Psych nurse trying to find counseling for my own mental illness

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 13, 2017

A lot of nurses who work in mental health have MH issues themselves. I think it makes most of them more empathetic towards the patients. There is no shame in having a mental health diagnosis of any kind, even for a man with past history of an eating disorder. Please go easier on yourself and know that you're not alone. ((((HUGS))))

Avid reader · Apr 13, 2017

I would not talk to any co-workers about your problems until you get to know them properly and I mean, never. There are many pitfalls sharing your problems with coworkers. You have a history of anxiety and depression which may or may not manifest itself through the eating disorder. Has any previous med regime worked for you? Anyone in your past support system trustworthy that you can contact? Obviously, you haven't carefully thought through your future plans, moving to a new city without support systems in place especially medical, so what generally works is to write your feelings down and list previous solutions that worked for each problem. Then follow the solutions.

You are probably overwhelmed currently because of the bigness of all the problems. This is why you make a list for assessment and identification of each problem. This makes it manageable. Then you choose the easiest problems like appointments which I imagine because of procrastination is significant and start with those. As each little problem is solved, you lessen your anxiety and build a little confidence.

Small steps and sensible behavior is paramount currently because misteps will increase your anxiety and excercerbate your depression, which is probably your primary problem currently. Small steps! Good luck.

middleagednurse · Apr 19, 2017

Maybe you could drive to another city ?

Guitarstrings · Apr 22, 2017

I exhausted nearly all resources I am aware of and finally found a therapist. The appointment isn't for a few more weeks, but it's better than no appt. at all.

Obviously, you haven't carefully thought through your future plans, moving to a new city without support systems in place especially medical,

No, I have fully thought this out, in terms that I knew I would need to find a new support system. Luckily my PCP form back home and I are on good enough terms where we communicate via phone and email to follow up (usually communicate once every 2 weeks or so)

Oddly enough, the thing that makes me happiest and seems most therapeutic is just going to work, sitting down with the patients and talking to them about THEIR issues. It helps me analyze my own issues, and the endorphin rush I feel from being able to provide legit advice as a success story helps me get through the day.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2017

Then I feel shame and hypocritical for being a mental health nurse who has mental health struggles of his own.[/Quote]
You're no more a hypocrite or need to be ashamed than a nurse with DM caring for pts with DM

guest52816 · Apr 24, 2017

I dare say that most people in this world suffer from some form of mental illness. Whether it is anxiety (who isn't anxious these days?), OCD, controlling behaviors, etc. You aren't any different from anybody else in this regard. Please understand this.

I am glad that you found help.

Best wishes.

nervousnurse, ASN · Apr 25, 2017

Hi, I just wanted to send you (( hugs )) and I'm SO happy you found a therapist. I'm sure moving to a new city just

made things harder! I hope you can stop being so hard on yourself---as you said "ashamed and a hypocrite"----you

have NOTHING to be ashamed of, nor are you a hypocrite! As you said, it's great to help your patients---try to

think of yourself as a patient who needs help; many people do! Be kind to yourSELF just as you are to your patients!

:)

I USED to be embarrassed to admit I suffer from depression and anxiety, too. As the years have gone by, I realize

there's NO need to be embarrassed! That doesn't mean I just tell ANYONE, though---of course--esp. my former coworkers.

A few therapists I've been to (and some dear family and friends) have ALL

told me that taking the step to GET HELP is actually a sign of STRENGTH---so, good for you! :)

Guitarstrings · May 19, 2017

Thanks for the support. I've been able to hook up with a therapist through a perk my job offers me (free counseling services for 6-12 sessions) and it's been beneficial after 2 sessions. It's made me realize how strong I can really be dealing with both dep/anxiety and working as a nurse (it's not exactly a low-stress environment at times).