Complicated Situation

I am diagnosed with Anxiety NOS and I have previously had a Depression diagnosis, however, the supervising Therapist does not believe it is presently active. As for medical concerns, I have GERD, Migraines w/o Aura (sometimes with intractable and status migrainosus), Generalized Abdominal Pain (gallbladder; being taken out on 8/26), Deviated Nasal Septum, and ETD (Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, Bilateral).

My migraine frequency is 2-4 times per week, and the average duration is >24 hours, occasionally as long as 72+, and the severely is moderate to disabling pain. I see my Primary Therapist biweekly due to my work schedule and we have been working on ways to lower my anxiety, however, it is just getting worse as of lately. Presently, I take Wellbutrin 75MG 2x daily for prevention of Migraines, and to manage Anxiety. I have Hydroxyzine 50MG PRN for anxiety, however, it sedates me; Ativan does as well. My friend, whom is a LPN, recommended Xanax 0.25MG. I do not see the Psychiatric NP until 8/19. I'll add that I have intermittent FMLA for abdominal pain and migraines, but get anxious having to call in.

I will note that my work and home situation is not the best. Work is highly stressful as I work with people with developmental disabilities and we are understaffed. I have been transferred between 3-4 different departments in the last 6 months because of staffing and needs. I get sleep deprivation because I work two night shifts, and then three day shifts, two days off and repeat. I have absolutely NO interest AT ALL in going to work, and generally, in daily activities. I want to just quit. I will also add that one of the RNs that supervises me has been targeting me since I turned her in for yelling at me in front of two colleagues and a person served, when it was her own mistake.

My father is an alcoholic who refuses to believe that fact, get treatment, and when he is drunk, he is nasty, rude and mean. Last week when he was drunk he slammed my door 3 times, as I was sleeping. I am curious if this is considered Domestic Violence (emotional abuse). I'll note that he was not around much for 5-6 years of my childhood because he was managing a bar and drinking too much. Being around him making me anxious when he is drinking, and I am not stable on my medications.

I really want to go back to school and become a Nurse, however, with my medical and emotional concerns at present, it is not feasible and I do not have the financial status to do it either. I wonder if Temporary Assistance and Vocational Assistance is available..I just don't know what to do about my work and home situation...let alone my financial, emotional and educational..HELP!

Hi JoshB, and welcome to PC

First off - yes, I'd say that slamming your door like that (especially when you're sleeping!) is plain old domestic violence. Definitely abuse! Someone doing that to me would be traumatic...especially during sleep. Yikes.

I'm so sorry that you have migraines. I'm 52 now, but until my mid-40's I battled severe migraines that had a very bad effect on my life in general. Migraines are very often stress related...that mind-body loop.

In my experience, most psych meds are sedating, especially the anti-anxiety medications. That's good in that they assist your sleep, but very difficult when the sleepiness persists throughout the day.