Overwhelmed by Worries: When to Seek Mental Health Support - Psychiatry

Share to:

A lot of worries?


Hello Doctor, I am obese and have been suffering from sleep apnea for a long time.
I didn't know about this condition before, so I didn't pay much attention to my loud snoring, but my blood pressure has been quite high.
I have undergone some surgeries to clear my airways in the past, but the results were not significant.
It wasn't until last year that I started using a CPAP machine.
At the end of March this year, I experienced several days of head swelling, and I was concerned it might be a sign of a blood vessel rupture or a stroke.
I later visited my family physician, who informed me about my hypertension and started me on medication to control my blood pressure.
Although the feeling of head swelling is not as severe now, I still experience a sensation of heaviness in my head and a pressure between my eyebrows.
Additionally, last May, I had a sensation in my right abdomen that wasn't painful but was noticeable.
I consulted various specialists; some suggested it could be neuritis, and an abdominal ultrasound indicated gallstones.
Although the sensation in my right abdomen has decreased this year, it has reappeared recently, causing me concern.
In June, I developed floaters in my vision and visited an ophthalmologist three times, who assured me that everything was normal and advised me to return if I experienced any other symptoms.
In mid-June, after using a masturbation sleeve, I noticed swelling around my penis that resembled a worm, prompting me to visit the emergency room.
The swelling subsided the next day but reappeared a week later, leading me to consult a urologist who suggested it might be penile lymphangitis and advised me to rest and abstain from sexual activity.
Last year, I noticed a small gray area on my penis near the glans after using the sleeve.
I have been using it 2-3 times a week, and the gray area seems to be increasing.
I have seen both a dermatologist and a urologist, and they both felt it was not concerning, but suggested a biopsy if I was worried, which is another source of anxiety for me.
At the end of June this year, I had a biopsy to remove a green lesion on the bottom of my left foot that had been there for over a decade.
It showed no significant changes and was not painful, but I had ignored it for a long time.
After reading many reports about melanoma, I became anxious about the biopsy results being unfavorable.
In the past week or two, I have been urinating frequently, often feeling like I still have residual urine after finishing.
I usually drink over 2000 cc of water a day, and although my exercise level has been decent, I feel like my weight keeps dropping, which makes me worry about diabetes.
A few days ago, I had a basic health check that indicated I have gallstones and high blood pressure.
Sometimes, I also feel unexplained sensations on the left side of my chest, and I worry that my high blood pressure due to sleep apnea might lead to cardiovascular disease or a sudden heart attack.
Last year, my upper left second molar broke down to a small remnant.
Although I saw a dentist who filled the cavity, it has been almost a year, and I may need an implant.
I'm afraid that if I wait too long, the teeth below will grow up and cause facial deformity or misalignment.
Yesterday, I felt a slight sensation in my upper left tooth.
I feel overwhelmed by many health concerns, which leads to excessive worrying about hypertension, stroke, heart attack, vision loss from floaters, diabetes, dental issues, facial deformity, unfavorable biopsy results from my foot, and ongoing penile issues.
I don't have any bad habits and generally follow advice, but I feel a lot of mental pressure and want to cry.
I am worried about why I feel this way and whether something sudden might happen.
Should I see a psychiatrist?

Dan dan de you shang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/12

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry


Hello: Yes, I would recommend that you see a psychiatrist.
Why? It sounds like you are currently experiencing anxiety due to various physical issues, and this anxiety is likely affecting your daily life.
If you tend to be an anxious person by nature, a physician can discuss with you how to cope with these stresses and utilize coping strategies to improve your quality of life.
If you are generally easygoing but have recently started experiencing significant anxiety, it is even more important to seek treatment, as the physician will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if there are any underlying systemic issues contributing to your anxiety, and then develop a management plan.

Reply Date: 2018/07/12

More Info


It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of anxiety and worry related to your health and various medical conditions. This is not uncommon, especially when dealing with multiple health issues, and it can lead to a cycle of stress and fear that can be overwhelming.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that your feelings are valid. The concerns you have about your health, including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and other symptoms, can understandably lead to anxiety. When we feel unwell or have unresolved health issues, it’s natural to worry about what that might mean for our overall health and future. However, excessive worry can sometimes lead to a condition known as health anxiety or hypochondria, where individuals become preoccupied with the fear of having a serious illness.

