Stress/Worrying and the inability to switch off!

Re: Stress/Worrying and the inability to switch off!

Nosbod16 — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:19:02 GMT

thanks everyone for your posts. gonna try a few different things and see how i go...x

Re: Stress/Worrying and the inability to switch off!

Lydia123 — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 20:57:25 GMT

Hi I felt a bit like this when I first started, I found if i trusted myself more I worried about things less, and also don't get worked up about things that haven't happened or mistakes that might be made because they haven't. Talking to someone may help too, good luck :D

Re: Stress/Worrying and the inability to switch off!

Susanna Taylor — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 20:41:42 GMT

Hi Nosbod16

I really feel for you as I have been in similar situations myself. Please remember your mental health is AS IMPORTANT as your physical health. Well done for speaking up and asking for help! It can be so easy to suffer in silence with issues like this. You should talk to your line manager about how you are feeling as working while feeling this level of anxiety is no better for you then if you were working with a bad case of flu or a twisted ankle. Problems like this can so easily be overlooked as they are not as obvious as external physical problems, but you really need to explain to your manager how you are feeling, and follow Alexandra's advice about your colleagues.

There are also lots of things you can do to help yourself and feel more in control... exercise is great, running, dog walking, etc and relaxation techniques like a yoga/pilates class. Try to cut down on any caffeine in your diet too. Look at new activities outside work, joining a club or catching up with old friends.

If you think you would like more help, the BVNA have a helpline for members, but also MIND have lots of information about dealing with stress http://www.mind.org.uk/mental_health_a-z/8045_how_to_manage_stress

I hope some of this helps, wishing you well

Susanna

Re: Stress/Worrying and the inability to switch off!

AlexandraC — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 18:45:04 GMT

Hello

I would be very careful here as it sounds like you are getting burnout, which is actually quite serious - especially if you are having problems sleeping/eating etc. Is there a line manager you can discuss these problems with staffing etc? Can you delegate any responsibilities to other nurses/assistants etc? I do feel for you because there is nothing worse than not being able to switch off, but you must give yourself time to relax otherwise things just escalate. I find exercise helps with both sleep problems and getting a clear mind. You can't take on all the responsibility of every patients welfare, so please ask your work buddies to help share the load! Also if you are busy - tell people that you are busy and cannot help at that time, if people think you are super helpful they probably think 'oh she will do it' when they could actually just do it themselves!Good luck