Symptoms: What Do They Indicate About Your Mental Health?

What do these symptoms represent?

I often feel very anxious, but after a few hours or when I am reassured, I start to feel a bit better.
When I walk down the street, I constantly feel like others are watching me or talking badly about me...
or when I see people whispering in front of me, I can't help but think they are saying negative things about me.
Additionally, when it comes to writing, if I don't do it well, I will keep rewriting it and often end up crying...
The spacing and alignment must be just right; otherwise, I feel very uncomfortable and have to start over.
Sometimes, I also feel very low and suddenly cry, but at other times, I become angry and frustrated.
After I calm down, I find myself crying again, feeling very sorry for the person I was just harsh with.
During particularly frustrating times, I also engage in self-harm...
even though I know I shouldn't, I can't seem to stop...
These symptoms have been present for almost a year and a half, approaching two years.
Initially, they occurred infrequently, but recently they have become very frequent...
I have also been experiencing insomnia, and I cry several times almost every day...
Could you please tell me what kind of condition this might be?

Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/28

Dr. Zhang Gengjia reply Psychiatry

Dear Sir/Madam,
Based on your description, I believe that the most important thing right now is to manage your emotions effectively, which I trust will significantly benefit your physical and mental health.
The first step in emotional management is emotional awareness.
Emotions are omnipresent, and common negative emotions include anger, sadness, anxiety, fear, disgust, shame, and panic.
In today's high-pressure society, it is essential to learn how to relax appropriately.
How we manage our emotions and maintain calmness in the face of stress directly impacts our overall work performance.
Research by TalentSmart indicates that 90% of successful individuals are highly skilled at stress relief, allowing them to maintain emotional control and high work efficiency.
Travis Bradberry, author of a book on emotional management, has compiled nine methods commonly used by successful people:
1.
Practice gratitude by reflecting on things you are thankful for each day.
2.
Stop asking "What if...?" Instead of worrying, take a moment to calm down.
3.
Let go of complaints and maintain a positive mindset.
4.
Remember that work is not everything; put down your phone.
5.
Reduce your coffee intake, as too much can lead to heightened anxiety and unstable emotions.
6.
Ensure you get enough sleep, as it helps keep your brain alert upon waking.
7.
Reimagine your environment; if you cannot change it, change your perspective.
8.
Practice deep breathing to effectively clear your mind of distractions.
9.
Utilize your team network to avoid taking on everything yourself.
If you find that these methods yield limited results, I recommend participating in our mindfulness-based stress reduction group or seeking outpatient care at our facility.
We have established a special outpatient clinic for psychosomatic disorders to alleviate the suffering caused by anxiety and depression.
Wishing you peace, joy, and well-being.
Sincerely,
Zhang Gengjia
Department of General Psychiatry, Chianan Mental Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2016/03/28

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you may be experiencing a combination of anxiety, depression, and possibly obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Your feelings of being watched or judged by others, along with the compulsive need to rewrite or rearrange your writing until it feels "just right," suggest that you might be dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or a related anxiety disorder. The emotional fluctuations you experience, such as sudden crying spells and feelings of anger followed by guilt, are indicative of mood instability, which can be associated with depression or other mood disorders.

1. Anxiety Symptoms: Your feelings of nervousness and the belief that others are talking about you or judging you are common symptoms of social anxiety disorder. This condition can lead to significant distress in social situations and can affect your daily life. The fact that you feel better after being reassured suggests that your anxiety may be situational but has become more pervasive over time.

2. Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors: The need to rewrite your work until it meets a certain standard, to the point of distress, indicates obsessive-compulsive tendencies. This can manifest as a need for perfectionism, where anything less than perfect feels unacceptable. The emotional response of crying when you cannot achieve this perfection is a sign that these behaviors are impacting your emotional well-being.

3. Mood Instability: The rapid shifts in your mood, from feeling low to angry and then guilty, suggest that you may be experiencing symptoms of a mood disorder, such as depression or even bipolar disorder. The frequent crying spells and feelings of hopelessness are particularly concerning and indicate that your emotional state is significantly affecting your quality of life.

4. Self-Harm: The mention of self-harm is particularly alarming. This behavior often arises as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions or distress. It is crucial to address this immediately, as it can lead to more severe consequences.

5. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and frequent crying episodes can exacerbate your mental health issues, creating a cycle of distress that can be hard to break. Sleep is essential for emotional regulation, and a lack of it can worsen anxiety and depression.

Given that these symptoms have persisted for nearly two years and have intensified recently, it is essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide a thorough assessment and help you understand your symptoms better. They can also offer appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) and possibly medication to help manage your symptoms.

In the meantime, consider reaching out to a trusted friend or family member to share your feelings. Support from loved ones can be incredibly beneficial as you navigate this challenging time. Additionally, practicing self-care strategies, such as mindfulness, journaling, or engaging in physical activity, can help alleviate some symptoms while you seek professional help.

Remember, you are not alone in this, and there is support available. Taking the first step to talk to someone about what you're experiencing can be incredibly empowering and is a crucial part of the healing process.

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