How to Discuss Your Mental Health Symptoms with a Doctor for Better Treatment

Q: How to Discuss Your Mental Health Symptoms with a Doctor for Better Treatment

Hello： Based on what you mentioned in your letter, it appears to be symptoms of depression. <br>In addition to medication treatment, you may consider combining psychotherapy and activity therapy. <br>You can discuss with your physician about adjusting your medication or incorpora

If you want to manage and improve your symptoms without medication, consider the following strategies: 1. Lifestyle Changes: Incorporate regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep into your routine. These can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. 2. Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress levels. 3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Engage in therapy to help identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. 4.

I have attempted suicide twice in the past, and later realized that my depression was due to environmental factors and stress.
However, I stopped taking my antidepressant medication because I was not fully aware of my situation during the observation period.
Instead, I relied on a benzodiazepine for sleep, but my temper has become irritable.
Currently, I am experiencing insomnia, poor memory, and low mood.
During severe episodes, I have thoughts of self-harm and emotional instability.
My mood fluctuates greatly; when I feel stressed, I often do nothing all day, hiding in my room and watching videos to escape reality.
I also tend to avoid people I feel guilty towards, often ignoring them.
When my husband disagrees with me, I become emotionally unstable.
In conversations, I struggle to listen patiently and often respond without thinking, which can offend others.
I frequently interpret others' words as condescending or accusatory, leading to feelings of guilt and pressure.
When stressed, I want to escape and avoid facing reality, which has caused me to withdraw from social interactions.
If I don’t take my sleep medication before bed, I tend to ruminate and feel insecure, anxious, overly sensitive, and suspicious.
I experience excessive tension, and when life feels strained, I have difficulty with regular bowel movements.
I don’t feel restless when my mind is blank, but when I engage in serious thinking, my mood swings significantly, and I struggle to maintain self-control.
Sometimes, if I go to bed without taking my sleep medication and don’t think about problems, I end up ruminating about feeling rejected, blamed, and inadequate, leading to feelings of inferiority.

If I want to continue seeing a doctor, how should I communicate these issues to ensure I receive the correct medication?

Xiao Li, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/07

Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry

Hello: Based on what you mentioned in your letter, it appears to be symptoms of depression.
In addition to medication treatment, you may consider combining psychotherapy and activity therapy.
You can discuss with your physician about adjusting your medication or incorporating non-pharmacological treatments.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2017/12/07

More Info

When discussing your mental health symptoms with a doctor, especially given your history of depression and suicidal thoughts, it's crucial to be open and honest about your experiences. Here’s a structured approach to help you communicate effectively with your healthcare provider:
1. Prepare for the Appointment: Before your visit, take some time to write down your symptoms, feelings, and any changes you've noticed in your behavior or mood. This can include:
- Frequency and intensity of your depressive episodes.

- Specific thoughts or feelings you experience, such as suicidal ideation, irritability, or feelings of inadequacy.

- Physical symptoms like insomnia, changes in appetite, or gastrointestinal issues.

- Any triggers you’ve identified that worsen your symptoms, such as stress from your environment or interactions with others.

2. Be Honest About Your History: Inform your doctor about your past suicide attempts and your diagnosis of depression. Explain how your symptoms have evolved over time, including any periods of improvement or worsening. This context is vital for your doctor to understand your current state.

3. Discuss Medication: Since you've previously been on antidepressants and have stopped taking them, it's important to discuss this with your doctor. Explain why you stopped (e.g., lack of clarity about the medication's effects, side effects, etc.) and how you’ve been managing since then. Mention your current reliance on a sedative for sleep and how it’s affecting your mood and behavior.

4. Describe Your Current Symptoms: Clearly articulate your current symptoms, including:
- Your sleep patterns and how they affect your daily life.

- Emotional fluctuations and how they impact your relationships, particularly with your husband.

- Any feelings of paranoia or misinterpretation of others’ words as criticism.

- The physical symptoms you experience when under stress, such as gastrointestinal issues.

5. Express Your Goals: Let your doctor know what you hope to achieve from your treatment. This could include finding a stable medication regimen, developing coping strategies for stress, or improving your communication skills in relationships.

6. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor questions about your treatment options, including:
- What medications might be appropriate for your symptoms?
- Are there non-medication therapies (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) that could help?
- What should you do if you experience worsening symptoms or suicidal thoughts again?
7. Follow-Up Plan: Discuss a follow-up plan with your doctor. Regular check-ins can help monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment.

Additional Considerations
- Therapeutic Alliance: Building a trusting relationship with your doctor is essential. If you feel uncomfortable with your current provider, consider seeking a second opinion or finding a mental health professional who specializes in your specific needs.

- Support Systems: In addition to professional help, consider reaching out to support groups or therapy for caregivers if you feel overwhelmed by your partner's mental health struggles. This can provide you with tools to manage your feelings and improve your well-being.

- Emergency Plan: Given your history of suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place. Discuss with your doctor what steps to take if you find yourself in crisis.

In summary, being prepared, honest, and clear about your symptoms and history will help your doctor provide the best possible care. Mental health treatment is often a collaborative process, and your active participation is key to finding the right path forward.

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