Therapy and it's burden?

[exit96]

Hi,

I start RN school in a few weeks...can't wait!!! I have come to terms with my needing some counseling with my depression/anxiety stuff and am wondering if this will have a negative effect on my professional career in any way. I am talking in terms of there being fallout and if this will cause administration to question my abilities. I understand that if I need to see someone because my life is being negatively effected then that is what should be done. On the ohter hand, if I can deal with it all myself why not stay away from a therapist? This may be a dumb question but I thought I would throw it out there, thanks in advance, Daniel

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

many nurses suffer from depression and anxiety, it will not effect you getting into nursing school. i'm glad you are in counseling and hope you are doing well. please don't give up on your dream to be a nurse. please keep us posted on how things work out,,,,

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

Congratulations on starting school! This is going to be a stressful time in your life (at least it was for me) and I urge you to use any and all support you can garner. Administration will expect you to take care of your health needs, including emotional health. Would anyone think less of you if sought help for an acute infection? And thanks to HIPAA your health information is private.

When I started grad school part of orientation was an intro to the counseling office with an open invitation to all. If your school offers this service perhaps you can make a visit to develop a plan on how you will deal with any emotional needs, should they arise.

Best Wishes!

[JeanneRN83, BSN]

Daniel,

Congrats on starting nursing school!

Depression and anxiety are nothing to be ashamed of nor is seeking treatment with therapy and/or meds. You'd be surprised at the number of students in your upcoming nursing classes who have clinical anxiety or depression. Depression does have a biological basis. Many of the research studies at the National Institutes of Mental Health focus on the possible causes of depression including genetics, hormones, brainchemistry/neurotransmitters, uptake of glucose in different areas of the brain as viewed on PET scans. And sure, biology is not the only factor. Stress, losses, life changes, etc play a role in depression. I guess what I am trying to say is that certainly most health professionals and a larger portion of the population do not judge people based on whether or not they have depression. It's not any different than having another medical problem like diabetes.

I totally would not worry about "fallout" during nursing school or when you get your first nursing job. I have never had a question about my health in a job interview. There are no longer questions on job applications about depression (unless you are going into the military). There is not any reason to have to discuss any medical problems with any other colleagues unless you want to.

You already know that nursing school can be stressful. IMO, dealing with depression on your own can be hard. And you might be surprised what a relief it is to have a professional to talk to.

If you decide to do therapy, I do have a suggestion. Don't use the "open the yellowpages and wherever my finger falls is who I will go to" method. :) It's tempting to do that if you are uncomfortable about starting therapy to begin with. If you have friends or acquaintances or students who talk about their depression or therapy, that is always a good reference. And talk to your doc about your depression. I would say 90% of docs know of therapists that they think are good. Another way to find a good therapist is to call your local University hospital and tell the receptionist that you are looking for referrals/recommendations for a therapist. Actually, a better way is to go to a local depression support group. Get the names of therapists that people like. And you don't have to go back to the support group if you don't want to. But most importantly, talk with you doc. He can give you alot more info.

Well, that is my two cents. Best wishes for nursing school!! Keep us posted.

Jeanne

[prowlingMA]

At my work we have even joked " if you don't have a good counsilor, you need one" . Just having that professional person that can listen is such a benifit, especially during stressful times, like school and 1st jobs.

It would be good when you do get a job to look in to FMLA to cover your appointments, so you don't have to use your vacation time to get an appointment.