trying to stay sane

ybq2008 · Dec 7, 2009

Dealing with the stress and anxiety surrounding being a student is completely normal. Add being a nursing student, which we all new takes on a whole new level of pressure and intensity, and you feel like you're a walking time bomb at times.

I manage by making sure that I take time for myself at least once per week. I know that I can't always get enough sleep and sometimes school requires that I neglect myself to some extent, but I try to take some time for myself no matter what. That can mean coming home to nap, watching a movie, going out for drinks with friends...whatever you find relaxing. I think striking a balance is whats most important. You're right, our friends and family who haven't been through this don't understand. All you can do is try your best to help them understand why you're not yourself and why you can't be around as much. Also, and I'm not sure how serious your anxiety is, but you might consider speaking with a counselor. Learning some strategies to manage stress and anxiety in an individual setting can really help with preventing a more serious problems later. Honor your feelings. If you need to cry, do it sista! Because holding things in and ignoring your feelings can get toxic after a while. Take care of yourself and have a great break! Oh, and congrats on completing your semester successfully! :yeah:

sillygirl87 · Dec 7, 2009

Thank you so much, its comforting to know Im not alone. I do try to take time for myself but it seems like everything I do I cant even really enjoy because my mind is thinking about 5 million other projects, deadlines, tests, and I find myself thinking that I shouldnt be having fun, I should be studying......I have talked to my dr he gave me xanax, but I hate taking them because I hate taking pills in general and Im afraid of getting dependent on them but idk maybe ill just have to take them to help get through this because they do seem to take the edge off

ybq2008 · Dec 7, 2009

Thank you so much, its comforting to know Im not alone. I do try to take time for myself but it seems like everything I do I cant even really enjoy because my mind is thinking about 5 million other projects, deadlines, tests, and I find myself thinking that I shouldnt be having fun, I should be studying......I have talked to my dr he gave me xanax, but I hate taking them because I hate taking pills in general and Im afraid of getting dependent on them but idk maybe ill just have to take them to help get through this because they do seem to take the edge off

I think meds can be helpful, but going to therapy and really working on the root of what causes you to feel so anxious might be good for the long-term. Xanax can become very addictive and you start to build a tolerance to them quickly, so I agree with your hesitation to take those. You might check with your school over break and see if they have a counseling center on campus. Seeing someone over break could help with managing things during your last semester. Feel free to PM and I'll help you find some local resources if you'd like :)

K nurse-one-day · Dec 7, 2009

As a pre-req nursing student still, I can't even IMAGINE how hard a BSN program is! You are doing great and it is awesome that you've made it. Just keep your eye on the prize and you will make it. It's going to be so worth it in the end:)

EDchickadee · Dec 7, 2009

Junior year was that stressful for me. Even now, in my senior year, I sometimes feel like I have so much to do that I literally cannot even figure out where to start. It is absolutely overwhelming some days. You're definitely not alone in that.

Sometimes, it helps me to just sit down and make a list of everything that has to get done, in order. Clinicals, papers, projects, studying, cleaning, grocery shopping... everything. I write out a plan for the day, and as I accomplish each thing, I cross it off the list. That's why I even include the little things like laundry--it makes me realize that doing the laundry is still accomplishing a task that had to be done. Once the list is written, before I've even DONE any of it, I feel a little bit better just knowing that I have a plan. And as I get to cross each thing off, I feel like there's visible evidence that I'm making progress, even if it's slow.

This specific method doesn't work for everybody, but I do think that everyone needs to find a way to organize all of the things that need to be done when they are feeling overwhelmed. Like I said, sometimes just having a plan and getting started is half the battle.

Blonde in Scrubs · Dec 7, 2009

Dont quit!! you are so close, just try to remember why you are doing this in the first place. In two years you will look back and remember how stressed you were, but u will be so glad you stuck with it. If your anxiety is to the poin where it is affecting your ability to accomplish the things you want and need to then it would definately be in your best inerest to speak with your doctor. An anti- anxiety may make a world of difference. Good luck to you in your last semester...and don't give up!!!