Panic Disorder and Its Emotional Impact on Families

Q: Panic Disorder and Its Emotional Impact on Families

Hello： Panic disorder and depression are both treatable conditions, and with patience and perseverance, most individuals can see improvement. <br>For those who are depressed, feeling understood by those around them and having someone willing to accept and accompany them can provi

My mother has depression?

Hello, Doctor! I apologize for the lengthy message, so I have divided it into two parts.
Thank you for your help!
Background: My mother has been diagnosed with panic disorder for quite some time, about a year now.
She used to be a strong woman who worked hard to support the family and manage financial pressures, but after experiencing discomfort in her heart, she was referred from cardiology to internal medicine and then to psychiatry, where she was finally diagnosed with panic disorder.
Now, she cries whenever there’s an argument and her emotions are very unstable.
She had been taking medication for a long time at a small clinic, but since there was no improvement, she had to switch to a large hospital.
The doctor at the hospital was surprised to see her records and said, "You've been on such heavy medication!?" It seems the clinic's doctor kept increasing the dosage.
The hospital doctor felt that was inappropriate, so he reduced the dosage and advised her to return for a follow-up in about 3 or 4 weeks.
However, it’s understandable that my mother hasn’t been feeling well these past few weeks after the dosage was reduced.
After she reported this to the doctor, he told her, "If the heavy medication didn’t help and made you feel worse, then...
perhaps it was ineffective." This was a significant blow to my mother, who is already very concerned about taking medication for mental illness, and now she was told that it might not have worked at all.
That day when she returned home, I had an argument with her over taking out the trash, and she started crying—in the bathroom, in the shower, and in her room.
I was a bit shocked by her reaction, and after asking her for a long time, she finally said the doctor mentioned that her previous medication might have been useless.
She expressed how sad she was, how much she hated this situation, and how she despised becoming this kind of person.
Question: My mother has been crying frequently lately and has expressed hatred towards certain people, mentioning thoughts related to self-harm.
This week, she also has bad breath, and the smell in her room is quite unpleasant.
She says she feels weak physically, although her daily routine remains unchanged.
She mentioned that she wants to ask the doctor next week if she has developed depression.
I’m very worried that she might become severely depressed to the point of being unable to function.
Do you have any suggestions? What should I do if we cannot address the underlying issues causing her potential depression? How can I prevent my mother from contemplating suicide? How can I comfort her when she is crying? As a high school student, I often have conflicts with my family; just saying a couple of things can make my mother say she feels unwell.
This makes me very unhappy, as it feels like she uses her illness to pressure me.
Is there a way for her to change her stubborn personality traits to improve her condition? Additionally, I am struggling to adapt to my high school environment, feeling overshadowed by the talents of those around me, and I am constantly bothered by past mistakes and have many other fantasies.
I am also very concerned about my sexual orientation and do not particularly like myself.
My mother’s situation makes me uncomfortable as well; hearing her cry or anything related to her distress feels very unsettling.
My mother has previously said that I worry too easily.
Is it possible that I might also be experiencing depression? Will this have a negative impact on my younger sister, who is in the ninth grade? I apologize for the lengthy message, and I greatly appreciate your time in reading this.
Thank you for your response!

Xiao Gao Er, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/07

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: Panic disorder and depression are both treatable conditions, and with patience and perseverance, most individuals can see improvement.
For those who are depressed, feeling understood by those around them and having someone willing to accept and accompany them can provide significant support.
If more than one close person offers this support, the effect can be even greater.
You might also consider telling your mother that if she is willing, you would like to accompany her to her next appointment.
Individuals with depression can easily become pessimistic and may misinterpret the doctor's words, so having a family member present can help provide a more objective interpretation.
When you feel pressure from your mother, try to remind yourself that her inability to consider your feelings is due to her illness and discomfort; once she recovers, things should improve.
It's thoughtful of you to think of your younger sister in the third year of junior high.
If she is open to it, you can have a good conversation with her about your concerns and brainstorm coping strategies together.
Often, just expressing feelings and being understood can significantly alleviate stress.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2017/01/07

More Info

Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden surges of overwhelming fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. These attacks can lead to significant emotional distress and can have a profound impact not only on the individual experiencing them but also on their family members. Understanding this disorder and its emotional ramifications is crucial for both the affected individual and their loved ones.

From your description, it seems that your mother has been struggling with panic disorder for about a year, and this has significantly altered her emotional state and behavior. The transition from being a strong, independent figure to someone who is emotionally unstable and prone to crying spells can be distressing for both her and her family. The emotional toll of panic disorder can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, frustration, and feelings of helplessness. Your mother's experience of feeling overwhelmed by her condition, especially after receiving disappointing news about her medication, is a common reaction among individuals dealing with chronic mental health issues.

It's important to recognize that panic disorder can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing, as your mother has expressed feelings of hatred towards herself for her condition. This emotional turmoil can sometimes escalate to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which is understandably concerning for you as her child. The fact that she has mentioned thoughts related to self-harm indicates that she may be experiencing severe emotional distress, and it is crucial to take these statements seriously.

Here are some suggestions for how to support your mother during this challenging time:
1. Encourage Professional Help: It sounds like your mother is already seeking help from medical professionals, which is a positive step. Encourage her to continue attending therapy sessions and to communicate openly with her psychiatrist about her feelings and any side effects of her medication. If she feels that her current treatment isn't effective, it may be worth exploring other options, including therapy modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective for panic disorder.

2. Create a Supportive Environment: When your mother is crying or expressing her feelings, try to be present and listen without judgment. Sometimes, just being there for someone can provide immense comfort. You might say something like, "I’m here for you, and it’s okay to feel this way." Validating her feelings can help her feel less isolated in her experience.

3. Set Boundaries: While it’s important to support your mother, it’s also crucial to take care of your own mental health. If her emotional state is affecting you negatively, it’s okay to set boundaries. You can express your feelings to her gently, letting her know that while you care for her, you also need to take care of yourself.

4. Monitor for Warning Signs: Be vigilant for any signs that her condition may be worsening, such as increased withdrawal from activities, persistent sadness, or any talk of self-harm. If you notice these signs, it may be necessary to seek immediate professional help.

5. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Suggest activities that can help alleviate stress and anxiety, such as gentle exercise, mindfulness practices, or engaging in hobbies she enjoys. These activities can provide a distraction and improve her overall mood.

6. Communicate Openly: It’s understandable that you may feel frustrated with your mother’s behavior, especially if it seems to impact your own emotional state. Try to communicate your feelings honestly but compassionately. You might say, "I feel overwhelmed when I see you upset, and I want to help, but I also need to take care of my own feelings."
As for your concerns about your own mental health, it’s not uncommon for family members of individuals with mental health issues to experience their own emotional distress. If you find yourself feeling persistently sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, it may be beneficial to speak with a counselor or therapist. They can help you process your feelings and provide strategies for coping with the stress of your family situation.

Lastly, regarding your younger sister, it’s essential to maintain a stable and supportive environment for her as well. Children can be sensitive to the emotional climates of their families, so ensuring that she feels safe and supported is crucial.

In conclusion, navigating the complexities of panic disorder within a family can be challenging, but with open communication, professional support, and healthy coping strategies, it is possible to create a more stable and supportive environment for everyone involved.

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