Daedalus

Thank you all for your responses! I definately have the support of my family and friends but sometimes I still feel like I'm battling this alone. Someone without this condition would just think I'm being lazy but that is definately not the case. I HATE being like this and I definately want to get better but sometimes I'm just not motivated to do anything. Its sad to know that other people have this condition but its also good to know that I'm not alone in my struggle. The depression and deep despair have decreased a little. The problem right now seems to be my anxiety. Once I get a thought into my head, I can't stop obsessing about it. Sometimes I don't even know why I'm nervous. I go back to nightshift in a few days and that will be the real challenge. I almost walked out of work during my last nightshift a few weeks ago because the anxiety got so bad. I think the key to beating this is to keep busy but its hard to try and keep busy when I have no determination to do anything. If anyone is interested in chatting or needs some support, feel free to leave me a private message and we can chat on msn/icq/aim/email. I'm a very good listener. Thanks again for the responses and take care. My mom is also a nurse and I know how hard you all work and how caring nurses are. Take care!

Hi all! First of all, I'm not a nurse so I hope you don't mind me using your forums. I work in the law enforcement field and we currently work 12 hours shifts, 4 on, 4 off and we rotate 4 shifts of days then 4 shifts of nights. I will spare you all how hard I find it to work shift because I'm sure you all have your own experiences and can relate. Actually, a 12 hour day works out to more like an 18 hour day, if you take into account the time I wake up to the time I go back to sleep. I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and my doctor has me on levothyroxin (synthroid). (I might also have some problems with depression but my doctor wants to straighten out my thyroid levels first before going on to other potential issues). What I would like to know is; have any of you ever dealt with problems of low thyroid levels or depression while working shiftwork? How did you deal with it? Its well documented the negative impact shiftwork has on the human body and I'm at an even bigger disadvantage having low thyroid levels. To be honest, I would really like to quit my job because I really don't have any interest in this field anymore and I can't stand the long hours and forcing myself to stay awake. My days off are a waste because I'm either sleeping or too tired to do anything. I've only been on my meds for a few weeks and I know this isn't the time to make a life changing decision like quitting my job but I really can't do this for the next 30 years! The money is good but what good is money if you're lying in a hospital bed when you're older?! I used to think money was important but now I realize that personal well being is more important. I'm sure there are plenty of nurses out there who have seen first hand the effects of low thyroid levels and negative effect it can have on a person (ie. depression, fatigue, etc). The side effects of my synthroid are also have some negative effects on me (eg, panic attacks, anxiety, etc). Anyway, I think I've taken up enough of your time. Any general comments, suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I'm coming to a crossroads in my life and I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. Thanks for your time!

Although I'm not in the nursing field (I'm considering going back to school to get a degree in Nursing), I believe I can give you some feedback. I currently work as a police officer and we work rotating shift work: 12 hour shifts, 4 shifts on, 4 shifts off. We do 2 rotations of days and then 2 rotations of nights. You're not going to like what I have to say, but studies have shown that shiftwork decreases your life expectancy. I suffer from the same problems as you do Bluegirl. Shiftwork is very draining, both mentally and physically and you never really do get used to it. One way of coping with shiftwork is to make the most of your days off. Don't waste your time lounging on the couch watching TV, no matter how exhausted you are. Go for a walk, go to the gym or just hang out with friends. Wasting time at home on your days off will only lead to depression and make things worse...trust me, I know what I'm talking about. I'm sorry I can't put a bright spin on things, but shiftwork really does suck. Work your way up the ranks and maybe one day you can get that straight day job. Good luck!!