Study

[Notmyrealname88]

I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I decided I wanted to study nursing, finish my degree and have a baby. I found the study easy but interacting with people had me terrified and I found I didn't enjoy it but wanted to finish it so I had something to show for it.I applied for work 12 months later to find I was now unemployable. I applied for many jobs and felt forced to study again. I've nearly finished my diploma and feeling I've made another mistake as I feel a fraud and that I won't enjoy it even if I get work. I'm wanting to start a business and feel motivated but my husband feels I've wasted too much money already. I don't know what to do or even if I'm just trying to avoid working in nursing

[PatT]

Hi there,

It's so so hard to commit to something that seems like it will be life-long as someone that suffers from anxiety. Our minds are constantly filled with "what if"s and social phobia makes so many things a struggle. Do you have anybody you speak to regularly, like a psychologist? They'd be good at helping you decide what you really want to do. If money is a problem, you can see your GP and get a mental health plan which gives you 10 Medicare subsidised trips to a psychologist. I think it would be the best first step in figuring out what you really want to end up in.

Are you really passionate about nursing? Of course there will be a lot of social interaction involved but I guess, as with any situation, the more you're exposed to something the more familiar it becomes. I used to have heaps of social phobia but I went travelling by myself for 6 months, staying in hostels etc. and was forced to talk to people. That's how I overcame mine, I'm sure there's a way to overcome yours.

[Kathryne]

Hi,

Welcome to beyond blue forums.

Nursing can be a hard slog . If you don't have the heart for it maybe a different direction would be best for you.

Nursing involves being involved in some stressful and at times very personal interaction. Shift work, nights, weekends when everyone is having fun and your stuck at work. Not trying to put you off.

Sit down and write down what you expect to achieve by working as nurse, positives and negatives . Do you really want to go down that track then follow your heart and go for it. If you don't feel motivated look into other options , forget about the money spent use it as a learning experience.

Maybe you try nursing to ensure wether it is for you or not

Regards

Kathyrne