A Newbie Looking for Understanding💕

I am new here and hope to find others that understand my Anxiety and Depression as well as a few other things I am trying to deal with. I hope to help others too, which is somewhat therapeutic for me. I am an ER nurse and work has become extremely sad due to Covid. I guess I just need to vent!💕

[Hb2003]

First of all welcome and secondly thanks for saving peoples lives ❤️ My name is Hiba nice to meet you 😊

[Hidden in reply to Hb2003]

That is very kind thank you!

[Hb2003 in reply to Hidden]

Your welcome 😊

[Mary-intussuception]

Hello and welcome.

You just come on here and vent anytime.

You must feel really stretched . And yes, it's extremely sad.

I hope you are able to get adequate off duty time to get proper sleep. You must look after you, too.

God Bless x

💐

sending some flowers from Wales x

Edit:

ps

I just read your profile

I am so sorry for the loss of your Precious Mom and Dad.

❤️🌹🌹🌹❤️

xXx

[Hidden in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Thank you so much!

[Agora1]

Thank You for all you do. Words can never truly express our gratitude.

There comes a time that you do need to let out those emotions on a safe, caring site

as this. We may be a virtual support but we will be here 24/7, just a message away.

I'm glad you're here. Welcome JustExisting xx

[Jacobscedars]

God Bless you for doing your job in these difficult times. Life isn’t easy for so many of us. Take care

[Ali500]

Vent anytime! We are here for it! Thank you for dedication to your job... I couldn’t imagine working in that environment, so Thank you!!

[Iammesues]

Thank you for your bravery

[3crazydogs]

You are amazing! To take on so much and still offer to help others! You’ve found a great resource here!

[BigHam]

Vent away pal. It helps release the pressure amongst kindred spirits. Not least as you are doing an amazing job helping others. That is fantastic. Brave, selfless and kind. Don't hesitate to ask for so etching back. Take care

[SadMommy]

Thank you for all you do! You must be a fairly strong person to be able to work in the ER with anxiety and depression. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that. I know I have a hard enough time with my very limited hours of work and daily life.

[Tonybass5]

Hi. Thanks for what you do. It's not easy, but hang in there...

[Hidden in reply to Tonybass5]

Thank you Tony😔

[Kamp2020]

Gov bless you! I'm here for you whenever.

[Hidden in reply to Kamp2020]

Very sweet ty!

[dmt1121]

I have only seen the interviews with nursing staff on the news and some have just broken down in tears about the extreme stress of the conditions and how many patients die every day. It is an amazingly hard and sad time to be in your profession. Particularly so, when people do not equate their irresponsible behavior to increased cases and deaths.

The emotional and physical exhaustion must be immense. It's very important to find time for yourself to recharge away from the hospital. If you are emotionally and physically wasted, you are certain to feel intense anxiety and depression. I don't know how many hours you are working each day and how many days per week but your supervisor should understand that you are not useful if you get burnt out.

Exercise, especially walking, running or hiking outside, meditation, video chats with friends and family, talking to a therapist regularly all should help. I am sure there are many other positive active and quiet activities you can think of that you might enjoy. You do need days off each week to be able to perform your job and maintain your health, so I hope you are getting that.

Nurses tend to be the ones who truly help patients get well. You give your all! You get to know them and care for them, much more than doctors. It is great for the patients but when things are as intense as they are now, you suffer most. Remember to love yourself and care for yourself, not just your patients. No guilt for taking time off, even if someone dies while you are off duty. You need that time for your sake and theirs.

Take care and let us know how you are doing. Thank you for all you are doing! It really does matter a lot.

[Hidden in reply to dmt1121]

And here comes the tears! Thank you for understanding! I no longer have family which makes it harder then ever. I know I need to recharge, but honestly there is no time for that. The hospital is packed as we had to construct bubble rooms in the parking lots. I don’t have time to stop I need to help these people. The worst part is family members begging you to do something to save their wife, husband, child, etc... I can’t create miracles, but I can help some and help the dying to go comfortably. Sorry TMI I guess, but my dogs are sick of hearing about it! 😔

[dmt1121]

That's what dogs are for! Lol. I am sorry that you don't have family. Have you spoken with your supervisor about what your experiencing? Does your hospital have a therapist available for staff? Having experienced burn out in my own field, I know that I became unable to make decisions about my personal life, was verbally abusive at home (which I deeply regret to this day) and was numb.

Maybe your break is leaving early twice a week, even if without pay, to take a yoga class (virtual) or go to hike somewhere for an hour. It really is essential for you to regain balance, be grounded and centered. The pressure you are experiencing is on a whole other level than the type I did. The stakes are much higher for you. However, if you start making mistakes, which is a certainty at some point, that is worse for your patients and for you.

I can tell you feel terribly trapped by circumstances and that is totally reasonable. I would still urge you to speak with you supervisor and see what can be worked out to give you, even a little time off. He or she should know that pushing you too hard will backfire for everyone. That is part of the job of being a supervisor. Think of this as a way to better serve your patients.

Get it on the table in a way that you feel comfortable presenting and see what happens. As my mother used to say, "The worst that can happen is they say no." They can't fire you because they are overwhelmed and if they did, you would have one hell of a wrongful firing lawsuit.

Take some deep breathes and find some calm for yourself at home to think about what options you might propose. Write them down. You may want to give or send via email a written version to your supervisor about what you are experiencing, just enough to get the point across, and then include some options of what might impact the department the least. Also, if you have a union, speaking to the union rep about how to approach this before doing anything.

I know this seems impossible, but it's only impossible if no one is ever made aware of your situation and needs. We care about you and I know you can figure this out. It is a first step. There will be many more. I like the imagery of walking on water, where you think the next step will surely plunge you into the deep depths, but instead a stepping stone appears as soon as you place your foot. The solution is incremental, not all at once.

[Hb2003 in reply to dmt1121]

You have such wonderful advice 😊

[Hidden]

Yes the hospital does what they feel will help. We have mandatory meetings with a Therapist once a week. If we hit 10 hours we must take a power nap! We are also loaded down with Red Bull, coffee and power bars.😳 As my name says I am not living right now I am just existing. I am going to do my best to stay positive and come out victorious lol! Thank very for your kind words it means a lot!💕

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

You've got this, I believe in you xx

[FearIsALiar]

Welcome to the group! I hope you can find the support you are looking for here. Seems like a difficult time for everyone x

[duchess1226]

Thank you so much for all that you do!! My name is Heather and I am honored to meet you. I have had more than a few ER visits just knowing I was dying and wonderful nurses like you go me through panic attacks. I may not be an expert but happy to listen. xoxo

[Isinatra]

Vent away! It’s a GOOD thing!❤️

[Sdanny94]

Welcome super proud of you