the Need for Comfort: When Anxiety Affects Daily Life

Q: the Need for Comfort: When Anxiety Affects Daily Life

Hello, Miss Tang： The so-called "security blanket" is actually a phenomenon that occurs during children's developmental process, transitioning from dependence to independence. <br>During this transitional period, children often develop attachments to certain objects, seeking emot

The need for a weighted blanket has become more severe?

Hello, Dr.
Dai:
I have had a situation similar to needing a "security blanket" since childhood.
However, it has not been severe enough to significantly impact my life.
Recently, though, it seems to have worsened; whenever I get out of bed to start working or engaging in activities, I feel extremely sleepy and want to return to bed.
I try to endure it, but after a certain point, I start to experience headaches and even a slight feeling of nausea.

Worse yet, as soon as I successfully cling to my blanket (whether hugging it or through skin contact), my mood improves significantly, and I feel psychologically safe.
However, this directly leads to my inability to maintain a normal sleep schedule, as I remain alert until I am so exhausted that I can't help but fall asleep (often staying awake until dawn).
Eventually, this has resulted in a reversal of my day-night cycle, making it very difficult to separate from the blanket in the morning.

I often find myself internally shouting to get up, but once I do, I feel extremely uncomfortable all over.
Am I unwell? Is there a way to alleviate this condition through treatment, or is it simply an issue of excessive dependence? I know I should probably see a doctor, but I'm unsure if this constitutes a medical issue.
I'm also confused about whether I should consult a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Thank you for reading this, and I apologize for bringing up such an uncertain issue.
Wishing you peace and well-being.

Tang Tang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/07

Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry

Hello, Miss Tang: The so-called "security blanket" is actually a phenomenon that occurs during children's developmental process, transitioning from dependence to independence.
During this transitional period, children often develop attachments to certain objects, seeking emotional reliance to substitute for the mother's role, accompanying them as they grow.
Different individuals may form attachments to different objects.
Based on your description, this attachment is typically a normal phenomenon; however, if it has intensified over the past few months and is accompanied by some psychosomatic symptoms, it raises concerns.
You may be experiencing a lack of motivation, feelings of sadness, negative thinking, memory decline, and changes in appetite and sleep.
If you have these symptoms and they persist for a long time, affecting your daily life, it could potentially be depression.
Additionally, it may be related to stress from life, work, or interpersonal relationships, leading to adjustment disorders that require a period of rest and self-healing before you can start anew.
Regardless, since these concerns have been ongoing for some time, I recommend seeking psychological counseling or professional assistance from a psychiatric department in a hospital.
Wishing you well.

Reply Date: 2017/03/07

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of anxiety and discomfort in your daily life, particularly related to your attachment to your comfort blanket and the difficulties you face when trying to engage in activities outside of that comfort zone. This situation can be quite distressing, and it’s important to address it thoughtfully.

From what you've described, it seems that your need for comfort has escalated to a point where it is interfering with your daily functioning. The feelings of wanting to stay in bed, the headaches, and the nausea when you try to engage in activities are all signs that your mental health may be affected. It's not uncommon for individuals to develop coping mechanisms, such as relying on a comfort object, especially during times of stress or anxiety. However, when these coping mechanisms start to hinder your ability to function normally, it may be time to seek help.

Your situation could be indicative of an anxiety disorder, particularly if you find that your anxiety is persistent and affects your ability to carry out daily tasks. The fact that you feel significantly better when you are wrapped in your blanket suggests that you may be using it as a way to self-soothe in response to anxiety. While this is a natural response, it can lead to a cycle where you become increasingly reliant on that comfort to manage your anxiety, which can ultimately make it harder to engage with the world around you.

In terms of treatment, both psychological and psychiatric approaches could be beneficial. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common and effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. A mental health professional can work with you to develop coping strategies that do not rely solely on your comfort blanket, helping you to gradually face the activities that cause you distress.

Medication may also be an option if your anxiety is severe and impacting your quality of life. A psychiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and determine if medication could help alleviate some of the anxiety you are experiencing. This could provide you with the relief needed to engage more fully in therapy and other activities.

It's important to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many people experience anxiety, and there is no shame in reaching out for support. You mentioned uncertainty about whether to see a psychologist or psychiatrist; both can be helpful, but starting with a psychologist may allow you to explore your feelings and behaviors in a therapeutic setting. If necessary, they can refer you to a psychiatrist for medication management.

In conclusion, your feelings of anxiety and the reliance on your comfort blanket are valid and deserve attention. Seeking professional help can provide you with the tools and support needed to manage your anxiety more effectively and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are resources available to help you navigate these challenges.

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