Should I Continue My Mental Health Treatment?

Q: Should I Continue My Mental Health Treatment?

Classmate： I was very concerned to see your letter. <br>Based on your description, you may be experiencing auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, and delusions of reference, which are psychiatric symptoms. <br>However, it is also possible that these are just transient ph

Should I continue seeking medical treatment?

Hello Dr.
Zhong,
Please forgive me for not being able to disclose my real name.
I am currently in my fourth year of a five-year vocational program and began seeing a psychiatrist in early January.
I was hospitalized for over ten days in both March and June.
Below are some symptoms I have compiled:
- When I am home alone, I hear a faint girl's voice calling my name from outside the door.
- Sometimes, I see a blurry image of a long-haired woman in the mirror or outside the window.
- At night, I am afraid to close my eyes; even with the lights on, I still feel scared and often wait until it gets light outside before I dare to close my eyes and sleep.
- I constantly believe that others want to harm me, which makes me want to attack them.
Although I manage to hold back each time, I worry that one day I might not be able to.
- Sometimes I experience headaches, after which I forget my thoughts, feeling as if they have been completely uprooted.
- I feel that others can read my mind, which makes me reluctant to interact with them.
So far, my doctor has not informed me of any specific diagnosis.
She mentioned that I might be in a latent stage of some illness and that it could take two to three years to determine what it is.
However, my mother often claims that I am pretending to have depression, and she attacks me with accusations of being depressed.
Every time I try to talk to her, it results in endless verbal abuse and criticism.

I have sought help from friends, but they also say they do not see any issues with me and that there is no need to see a doctor.
Several times, I have thought about not taking medication, not attending follow-up appointments, and not controlling my condition, believing that in a few years, they will understand my suffering.
However, I promised a close elementary school teacher that I would work hard to get better, so I have been persevering.
I take my medication on time every night, never missing a dose, and I attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.

Recently, I feel like I can’t hold on much longer.
It seems that everyone is questioning the reality of my illness.
I have started to think that since these symptoms have accompanied me for so many years, it wouldn’t matter if I continued living this way.
I don’t want others to think I am a problematic person.
This is truly painful; I feel like I am in a swamp, struggling with all my might to escape, yet sinking deeper.
I would like to ask Dr.
Zhong if I should continue seeking treatment or stop.
Also, should I ask my doctor for a clear diagnosis of my condition? Thank you, Dr.
Zhong, for taking the time to respond!

Yuan Dian Dian, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/05

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry

Classmate: I was very concerned to see your letter.
Based on your description, you may be experiencing auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, and delusions of reference, which are psychiatric symptoms.
However, it is also possible that these are just transient phenomena.
If these symptoms persist, you might be suffering from schizophrenia, a condition characterized by dysregulation of brain hormones that requires ongoing medical assistance.
I cannot be certain, but I strongly recommend that you continue seeking treatment and not stop.
You should also ask your doctor for a clear understanding of your condition.
Many people question the validity of your illness because they do not understand medicine, so try to forgive their ignorance! These symptoms have been present for many years; living with them may not be detrimental, but how others perceive you as having a problem is crucially tied to your own performance and confidence.
Regardless of what others think, treat yourself kindly and allow yourself to perform to your fullest potential, and others will naturally be left speechless.

Reply Date: 2016/09/05

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experiences and feelings. It’s clear that you are going through a very challenging time, and I commend you for your courage in seeking help and for your commitment to your treatment. Your symptoms, including auditory hallucinations, feelings of paranoia, and anxiety about your safety, are significant and warrant ongoing attention from mental health professionals.

Firstly, regarding your question about whether to continue your mental health treatment, I strongly encourage you to persist with your treatment plan. Mental health conditions can be complex and often require time to understand and manage effectively. The fact that you have been consistent with your medication and appointments is commendable and is an important part of your recovery journey.
It’s understandable to feel frustrated, especially when you perceive a lack of understanding or support from those around you, including family and friends. It can be incredibly isolating when others do not recognize the reality of your experiences. However, it’s crucial to remember that mental health issues are not always visible to others, and just because someone cannot see your struggles does not mean they are not real. Your feelings and experiences are valid, and it’s important to prioritize your well-being over others’ perceptions.

You mentioned that your doctor has not yet provided a clear diagnosis, which can be disconcerting. It’s not uncommon for mental health conditions to take time to diagnose accurately, as symptoms can overlap between different disorders. I encourage you to have an open conversation with your doctor about your concerns. Ask them directly about your diagnosis and the rationale behind their treatment approach. Understanding your condition can empower you and help you feel more in control of your treatment.

In addition to medication, consider the benefits of therapy. Engaging in psychotherapy can provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It can also help you develop coping strategies to manage your symptoms and improve your overall mental health. If you feel that your current therapist is not meeting your needs, it’s okay to seek a second opinion or find a therapist who you feel more comfortable with.

You also mentioned feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of giving up. It’s crucial to address these feelings seriously. If you ever feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for immediate help. Contact a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional. There are also crisis hotlines available that can provide support 24/7.

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of self-compassion. It’s easy to be hard on yourself, especially when you feel misunderstood. Remember that healing is not linear; there will be ups and downs along the way. Celebrate the small victories, such as consistently taking your medication and attending appointments. These are significant steps toward your recovery.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend that you continue your treatment and maintain open communication with your healthcare providers. Seek clarity about your diagnosis and explore additional therapeutic options. You are not alone in this journey, and there are people who care and want to help you. Your life is valuable, and there is hope for a brighter future.

Take care, and I wish you strength and healing on your journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Zhong

Similar Q&A

Should You Continue Mental Health Treatment at the Same Clinic?

Hello, Doctor: Three years ago, I underwent about six counseling sessions. At that time, I assessed my emotional state as stable and had no issues in my life, so I discontinued the counseling. Currently, my depression and suicidal tendencies are more severe than before. I find my...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
It's important for patients to have access to nearby clinics for treatment. Proximity to care is crucial. - Dr. Wu Enliang

Should You Consider Therapy for Anxiety After Medication Treatment?

Hello, doctor. I used to work for a Japanese company where I had no freedom and little sleep, and my supervisor was very neurotic. I was overworked every day, and due to excessive effort and lack of sleep, I developed anxiety disorder within six months. I then sought treatment at...

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear yorusora, it sounds like interpersonal interactions and work stress are some challenges you're facing. In fact, psychotherapy is a process that helps you gain a better understanding of yourself. Many times, we are aware of our conscious thoughts, but we may not notice o...

Managing Mental Health: Should I See a Specialist or Self-Treat?

Hello, doctor. I am the person who asked question #131783. Should I follow your advice for a week, or should I first see a psychiatrist or a similar specialist? I feel that my symptoms are worsening, but I am afraid that if I see a doctor and get prescribed medication, I might de...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: If you are concerned, you can seek medical attention first. A visit does not necessarily mean that medication will be prescribed; even if medication is prescribed, most situations do not lead to dependency. The best way to interrupt anxiety is to break the negative cycle w...

Managing Anxiety: Balancing Medication and Therapy for Recovery

Hello, doctor. When I was in the ninth grade, I became anxious and started experiencing obsessive thoughts due to certain issues. I visited two psychiatric clinics during my first and second years of high school (both had follow-up visits, but they were not long-term). Later, I d...

Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello. Of course, you can discuss dosage issues with your physician. If your condition is stable, the dosage usually will not be increased unless there are specific reasons. Regarding psychological testing, you might want to consider why you wish to cancel it. After all, it is ju...