Prospective Nursing Student with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

DaFreak71 · May 9, 2006

As long as your anxiety is controlled by meds, I can't see why having GAD would preclude you from getting a job. I had to start on an anti-anxiety med this semester (as did several people in my class, LOL). Nurses are just as prone as anyone else to have mental health issues. Just be aware of your emotions and get help early if you need it. I also would suggest that you don't mention it to your instructors/potential employer. Not that it's anything to be ashamed of, but who needs the stigma? Plus it really isn't any of their business unless you feel like sharing it.

Best wishes;)

shock-me-sane · May 9, 2006

you should be fine. just keep seeing you psychiatrist as stress levels tend to increase in the program. but i do want to echo above and tell you that this info is best kept to yourself (ie. do not let the nursing department/staff know)

RNSuzq1, RN · May 9, 2006

Hi Chris,

I agree with the poster who said - keep your health info. to yourself, nobody needs to know your private business. Nursing School is incredibly stressful and over the last couple of years I've heard at least 1/2 of my classmates say that they're on meds for anxiety, so you definitely won't be alone. For 2 years - I've sat near a girl who constantly shook her leg back and forth uncontrollably (Nerves) and kept wishing she'd take something to calm herself down.. As long as you can stay focused & take your meds, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Good Luck to you. Sue

maliat · May 9, 2006

I'm just starting nursing school this fall. And I've had problems with anxiety and depression since I was a teenager. And I've been on prozac for who knows how many years. I had a really good psychiatrist who taught me techniques to overcome everyday problems with anxiety and depression. The main thing for me is to recognize the symptoms of when I'm getting worse and do something about it. I had a really bad period when I was in graduate school (this was before I decided on nursing.) I was having all these other health problems, and my NP noticed that I wasn't doing so well otherwise and reccomended that I get counseling. I should have listened to her, becuase it all became overwhelming and I ended up withdrawing from the program. I'm doing much better now, and plan to listen to people when they tell me that I probably need counseling.

Good Luck-

Malia

lizzybeth · May 10, 2006

GAD is very common and treatable. It should not be a source of shame. As nursing students we should all understand that it is a body system dysfunction just like diabetes or hypertension! Having an anxiety disorder is so prevalent in our society because of the way everything is so fast paced and technological. It is a result of our society more than a new "disease". I have always been "bashful" , as my grandmother used to call it, but in nursing school it really came out as anxiety because I had to be front and center. After much thought, I decided I l I makeit. In other words--I visualized myself in certain unexpected situations and thought through what I would do before I got to clinical situations. Especially since that was my big problem with anxiety--unknown circumstances.It usually works. Also, counseling helped me--I went for 4 months-- so give it a shot. Make sure you have references so you don't waste your time and endure more anxiety. Ask your primary care provider or ,as in my case , a naturopathic DR., to give you reference.

Good Luck! LizzyBeth

lizzybeth · May 10, 2006

GAD is very common and treatable. It should not be a source of shame. As nursing students we should all understand that it is a body system dysfunction just like diabetes or hypertension! Having an anxiety disorder is so prevalent in our society because of the way everything is so fast-paced and technological. It is a result of our society more than a new "disease". I have always been "bashful" , as my grandmother used to call it, but in nursing school it really came out as anxiety because I had to be front and center. After much thought, I decided I will fake it til I make it. In other words--I visualized myself in certain unexpected situations and thought through what I would do before I got to clinical situations. Especially since that was my big problem with anxiety--unknown circumstances.It usually works. Also, counseling helped me--I went for 4 months-- so give it a shot. Make sure you have references so you don't waste your time and endure more anxiety. Ask your primary care provider or ,as in my case , a naturopathic specialist, to give you references.Have Faith!

Good Luck! LizzyBeth