NightshiftNursing

“I am a Muslim. I am a pediatrics nurse. I am a Muslim pediatric nurse. After graduating nursing school so many things came to mind like “I need to start applying for jobs.” I remember getting very nervous due to some hatred that I have received for being a Muslim and wearing a hijab. In nursing school we had a clinical at the VA. I was assigned to a patient and was taking care of him. He made a few remarks about my religion and it was obvious he wasn’t thrilled I was assigned to him. I remember him asking me what I was going to do after I graduate. I simply replied I want to be an OB nurse or Pediatrics nurse which to he responded “as long as you don’t strap any bombs on them then maybe we can get along.” I remember how sad I felt after he said that. I continued to take care of him and showed him how passionate I was about nursing. My last day assigned to him I went into his room to say goodbye and thanked him for allowing me to care for him and he said “you know, you’re not bad after all. I wish you luck with your future endeavors.” I thanked him again and went on to graduate. I now work at a pediatrics office and have the opportunity to see and help treat the best patients ever. I love how innocent kids are and how they accept anyone regardless to race/religion. I wear patterned hijabs and they absolutely love it! I am helping make a difference in this world just like any other nurse! Children are not born racist and I hope and pray that the children I see at our office remember me when they are older and someone is bad mouthing Muslims. I hope and pray that they stand up and say not all Muslims are bad…my nurse is a Muslim and she helps me when I’m sick. They may never remember my name but I pray they remember the amount of time I spent with them at the office more than I can even spend time with my own child. I am a Muslim pediatrics nurse and I am very proud of it. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else other than putting a smile on the kids faces and giving the parents a peaceful mind! Thank you to all my nurses that I’ve encountered in my life time thus far. Every nurse makes a difference regardless of race/religion.“

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You aren’t your problems. You deserve respect and patience.

Peanuts

Anxiety for me is crossing the road back and forth 20 times on a walk to where I’m going so I don’t have to walk by anyone. Anxiety for me is wanting to wear sunglasses all the time, even in the rain so nobody can see what my eyes tell, which is much different than what my mask tells. Anxiety for me is sitting quietly in a crowd of people if I don’t know them well. It’s not because I don’t want to talk it’s because I don’t know what to say. Anxiety convinces me they wouldn’t want to talk to me anyways. I stutter and usually crack a joke cuz humour is the best way I’ve ever been able to relate to others. Anxiety for me is not being able to do the job I absolutely love as much as I want because the environment is over-stimulating and even on a ‘good’ day, internally it’s really not that 'good.’ Anxiety for me is constantly being on alert for the next threat, the person driving too close behind me, the stranger staring at me, having to go to the checkout with a person working there rather than a self-checkout. There is always a threat. Always. Anxiety for me is literally feeling like I’m having a heart attack and blacking out for no apparent reason at any given time. The world is ending and I am going with it. Anxiety for me is having a vice grip on my lungs, having to constantly remind myself to breathe properly, something that shouldn’t even be a conscious process. Breathing is easy, right? False… It is exhausting. Anxiety for me is being ready to run, at any moment and fight-or-flight being engaged 24/7. I always have to 'start the car.’ Like, now. Anxiety for me is never sleeping and feeling super weird the one time in months I sleep more than 3 hours cuz that is not normal, for me. Energy? What is that? Anxiety for me is fighting to be able to internally distinguish between excitement and anxiety itself because it presents the same way. Am I going to die or am I super stoked about something? Anxiety is constantly battling my own mind and everything it tells me because I am self-aware and educated to know anxiety lies. The world doesn’t hate me, I am a good person and am loved and accomplished. The world would not be better off without me, I am not a burden on those who love me. I say these things and believe them, but that doesn’t mean anxiety doesn’t have me bawling all day sometimes, thinking the complete opposite of all those things. At times, anxiety has convinced me that every person I know who cares about me actually hates my guts. Anxiety tries to change who I am but I fight every second of every day to not let that happen. It’s an even harder fight after you fight through it and are met with negativity on the other side. But I then fight that battle. I am a part of this universe. I am a vehicle for love, light, compassion, and happiness. I have anxiety, but it’s not who I am. I’m so thankful for all my close friends and family who have the patience I need. I’m not around as much as I’d like to be, but that’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay. And it will get better god damnit!! Anxiety is also trying to convince me to not be transparent, but screw you! I’m all over being open and if I know one thing, anxiety wants me to isolate and be alone but I refuse! I’m always here for any of you who see this, even if I don’t 'know’ you, I have an inbox 💖☺️

[A drawing of a girl and a woman hugging next to black text that says: You’re allowed to show symptoms, even if no one told you this before.]

insp // click to enlarge

My point is that depression is not universal and while there is a general cluster of symptoms, it manifests differently in everyone. You can’t always spot depression on the street, in the grocery store, or at them gym. Depression doesn’t always jump out at you and let you know that there’s a person who is hurting deeply. Don’t contribute to stigmatization. 

rosequartzabadeer (via wnq-writers)

     (via whatshouldwecallnicunursing)