarrassed. These things will only help you. -definitely seek out the school's services for students with disabilities. Do it now; don't wait until after (God forbid) you fail. If your school has a two-strike (Fail) policy, you don't want to wait until you have to disclose information. From the perspective of faculty, it doesn't look good if you suddenly disclose a diagnosis or disability after you failed a class. There is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. You don't want to blow your chance to succeed.

[jesskidding, LPN]

I am in therapy and see my therapist and MD regularly.

Here are my exact dx: GAD, Major Depression and Borderline Personality Disorder

I take 0.5 mg Klonopin PRN and 50 mg Pristiq q daily.

I don't feel like I am proud or even embarrassed really, I just don't want to be singled out.

[jesskidding, LPN]

After some thought, I am going to go to the Students with Disabilities office first thing Tuesday morning.

Thank you for your advice.

[NCRNMDM, ASN, RN]

I am sure that going through nursing school with those conditions is very hard for you. Nursing school can be stressful for someone who has a perfect home life, and no medical conditions. I can't imagine the struggles you face, and I commend you on your bravery and your determination to become a nurse. Those issues shouldn't be anything to be embarrassed about. They are medical conditions, and they should be treated as such. Having major depression isn't any different than having asthma, COPD, or another chronic disorder. You need to let your faculty and staff know about your conditions sooner rather than later. As ProfRN4 said, it won't look good if you are forth coming with your faculty after you fail a class, test, etc. Tell them now, let them know, and don't be ashamed. I have seizures, which is nothing in comparison, and for a long time I was horribly embarrassed to tell any of the faculty. I am taking medication and have been seizure free for over a year, but I hated to talk about it. I always felt as though it made me seem weak, defective, and dangerous. That isn't the case, and I now realize that there isn't anything to be ashamed about. The same can be said for you. You have nothing to be ashamed of, or worried about. The faculty will understand, and they won't judge you when you tell them. Let them know, and good luck with your nursing education!

[staceym]

jesskidding, I have GAD so there are moments in a semester where I feel like taking a Xanex every 4 hours. The big things that help me are staying prepared (helps me not freak out during a test), exercising every single day (I run hard every time I finish a hard class... helps keep the edge down and I practice yoga nightly-my anxiety is worse at night), get a good night's rest as often as possible, eat well, avoid alcohol and keep with taking your meds and seeing your doctor and therapist. My GAD isn't always manageable, or so it feels, but I always remind myself that each "episode" will pass and it's all in my head. It's the mantra I repeat over and over again as I pace and focus on breathing. Your condition is obviously different then mine, as it is for each person, but I believe you can do it and you need to believe that you can do it. The biggest help for me: knowing I can live with this disorder and still be able to help others. Someday, as a nurse, I would love to share my story with those suffering from GAD too.