Depression, Emotional Sensitivity, and Sleep Issues

Q: Depression, Emotional Sensitivity, and Sleep Issues

Hello： Occasional fluctuations in emotions can sometimes lead to poor sleep, but as long as you gradually return to a normal state, there is usually no need to worry too much. <br>When you notice that your emotional or physical well-being is not optimal, you can try to explore po

Depression, emotional management, sleep?

Hello, I apologize for the lengthy description.
I am currently a student preparing for the university entrance exam, and I am feeling a bit stressed, but I believe it is a positive stress that does not significantly affect my daily life.
About ten months to a year ago, I started to learn about mental health issues because a few classmates confided in me about their struggles with depression.
I’m not sure if I was inspired or if I was just beginning to confront my own feelings, but during the process of supporting them, I noticed that I became more sensitive.
A friend who has had similar experiences also feels this way about himself, and others have commented that I am sensitive as well.
I read online that being sensitive is not entirely negative, but I still care about it a bit.

Recently, my classmates have been dealing with their issues in various ways (long-term hospitalization or other methods), so I haven't been in contact with them as often.
However, in the past few months, I have had to manage more school activities, which has kept me busy and made me prone to emotional fluctuations over minor issues.
Afterward, I often realize that these were trivial matters and I don’t care as much.
During a particularly overwhelming time, I visited the school counseling office for about three or four sessions.
I do not have suicidal thoughts, but I often feel conflicted and sometimes find it hard to be in certain places or unwilling to interact with someone who verbally disturbs me.
Fortunately, as time passed, these feelings improved, and my interactions with that person became less problematic.
However, my sensitivity seems to persist, and I still question whether I might have depression or bipolar disorder.
I don’t feel like having these issues would be the end of the world, but I am uncertain if I exhibit these symptoms.
I often tend to overlook things after they happen, which leads to extreme emotional highs and lows.
Over the past couple of months, I have had nights where I feel particularly overwhelmed, possibly due to a series of events.
About a month ago, I felt that I was doing well, but something triggered me, and I ended up crying all night, not falling asleep until after 4 AM.
A few weeks later, I felt uncomfortable again due to other matters, which made it hard for me to sleep, but I haven’t cried all night since that incident.
My emotions have been relatively stable since then, until just now when I found it hard to sleep again.
I have been puzzled by this for a long time and wonder if a doctor could provide some insight.
I used to be someone who could sleep under any circumstances, but in the past few months, I have found it difficult to sleep if there is light or noise.
I would like to know if this is related.
Additionally, I have been feeling very sleepy during the day, even though I usually wouldn’t feel this way at this time.
I tend to wake up later, but my sleep schedule hasn’t changed much; I still go to bed around midnight when I’m tired, or around one or two if I’m not sleepy.
I don’t have a habit of taking naps, but I have been napping more often during the summer, usually for about half an hour to an hour.
Recently, however, I often end up sleeping through the entire afternoon or feel lethargic, which is quite troubling for me.
I would like to ask for your advice on this matter.

I apologize for all these questions, and thank you for your help.
Wishing you peace.
:)

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/20

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: Occasional fluctuations in emotions can sometimes lead to poor sleep, but as long as you gradually return to a normal state, there is usually no need to worry too much.
When you notice that your emotional or physical well-being is not optimal, you can try to explore possible underlying causes.
It's important to accept that negative events may occur in your life and that encountering such difficulties can affect your mood.
Allow yourself some time to gradually recover.
Additionally, redirecting your attention to other tasks or activities that you should or want to engage in can also be a helpful strategy.
Wishing you well.

Reply Date: 2017/08/20

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns. It sounds like you are navigating a complex mix of emotions, stress, and sleep issues, particularly as you prepare for your exams. It's commendable that you are seeking to understand your feelings and behaviors better, especially in light of your interactions with friends who have faced mental health challenges.

From what you've described, it seems you are experiencing heightened emotional sensitivity, which can be a common response to stress and the pressures of academic life. Emotional sensitivity is not inherently negative; it can allow for deeper empathy and connection with others. However, it can also lead to feeling overwhelmed, especially when you are exposed to the struggles of those around you. This heightened sensitivity may be contributing to your emotional fluctuations and the feelings of being overwhelmed by seemingly minor issues.

Your experience of crying for an entire night and then feeling emotionally stable afterward suggests that you may be processing your emotions in bursts. This is not uncommon, especially for individuals under stress. The fact that you have sought counseling indicates a proactive approach to managing your mental health, which is a positive step. It's important to recognize that emotional ups and downs can be part of a normal response to stress, but if these feelings persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to continue seeking professional support.

Regarding your sleep issues, it’s noteworthy that you mention a shift in your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep disturbances can often be linked to emotional distress and anxiety. The fact that you are now more sensitive to light and sound while trying to sleep could indicate that your mind is more active or alert due to stress or anxiety. This hyperarousal can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep, leading to a cycle of sleep deprivation and increased emotional sensitivity.

The daytime sleepiness you are experiencing may also be a result of disrupted sleep patterns or the emotional toll of your experiences. When we are under stress, our bodies can react in various ways, including fatigue and a need for more rest. It’s essential to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even if you feel the urge to nap during the day. Napping can sometimes interfere with nighttime sleep, especially if it extends into the late afternoon.

Here are some strategies you might consider to help manage your emotional sensitivity and improve your sleep:
1. Establish a Sleep Routine: Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Create a calming bedtime routine that signals to your body that it’s time to wind down.

2. Limit Stimulants: Reduce caffeine and screen time before bed. Instead, engage in relaxing activities such as reading or gentle stretching.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep.

4. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings before bed can help clear your mind and reduce emotional clutter, potentially leading to better sleep.

5. Seek Professional Support: If your emotional sensitivity and sleep issues continue to be a concern, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for further evaluation and support.

6. Connect with Others: While it’s important to support your friends, ensure you also have a support system for yourself. Sharing your feelings with trusted friends or family can help alleviate some of the emotional burden.

Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health and well-being. You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Take care of yourself, and I wish you all the best in your studies and emotional journey!

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