Emotional Instability: Signs and Mental Health Concerns

Emotional instability

Hello, doctor.
Due to psychological factors, I resigned last year.
During this period, I have had difficulty finding a job and have been worrying about work every day.
This year, my mood has become very unstable; I feel that life has no meaning, I am easily irritated, I experience chest tightness, and I don't want to talk to my family or friends, nor do I want to engage with anyone.
At least 2 to 3 weeks each month, I feel this way.
On holidays, my home is usually lively with relatives like my aunt, little cousin, and great-aunt coming over to chat.
Although I wasn't very talkative before, I used to look forward to weekends because I enjoyed the feeling of being together.
However, this year, whenever the holidays come, I feel even more restless and suffocated than usual, and I don't even want to go downstairs to be with them.
I am someone who easily worries and feels self-conscious over small matters, whether it’s with family, friends, or colleagues.
I often feel that they look at me with strange eyes and that when I talk to them, they are secretly mocking me.
I constantly think they are discussing my shortcomings behind my back, which makes me anxious about encountering people I know when I go out, leading me to avoid them.
Now, even at home, I fear visits from acquaintances or relatives I don’t see often, and I find myself hiding when they come over, which makes me feel very uneasy.
Additionally, I obtained my driver's license last year, but when I drive, I feel anxious about several things: 1.
When I need to drive faster than the car next to me, I worry that the other car will suddenly cut in front of me as I pass.
2.
I think the turn signals of the cars ahead are incorrect, among other reasons that cause me anxiety.
I wonder if my anxiety stems from witnessing my parents argue frequently when I was a child, especially since my father often gambled and lost money, leading to fights with my mother.
Whenever I hear he is going to gamble or during the New Year (when they would also gamble and argue over losses), I feel uneasy and my mood worsens, with unpleasant memories from my childhood often resurfacing.
Doctor, do you think my issues qualify as a mental disorder?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/13

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry

Based solely on the information you provided, I cannot definitively determine whether there is a mental illness present.
However, it seems possible that you may have reached a level of depression.
Given your childhood experiences and current anxiety, it appears that your distress is quite significant.
I recommend that you seek an evaluation from a mental health professional.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to consider the possibility of engaging in psychotherapy to address the impact of your early experiences.

Reply Date: 2016/10/13

More Info

Hello, thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a range of emotional and psychological symptoms that could be indicative of an underlying mental health issue, potentially including anxiety and depression.
Your feelings of emotional instability, irritability, and a sense of meaninglessness in life are significant. It’s concerning that you find yourself withdrawing from social interactions, even with family and friends, which is a common symptom of depression. The fact that you used to look forward to gatherings but now feel more anxious and overwhelmed during these times suggests a shift in your mental state that should not be ignored.

The anxiety you describe, particularly in social situations, is also noteworthy. Feeling as though others are judging you or discussing you negatively can be a symptom of social anxiety disorder. This condition often leads to avoidance behaviors, where individuals may go out of their way to avoid situations that trigger their anxiety, which seems to be happening in your case. Your apprehension while driving, fearing that other cars might cut you off or that their signals are incorrect, further indicates a heightened state of anxiety that can be debilitating.

Moreover, the background you provided about your childhood experiences, particularly witnessing conflicts between your parents, could have a lasting impact on your mental health. Early exposure to stress and conflict can contribute to the development of anxiety and depressive disorders later in life. It’s not uncommon for individuals who have experienced such environments to carry those feelings into adulthood, manifesting as anxiety, self-doubt, and a heightened sensitivity to stress.

Given the symptoms you are experiencing—emotional instability, irritability, social withdrawal, and anxiety—it would be advisable to seek professional help. A mental health professional can conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether you are dealing with a specific mental health disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or major depressive disorder.
Treatment options can vary but often include psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help you address negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies. In some cases, medication may also be recommended to help manage symptoms.
It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health issues are common and treatable, and many people find relief and improvement in their quality of life through therapy and support.
In the meantime, consider engaging in self-care practices that can help alleviate some of your symptoms. This might include regular physical activity, mindfulness or meditation practices, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring you have a support system in place, whether through friends, family, or support groups.

Please take your feelings seriously and reach out to a mental health professional who can guide you through this challenging time. You deserve support and the opportunity to feel better. Thank you for your courage in sharing your story, and I hope you find the help you need.

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