Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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BookThirteen 02/26/2018

i work on an elderly ward in an NHS hospital. It’s long hours, hard shifts and little pay. I do the job because I love it but it’s becoming difficult to drag myself to work. The patients are getting older, more dependent and more aggressive. I know that with age comes things like dementia and Alzheimer’s but I do this job to boost my self esteem, it makes me feel good to know I’ve helped someone and I really do love caring for others. The abuse is starting to take its toll now though. I get bitten, kicked, punched, scratched, shouted at, names called, sworn at, spat at, urinated on by patients on an average shift and it makes me feel so small and useless. I go to work and try my best to look after people only to be told I’m a “a stupid dirty pig” *spits* *grabs* in return. It makes me feel like I have no purpose and I might as well kill myself.

fauxartist 02/26/2018

You are a hero, your doing a job very few people would do because of the abuse and little pay, but at some point, you have to take care of you. Have you thought of child care?...No, it's probably not much better in pay, but it might give you back some of that reward in helping.

Carolin57 02/26/2018

I have the up most respect for anyone who works in the NHS. Your job is in valuable. I hope when I am old and infirm I will have someone like you to look after me if I go to hospital. Keep your chin up because it's people like you who make all the difference.

Seamus 02/26/2018

Its a difficult job for sure. I've worked in a hospital myself. A 2nd job. None of it is easy. Its very unrewarding.

Remember, those people don't really mean to be, MEAN. 20 years back, they were probably nicer people.

Few people can do what your doing. Or care.... It does have its rewards in a personal way. YOU know your helping them. You know many of their family don't care.

If you need to, find a different job. But remember, you do help people. You do make a difference in their lives.

God bless you for that!

shadowlady 02/26/2018

God bless you for what you're doing. I know it must get frustrating, but elderly people need so much and often forgotten. Hang in there.

Bobby5000 02/26/2018

I would personally thank you and it is wonderful work you do. However, if you are getting burnt out, you have the right to put yourself first and look for another job.

ThatOne 02/27/2018

Hey I'm a nursing student in Finland. If I was you I'd switch to a different ward. Also there is such a thing as a psych ward for elderly. Why do those patients no get referred? Normal elderly wards shouldn't deal with them.

ThatOne 02/27/2018

But I'm pretty sure this isn't up to you. Also there's other jobs where you can help people but without putting yourself out there too much. Maybe a different education? I personally will not do nursing for all my life and there's no shame in that. (Thinking of switching to be a pharmacist or maybe some kind of social worker, kindergartner etc.)

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