Emotional Instability and Anger: When to Seek Help

Q: Emotional Instability and Anger: When to Seek Help

Hello： Regardless of whether you are ill, it appears that you are experiencing some negative emotional behaviors that need urgent attention. <br>It is advisable to consult or seek treatment at a nearby mental health facility to address these issues promptly. <br>If visiting a med

Emotional instability and irritability?

About three months ago, I started experiencing a lot of stress at home, but it wasn't due to academic pressure from my family.
Just seeing my dad makes me feel extremely pressured and fearful.
I find myself crying alone in my room every night, feeling suddenly sad and overwhelmed.
This has been a daily occurrence.
However, at school, I am doing well and feel happy without any pressure or unexplained crying spells; I only feel this way at home.
This has caused me to have a different personality at school compared to at home—I'm very outgoing at school but become very withdrawn at home, often isolating myself in my room.
I have shared my feelings and thoughts with my mom, but she keeps saying that my thoughts are very negative.
I believe these thoughts stem from my illness.
My friends call me every night, which helps me feel better.
Recently, however, my mood has become erratic, and I have become overly concerned about how others perceive me.
I often feel like I'm a burden to everyone and that my absence might be better for them.
Even small issues can trigger intense emotional reactions, leading me to want to throw things and scream.
Lately, whenever I feel this way, I start banging my head against the wall until I calm down.
I've been doing this for several days, averaging about once every two days, but these symptoms only occur outside of school.
One time, my mom heard me banging my head against the wall and rushed in to scold me, which only made my emotions escalate further.
I ended up lying in bed, struggling and twisting around as if I were going crazy, desperately wanting to bang my head against the wall, similar to the feeling of a drug withdrawal.
I have walls to bang against, but I can't do it because I'm afraid of being heard.
I once told my mom that I wanted to see a doctor, but she dismissed it, saying I was overthinking things, which made me feel like she doesn't care about me.
This led me to spiral into negative thoughts.
I would like to ask if I am truly unwell and if I should see a doctor.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.

anna, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/01

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello: Regardless of whether you are ill, it appears that you are experiencing some negative emotional behaviors that need urgent attention.
It is advisable to consult or seek treatment at a nearby mental health facility to address these issues promptly.
If visiting a medical facility is inconvenient, you can reach out to the local counselors (such as Teacher Zhang) via phone or email for consultation; they can also provide guidance and referral services.

Reply Date: 2016/10/01

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time, and I want to acknowledge the emotional turmoil you're experiencing. The feelings of pressure, fear, and anger, especially in relation to your family dynamics, can be overwhelming. It's important to understand that what you're experiencing may not simply be a phase or a sign of weakness; it could be indicative of deeper emotional issues that warrant professional attention.

From your description, it seems that you are experiencing significant emotional instability, particularly when you are at home. This dichotomy between your behavior at school and at home suggests that there are underlying issues that may be exacerbating your feelings of anxiety and anger. The fact that you feel comfortable and happy at school but retreat into sadness and anger at home indicates that your home environment may be a significant source of stress for you.

Your feelings of wanting to cry, the intense anger that leads you to harm yourself, and the thoughts of being a burden to others are all serious signs that you may benefit from professional help. It's concerning that you have resorted to self-harm as a way to cope with your emotions. Self-harm is often a sign of deep emotional distress and can lead to more severe consequences if not addressed. It's crucial to find healthier coping mechanisms and to express your feelings in a safe and constructive way.

You mentioned that your mother dismisses your feelings and suggests that you are simply being negative. This lack of understanding and support can further isolate you and exacerbate your feelings of despair. It’s important to have a support system that acknowledges your feelings and encourages you to seek help. If your family is not providing that support, consider reaching out to friends, teachers, or school counselors who may be able to help you navigate these feelings.

Seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, can provide you with the tools and strategies to manage your emotions more effectively. Therapy can help you explore the root causes of your feelings, develop coping strategies, and improve your emotional regulation. It’s also a safe space where you can express your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, or if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is critical to seek immediate help. You can contact a mental health crisis hotline or visit a local emergency room. Your safety and well-being are the top priority.

In summary, it is essential to take your feelings seriously and to seek professional help. You deserve support and guidance to help you navigate this difficult time. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in this, and there are people who want to help you.

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