Losing job because of panic attacks

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

I'm about to lose my job as a psychiatric nurse because of my panic attacks. I can see myself in my patients too much. I lost my previous job as a medical centre nurse because of depression and anxiety and panic attacks. Now I am about to lose my dream job. Being a mental health nurse is what defines me. All because of panic attacks.

Specializes in Geriatrics.

As a mental health nurse, what would you do for a patient in your situation?

Just because you are not a patient does not mean you should put your own health needs on the backburner, especially if it's compromising your ability to perform your job.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Per the TOS, we can not give you medical (including psychiatric) advice.

That being said, if a patient came to you saying their panic attacks were getting worse, what would you tell them? You'd tell them to see their doctor. And that is what YOU need to do. Make an appointment with a mental health PCP ASAP.

Best of luck.

Specializes in Psychiatric.

I have anxiety as well and I know it's not easy dealing with confronting and difficult situations when you feel anxious and flighty.

I highly recommend speaking with your GP and book regular sessions with a counsellor/therapist to learn triggers, coping techniques and deescalation skills.

You are number 1 so look after yourself first. Your mental health nursing career can wait. Please don't wait for you to lose your job until you get help; the loss of your job will probably exacerbate your anxiety to a whole different level.

Be open with your line manager, he/she should be very understanding considering they work in the mental health field.

Please don't lose hope about your career, but as previous posters have also suggested, reach out and get help.

Take care

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