Admitting it......

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soon2bemt

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Okay, I am admitting that I am bad at dealing with stress and finding "outlets" when everything builds up. I know I shouldn't let it build up but I have so much on my "plate" right now that it doesn't even seem possible that I am going to be able to handle paramedic school. I absolutely love this profession-wouldn't have wanted anything else. It has turned out to be more than I had hoped.....

Any guidance? What do ya'll do for stress? My family isn't that much help since they don't know what is going on at my work for that day because I can't tell them anything.....
 
I find that perforating compressed wood pulp with high velocity projectiles to be very theraputic...

Other than that, be sure that you set aside some time for yourself that has nothing to do with what is causing your stress (be it school, EMS, or whatever). Read a book, veg in front of the TV, exercise, but do something.
 
My problem with veging in front of the tv is that no matter what I am watching something that happens in the show or something that is said triggers my thoughts about stuff and then I can't quit thinking about it.

I tried running and walking but that just gets me thinking even more. There is one underlying situation that I just cannot get out of my head no matter what I do. In fact I got so nervous over it today that I think that is why I passed out. How do I know I passed out?-woke up on the kitchen floor wondering why I was lying there and why my head hurt. When I finally decided it was safe to get up I took my BP and it was 90/56. That kinda scared me. So I've been doing my own research on WebMd and it said that fainting episodes can be triggered by anxiety attacks or panic attacks-neither of which I have a history-extreme stress, etc. etc. etc. This is getting ridiculous.
 
It sounds like your anxiety level is off the wall and is affecting your day to day functioning. Go to your doctor and ask for something to help with your anxiety. Xanax or Ativan work very well. Get plenty of sleep. If you dont you will exacerbate your anxiety totally especially if your suffering from depression to. Lastly, see a counsler.

Im speaking from experience.
 
Actually I do vent to my family what is going on as my Mother is an EMT as well....typically if I am "that stressed" I will talk to My Better half it works wonders in coping with the stress....

I do find that penetrating compressed wood with High velocity projectiles is soothing...But I also have 9 Horses and on a really bad day Ill saddle one and work barrels or taKe off on the trail...

your problem seems to be anexiety... if you cannot cope with the position EMS may not be for you.....Im not dissauding you but you should take the suggestion of a docs visit to heart..if your having issues with it Now what are you going to do when you lose your first patient???Sometimes meds help but what may work for one of us as an outlet may not work for you. My suggestion is to quit thinking about Paramedic until your a certified EMT and have worked a few months to gt a "feel" that may help guide you as a Medic or you may find something else you would prefer

whats one thing that you REALLY enjoy doing? video games???or drawing?? find a favorite hobby and pursue it or take up something new...try to help your family understand if they can understand you would be amazed at how well support works
 
I bought a good guitar. At 50 years old, I decided to learn how to play as an outlet for my stress. It has become the best medicine yet. I need to concentrate very hard to learn, which sort of takes my mind off other things and there is a positive reward for your work and dedication.
It really works for me.
 
Ok.. this came up in another thread... it seems many of us like to shoot things for stress relief...

If you have severe, constant stress over little, everyday stuff... then yeah... you need to talk with your PCP about it... I wouldn't go so far as to say Xanax or Ativan... probaby could do well on Paxil or Wellbutrin.
 
Whatever you do it must require concentration. It is extremely important to stop your mind from wandering.

Physical requirements are highly highly desirable.

For me what works is mountain biking and skiing. These are physical pursuits that require constant concentration.

Talking with people is another good solution. They work well together.

Shooting stuff rules.
 
Sig226 in 9mm

Or

Loading up my arcteryx pack and heading out to find a point of much higher elevation. I say: The higher up I am, the thinner the air, the less I think. Sort of how I've lived all my life.
 
SwissEMT said:
Loading up my arcteryx pack and heading out to find a point of much higher elevation. I say: The higher up I am, the thinner the air, the less I think. Sort of how I've lived all my life.
Click to expand...

I have a leg up! The air is pretty thin at my house to start with :-D
 
I blow up dead hard drives from the day job with Tannerite and my .223. Blowing stuff up is not only amusing, but a fun way to de-stress. :-D

There is usually a camping trip in there somewhere too. It's nice to get away from the city lights so you can kick back and stare at the stars.
 
I am fortunate that I am able to talk to my husband when I have a bad day. He is a FF, so he understands alot of what I am going through when things start getting to me.

For me, going swimming or horseback riding are very relaxing. I also enjoy getting out and hiking. A hot bubble bath or a good massage are also great ways for me to unwind.

I know you said you can't talk to your family about things, but do you have a friend that you may be able to talk to, if needed? While finding things that are relaxing and that can take your mind off of things are great, sometimes you really just need to talk about it all and get it off your chest.
 
Look, outlets will save your life, but if those thoughts are still mulling around while you're trying to relax, then they're really not going anywhere. I think what seems to be missing in many of these other fantastic suggestions is the fact that you need to empty your head. Internalizing stress and anxiety does nothing more than breed more stress and anxiety. If you stay on said road, trust me, you'll end up in break down city. Best thing to do? GO SEE A PROFESSIONAL. Doesn't matter if they're a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, whatever, you need to go talk to someone with a degree who can help you sort out all of those pesky thoughts running amok in your head. And I doubly urge you since your stress manifests itself physically.

As for the whole drug thing, they're great for the short term, but as a long term solution, it's the wrong way to go. The most effective long term treatment is to learn to avoid what causes your stress (in EMS? i know, "yeah, right") but more importantly to learn how to deal with your stress.

Strong feelings, you say? Heck yeah. I'm still recovering from a breakdown I had in May. (Not to mention I'm getting my Bachelor's in psychology, then a PhD.)
 
Admitting It

I build scale ship models as a hobby-
I can tell you from experience that having a hobby unrelated to anything you do in your 9-5 (or whatever) job can be your best tool in avoiding burnout.
It provides a retreat from your job, and a place to go to get away from it when the stress level builds.
Having a place to go away from work helps keep the stress of work where it belongs and not at home.
 
I agree with seeing a good counselor, It is good to talk to a "neutral" set of ears. And also this is a very hard time of the year to work with all of the sometimes bad things we see out there. I like to walk on the beach and watch the waves. It is very soothing......:rolleyes:
 
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