Has anyone left nursing because of there own mental health?

[TwoAndMe]

If so, what finally gave you the nudge?
What did you choose to do.
I feel stuck. Qualified in 2019 and already been off sick twice. First time due to illness, I lost alot of weight, couldn't swallow and it all was due to stress. 2nd time it was bullying.
I was interviewed for 2 jobs, one in a nursery and one in a school, got them both but had to decline after so much thought.
I honestly think the role impacts massively on my mental health but can't find anything to match the salary.

Their not there! Oh dear!
Brain fog is real!

Have you tried different areas of nursing? I.e. occupational health, vaccination clinics (Medacs pay well) surgery, medicine, recovery, community?

Onlythelaundryfairy - thankyou for your message. I left my first role as I could not go back after being off sick for the 2nd time. I vaccination for a short while (6 months). Now I'm in children's services. It's very therapy based wich is great but I struggle as I feel I take on the constant emotional challenges and backgrounds to these children. I can't help it.
I'm not sure I am in the right role. I have a passion for mental health because I had quite a tough childhood. I have always been in a caring role. I feel like it's draining me.

Yes I left after 30 years in Nursing for the sake of my mental health. Fortunately I could afford to take a pay drop. I do advice work now for a charity. Don't think I could ever go back to Nursing. I used to drive to work hoping I would have a minor crash so I didn't have to go in.

Do you have any staff counsellors available if not try and ask your manager for an occupational health referral. It sounds like you need to find a way to help detach yourself a bit and they may be able to help with some strategies if you want to attempt to continue as a nurse.

My DH left after 12 years. Combination of joint pain, depression and feeling he didn't have time to properly support patients in his care. He went back to uni and retrained in an unrelated field but worked PT as a nurse throughout. He regrets not trying to retire on health grounds but he was too depressed to face the fight. I was convinced the depression was related to the pain he was in doing a physical job. He is incredibly glad he left the NHS and has done well in his new career. Tough times with me as main earner and with DC as he studied and started a new career.