Given your situation, it may be beneficial for you to seek support from a mental health professional. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help you work through your anxiety and develop coping strategies to manage your worries. They can also help you differentiate between what is a legitimate health concern and what might be an exaggerated fear.
In addition to seeking professional help, there are several strategies you can implement to help manage your anxiety:
1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. These techniques can help you focus on the present moment rather than worrying about potential future health issues.

2. Limit Information Overload: It can be tempting to search for information online about your symptoms, but this often leads to increased anxiety. Try to limit your research to reputable sources and avoid excessive searching that can fuel your worries.

3. Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood. It doesn’t have to be intense; even a daily walk can make a difference.

4. Talk About Your Feelings: Sharing your worries with someone you trust can provide relief. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, talking about your fears can help you process them.

5. Focus on What You Can Control: While you may not be able to control your health conditions, you can control how you respond to them. Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, and following your doctor's recommendations for managing your health issues.

6. Set Boundaries with Health Concerns: Designate specific times to think about your health or to check in with your doctor, rather than allowing these thoughts to consume your day.

7. Seek Professional Help: If your anxiety continues to escalate or interferes with your daily life, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide therapy and, if necessary, medication to help manage your symptoms.

Regarding your specific question about whether you should see a psychiatrist or psychologist, the answer is yes, especially if your anxiety is impacting your quality of life. Mental health professionals can provide a safe space for you to express your fears and help you develop strategies to cope with them. They can also assess whether any underlying mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, may be contributing to your worries.

Lastly, remember that you are not alone in this. Many people experience similar feelings of anxiety, especially when faced with health concerns. Seeking help is a strong and positive step towards regaining control over your mental health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Anxiety: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues

Hello, I would like to ask for advice regarding a friend of mine. She has suffered emotional and psychological harm due to poor social choices, which has led her to develop a fear of going out, increased anxiety, and nervousness when speaking. I also noticed that her hands are co...


Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry
I'm not sure what type of injury your friend has sustained, but it seems to be very serious, to the point where it has severely affected her basic sense of personal safety. As a result, she is experiencing extreme anxiety and may need to seek medical attention from a psychia...

[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues


Understanding Your Mental Health: When to Seek Help

Hello, I am a fifth-year student in a vocational program. Recently, I have been feeling a lot of pressure due to issues at home and school. I feel emotionally low, want to cry, have thoughts of suicide, and feel like everyone is against me. Should I seek treatment at a hospital?


Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello Fei Fei: Everyone experiences stress and may face some difficulties in adaptation, but if you reach the point of "wanting to commit suicide," it is important to seriously address your emotional distress. Therefore, you should seek an evaluation from a psychiatrist...

[Read More] Understanding Your Mental Health: When to Seek Help


Struggling with Focus: When to Seek Help from Mental Health Professionals

Hello, Doctor. I am 26 years old and work in an office. I have been troubled by a condition since childhood; when someone speaks to me, I only hear one word or keyword from their sentence and cannot fully grasp the meaning of the entire statement. I then respond based on that wor...


Dr. Zhang Fangrong reply Psychiatry
I recommend that you first visit a psychiatrist for an initial evaluation. It would be best to have the doctor refer you to a psychologist for a comprehensive psychological assessment to identify the underlying issues. After that, you can discuss the subsequent treatment plan, wh...

[Read More] Struggling with Focus: When to Seek Help from Mental Health Professionals


Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles

I've always had great relationships with people throughout my life, but recently in middle school, I've encountered some issues where my classmates don't understand me. I'm really scared because I've never been disliked before. Suddenly, I feel so helples...


Dr. Zhao Mengqi reply Psychiatry
Hello, stranger: I believe you are feeling quite confused, and the misunderstandings with your classmates are troubling you. However, this also indicates that you are gradually entering a stage of growth, where you will begin to experience the complexities of society and your lif...

[Read More] Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles


Related FAQ

Worry

(Psychiatry)

Panic

(Psychiatry)

Mental Illness

(Psychiatry)

Emotional Distress

(Psychiatry)

Emotional Instability

(Psychiatry)

Psychological Counseling

(Psychiatry)

Ptsd

(Psychiatry)

Cbt

(Psychiatry)

Self-Injury

(Psychiatry)

Suicide

(Psychiatry)