Am I Suffering from Depression, Anxiety, or Panic Disorder?

Q: Am I Suffering from Depression, Anxiety, or Panic Disorder?

Ms. <br>Huang： Hello, based on the information provided, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. <br>However, depression often coexists with anxiety and panic symptoms. <br>If the medication is effective, it is recommended to continue for a period of time before discussin

Am I experiencing depression, anxiety, or panic stemming from worry?

I don't know when I started to feel increasingly unhappy.
My low mood has persisted for a long time (over three months now), and I've begun to feel weary of the world.
Sometimes I feel like I can't hold on any longer, and I have thoughts of wanting to disappear every day, but I don't dare to act on them.
I feel useless and often experience significant stress or frustration about the future.
I've lost motivation and interest in things I used to enjoy, leading me to feel like I shouldn't exist in this world.
Perhaps it's due to my poor skin since childhood, which has made me feel insecure, or maybe I've had depressive tendencies since I was young but never paid attention to them.
I feel like everything has completely erupted during this period.
I lack interest and can't seem to feel happy.
I experience dry eyes, gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating (with no identifiable cause), racing thoughts, severe hiccups, anxiety, tension, nausea, tightness in my shoulders and neck, shoulder pain, headaches, dizziness, frequent irritability, a tense body, impatience, poor work efficiency, lack of concentration, trembling all over, inability to relax, and uncontrollable crying.
I often have trouble sleeping, only experiencing hypersomnia, and while I don't have a loss of appetite, I tend to overeat.
When I encounter family issues (like arguing with family members) or financial stress, I don't even know the reason; I start to lash out, throw things, hit people, and speak harshly, losing my rationality.
After these outbursts, I feel regret.
There was even a time when, after an argument, I hyperventilated and couldn't breathe through my nose, my body trembled all over, my hands and feet felt numb, I felt nauseous, dizzy, and extremely uncomfortable for about an hour, feeling like I was going to die.
I can go from being happy one moment to crying the next.
Sometimes I feel normal, but other times my emotional state shifts back to depression.
Encountering certain keywords or even slightly touching videos can make me cry uncontrollably.
I wake up with many negative thoughts; I lack confidence in myself and often find myself crying for no apparent reason.
My negative thoughts include feelings of being worthless, having no one by my side, and hating myself.
Fortunately, I am aware of my situation, but I feel scared about seeking help.
I visited a psychiatrist for the first time, and the doctor mentioned that I have symptoms of distractibility and possibly ADHD that have not been treated, leading to many of my issues.
I did see a psychiatrist and took medication for a while, but I stopped taking it on my own after feeling better.
However, my friends said I would be better off without the medication, but I actually felt worse after stopping it and became more irritable.
Is my condition depression? Anxiety? Or is it anxiety that leads to panic?

Huang Xiaotian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/31

Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry

Ms.
Huang: Hello, based on the information provided, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression.
However, depression often coexists with anxiety and panic symptoms.
If the medication is effective, it is recommended to continue for a period of time before discussing with your physician the possibility of discontinuing the medication.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2018/01/31

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex mix of emotional and physical symptoms that are significantly impacting your daily life. Based on your description, it is possible that you are dealing with a combination of depression, anxiety, and possibly panic disorder. Let’s break down your symptoms and explore what they might indicate.

Symptoms Analysis
1. Persistent Low Mood: You mentioned feeling low for over three months, which is a key indicator of depression. Depression often manifests as a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in activities that once brought joy.

2. Thoughts of Worthlessness: Feelings of being "useless" or questioning your existence are common in depression. This can also lead to suicidal thoughts, which you mentioned but have not acted upon. It’s crucial to take these feelings seriously and seek help.

3. Physical Symptoms: The physical manifestations you described—dry eyes, gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue—can often accompany anxiety and depression. Stress and anxiety can lead to a range of physical symptoms, sometimes referred to as psychosomatic symptoms.

4. Emotional Instability: The rapid shifts in your mood, from feeling okay to crying uncontrollably, suggest emotional dysregulation, which is often seen in anxiety disorders and mood disorders.

5. Sleep and Appetite Changes: You noted experiencing hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) and binge eating, which are common in depressive episodes. Changes in sleep and appetite are significant indicators of mood disorders.

6. Panic Symptoms: The episodes where you felt like you were going to die, along with hyperventilation and physical discomfort, may indicate panic attacks. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and a persistent fear of future attacks.

Possible Diagnoses
Given your symptoms, it is plausible that you may be experiencing:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest, and various physical symptoms.

- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Involves excessive worry about various aspects of life, often accompanied by physical symptoms like tension and irritability.

- Panic Disorder: If you are experiencing recurrent panic attacks, this could be a contributing factor to your overall anxiety and emotional distress.

Recommendations
1. Seek Professional Help: It’s commendable that you have already seen a psychiatrist. It’s important to continue this relationship and be open about your symptoms, including any changes you notice. Medication can be beneficial, but it often takes time to find the right one and the right dosage.

2. Therapy: Consider engaging in psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help you develop coping strategies and address negative thought patterns. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and learn how to manage them.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can have a positive impact on your mood and anxiety levels. Even small changes can lead to improvements over time.

4. Support System: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide emotional support.

5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation.

6. Medication Management: If you find that stopping medication leads to a decline in your mental health, discuss this with your psychiatrist. It’s important to work together to find a treatment plan that works for you.

Conclusion
Your situation is complex, and it’s important to approach it with care and professional guidance. Mental health issues can feel overwhelming, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to find relief and regain a sense of control over your life. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and you deserve to feel better.

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