severe anxiety

Nurses General Nursing

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I have been a LPN for 4 years and have worked about 1 1/2 years of the 4. I have days with no anxiety and days that are ruff for me. My heart skips at times and then i react even though everything has been tested and is fine. I think i am always full of anxiety and just dont always notice until i am in a panic. I have tried alot of meds and nothing has helped except xanax which i dont want to be on all the time and not sure you can be if your working. I am good at what i do, and hate to give this career up, does anyone have any ideas.

:bluecry1:

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

Please dont think I am being silly, but have you tried a Yoga or Pilates class? They teach deep breathing techniques you can use anytime, the exercise will also release endorphines that will make you just generally feel better.

I really cant relate though, i am a pretty laid back passive kind of person. But I do know on the occasion I get stressed, a good long walk does me a world of good.

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I have tried meditation which is hard to do when you have anxiety issues. havent tried what you mentioned but might be worth a try.

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when's the last time you had a complete physical exam?

leslie

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Have you had your thyroid checked?

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Specializes in ICU.

My heart goes out to you! I suffered with severe panic attacks that seemed to come out of the blue. It was so distressing and for a while I feared I was losing my mind! Many people suffer from anxiety and depression. In addition to speaking with a health care professional, I had much success with Lucinda Bassett's Attacking Anxiety and Depression program. I still have occcassions where I feel a litte panicky but now I recognize the signs and have ways of dealing with the feelings before going into full on fight or flight symptoms. Don't be afraid to ask for help and explore your options. Best wishes!

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I have the same thing. There are times when I have just broken out in tears for no apparent reason. At other times, during class (especially when I was in the midst of learning difficult material) I would shut down and just start sobbing. Part of it is the fear of never being able to learn the material, and then I start to second-guess myself, making things worse.

It is very embarassing to cry in front of strangers.

One thing that someone taught me is that when you feel the anxiety/panic start to get to you, you have to change the way you handle it. Usually for me, I will slump inward and give in to the fears that are running through my mind.

When you feel the anxiety start to take over, change your posture. Stand up straight, look around you with your head held high. Breathe slowly and tell yourself you can handle the situation.

This has worked for me.

What I always hated was people, especially my family, just telling me that I needed to be tougher. I am a tough person, I just handle stress in a very different way than other people. Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.

Good Luck.

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Specializes in nursery, L and D.

I have a panic disorder, and it can be life changing. Thankfully, I am fine once I actually get to work, but getting there is a problem. I have tried every med also, and found the side effects were just not tolerable for me. I second the yoga, Pilate's route. It couldn't hurt.

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Try talking to a professional about a long-term antidepressant like zoloft, which is great for anxiety.

Perhaps a long-term run of that with some counseling to get at the roots of your anxiety would help.

I give this advice as I have walked this road and zoloft worked wonders -- corrected my anxiety and my insomnia. If ever I feel it all coming on again, I have my little blue pills in the cupboard just waiting for me.

After that you start to learn ways to take care of yourself -- back off at work, or learn better ways to deal with it, good self talk, etc. Try yoga, exercise, etc.

Anxiety is pretty common -- we live in a demanding world and our career is even more demanding -- best to learn to manage it before it gets the best of you.

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in nsg school, i was crippled with anxiety.

then my doctor put me on an ssri and poof!

anxiety gone.

if you're on an ssri, you may have to switch around.

i think i've ended up taking most of them and finally settled nicely into cymbalta.

sometimes they lose their efficacy, even after increases.

get that physical, ok?

leslie

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Specializes in Taking one day at a time....

Its ironic I should come across this post.:rolleyes: I just went to the doctor yesterday because of the anxiety I have been having, and he prescribed me zoloft AND adavan until the zoloft kicks in. I am a nervous wreck while at clinicals, and sometimes in class also... I am not a fan of taking medications (i've been on zoloft in the past), but I will do whatever I have to do right now to get me through nursing. Once I am a nurse, I IMAGINE I will feel comfortable with what I am doing... I really think my anxiety right now is just because its all so new and its definately overwhelming. Despite my anxiety issues, I can't imagine myself having another career... I am willing to work through my anxiety in order to be a nurse, even though that might make it more challenging for me at times. I refuse to let my anxiety prevent me from doing what I want to do. I've also been doing yoga a bit, and hopefully that will help. Its tough, really I know... Sometimes the people in my clinical group will be like "I am nervous"-- And I feel like saying.. "You're nervous?! I feel like I am about to die...." and my heart will be beating out of my chest. I am working through it. Please dont give up nursing. If you ever want someone to talk to you can always message me... You're not alone.:icon_hug:

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