Emotional Instability: Signs of Potential Depression

Q: Emotional Instability: Signs of Potential Depression

Hello： Feeling down, lacking interest, and not experiencing joy are indeed symptoms of depression. <br>Changes in the environment may cause temporary discomfort and lead to some depressive symptoms. <br>It is advisable to maintain your hobbies and interests, as they can serve a p

Emotional instability

Since the summer tutoring in August, I've been crying during class and even while trying to take a nap during lunch.
Sometimes I cry so intensely that I don’t think about any sad memories; I just feel a slight pain in my heart, and then tears start to flow.
This situation has persisted since the beginning of September.
I have always disliked this school since my middle school days, and I was forced to attend by my mother.
At this school, I often feel isolated.
Since the summer tutoring, I hardly smile anymore.
Things that used to make me laugh now seem just okay.
I often wonder if my family would be better off without me, as I feel like a burden.
In class, I hold two positions: one as a student leader and the other as an English tutor.
When I told my teacher I didn’t want to be a student leader anymore, he said my name had already been submitted.
However, I often feel unwell now.
Being a student leader was something I loved in middle school, and I used to manage both roles easily.
Why do I now feel so irritated and dislike these responsibilities? I also experience insomnia at times.
In conclusion, am I suffering from depression?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/30

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: Feeling down, lacking interest, and not experiencing joy are indeed symptoms of depression.
Changes in the environment may cause temporary discomfort and lead to some depressive symptoms.
It is advisable to maintain your hobbies and interests, as they can serve a protective role for your emotions.
High school can be a particularly challenging transitional phase; setting a clear goal for yourself can help.
When you know that your efforts are aimed at getting closer to your goal, it can make the challenges more bearable.
Talking with friends and family is also a great way to relieve stress.
However, if the situation does not improve, it is recommended to seek medical assistance.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2016/10/30

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of emotional distress, which is affecting your daily life and overall well-being. The symptoms you describe—crying during class, feeling a sense of heartache without a clear reason, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, and contemplating whether your family would be better off without you—are concerning and may indicate the presence of depression.

To differentiate between general emotional instability and clinical depression, it’s important to consider the duration, intensity, and impact of your symptoms. Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, lasting for at least two weeks. Other symptoms may include changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances (such as insomnia), fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Your experience of crying without a specific trigger, feeling isolated in a school environment you dislike, and the loss of joy in activities you once found fulfilling are all red flags. Additionally, your thoughts about being a burden to your family and the desire to escape your current situation are particularly serious. These thoughts can be indicative of deeper emotional struggles that require immediate attention.

It's crucial to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide a proper assessment and determine whether you are experiencing depression or another mental health condition. Therapy can be incredibly beneficial, offering you a safe space to express your feelings and learn coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, is effective in treating depression by helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.

Moreover, if you are feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, or school counselor. Sharing your feelings can alleviate some of the burdens you are carrying and may help you feel less isolated.
In the meantime, try to engage in self-care practices that can improve your mood. This could include physical activities, spending time outdoors, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and ensuring you maintain a balanced diet and regular sleep schedule. While these strategies are not a substitute for professional help, they can complement your treatment and support your mental health.

Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and there is help available. Taking the first step to seek assistance can be daunting, but it is a crucial move towards feeling better and regaining control over your life.

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