Drug Trigger

[Scatterbrain]

Hi all, I’ve recently started having anxiety, worse than I’ve had in years. Been to Dr and am in the process of changing meds, however I’m struggling big time at work...I’m a care assistant who handles medications, and I have developed a paranoia that people think I’m on drugs, or that I steal them...the mention of the word “drugs” now sends me into a hot flush and I feel guilty as heck, and all for no reason!!!! Which of course then makes me LOOK guilty!!!! Anyone else had this? Any ideas on how to get past it would be most welcome, thank you!

[geoff]

Hello, and excuse me for not mentioning you by your avatar, and can I welcome you to the site.

I think I know why this has happened but I have to be careful in what I say otherwise my comment will not be posted, but what I can say is that the medication your doctor has prescribed is for what they believe will help you.

Yes the same has happened to me a long time ago when I was questioned about whether or not I had had an alcoholic drink when I had been abstaining, and not only was I innocent it made me feel guilty but perhaps more annoyed.

Are you able to ask your doctor for some time off, perhaps waiting for the new drugs to kick in.

I am positive you are very capable of doing your job, and I'll wait until others comment.

Geoff.

[Agnes09]

Hi Scatterbrain

Yes! I also worry that I look guilty when I'm not and not just with drug rounds. If a wounds pack goes missing or I'm asked if I checked a residents patch I go into a panic and start second guessing myself. I am convinced I have a guilty look on my face and that my supervisor can see straight through me and knows how incompetent I really am. I am good at my job and the only person i have to convince of that is myself.

Firstly, nursing is a stressful job, whether you're a RN, EEN or PCA, and most nurses experience anxiety at some time. Your supervisor will understand. If you can't trust your immediate supervisor, look for another staff nurse you can talk to.

Can you ask to be taken off drug rounds for a couple of weeks while the new medications take effect?

Secondly, remember the medication rules are in place to protect our patients AND to protect us.

Thirdly, have a laugh at yourself, sometimes it helps. Could you imagine anyone wanting to steal cholesterol-lowering drugs or vitamin D?

I don't know how to get past this, but you've made a great start talking to your GP and writing your post.

You are an important member of our society doing a vital job.

Agnes

[Scatterbrain]

Thank you for taking the time to reply Geoff. I’ve taken time off already but money wise can’t afford any more unfortunately, so will have to just battle through...thanks again, so good to have somewhere to get it all out n not feel alone with it all

[Scatterbrain]

Thank you so very much Agnes! So relieved that it’s not just me who struggles with this...unfortunately I have to deal with S8’s and S4’s, and things do go missing so there’s a general feeling of mistrust in the air which doesn’t help, and everyone discusses it all the time, if that makes sense...but yeah isn’t it the most horrible feeling / experience!!! Even writing this now my head’s starting to say “she’ll think you’re stealing or taking drugs”...omg...hopefully my meds kick in ASAP, and thanks again for listening and helping me feel I’m not alone