Should I See a Doctor for My Mental Health Concerns?

Q: Should I See a Doctor for My Mental Health Concerns?

Hello： Please seek medical attention as soon as possible; delaying it will have a greater impact on your life and result in more significant losses. <br>The consultation fee is covered by the National Health Insurance, so it will only be a couple of hundred NT dollars at most, un

Do I need to see a doctor?

Hello, I am currently a high school freshman.
Since last year, I have experienced several months of feeling down, poor sleep, frequent crying spells, and overall weakness.
I have lost interest in other activities and often have very negative thoughts.
However, this condition tends to improve after several months, only to recur again.
This cycle has been ongoing for about a year and a half.
Recently, I have started to experience chest tightness, weakness, crying urges, and feelings of anxiety and tension at night when trying to sleep.
My heart races, my body temperature fluctuates between hot and cold, and I wake up every one to two hours.
I am unsure whether I should see a doctor because I read online that symptoms need to persist for more than six months to indicate a potential illness.
I also heard that consultation fees can be quite expensive, and I don't want to burden my parents, yet I am feeling very uncomfortable.
So, I am uncertain if my condition warrants a visit to a doctor.

Yang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/31

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry

Hello: Please seek medical attention as soon as possible; delaying it will have a greater impact on your life and result in more significant losses.
The consultation fee is covered by the National Health Insurance, so it will only be a couple of hundred NT dollars at most, unless your condition requires long-term out-of-pocket intensive psychotherapy.

Reply Date: 2018/08/31

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of distress, and I want to acknowledge how difficult this must be for you. Based on what you've described, it would be advisable to seek help from a mental health professional. Your symptoms, which include prolonged feelings of sadness, lack of interest in activities, physical symptoms like chest tightness and fatigue, and anxiety during the night, suggest that you may be dealing with a mental health condition, possibly depression or anxiety.

Firstly, it's important to understand that mental health issues can manifest in various ways, and they do not always fit neatly into a specific timeframe or criteria. While some sources may suggest that symptoms need to persist for a certain duration before being considered a mental health disorder, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being. If you are experiencing distressing symptoms that interfere with your daily life, it is worth seeking professional help, regardless of how long you've been feeling this way.

You mentioned that your mood fluctuates and that you have periods of feeling better, but then the symptoms return. This cyclical pattern can be common in mental health conditions, particularly in mood disorders like depression. The feelings of anxiety and physical symptoms you are experiencing, such as rapid heartbeat and temperature fluctuations, can also be indicative of anxiety disorders. These conditions can be exacerbated by stressors such as school pressures or personal issues, which may be particularly relevant for a high school student.

Regarding your concerns about the cost of therapy and the potential burden on your parents, it's worth noting that many communities offer mental health services on a sliding scale based on income, and some schools have counseling services available for students. It might be beneficial to explore these options. Speaking to a school counselor could be a good first step; they can provide support and help you navigate the process of finding a mental health professional.

It's also important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health professionals are trained to provide support and guidance, and they can help you develop coping strategies to manage your symptoms. They can also help you understand whether your experiences align with a specific diagnosis and what treatment options are available.

In summary, given the distress you are experiencing, I strongly encourage you to reach out for help. You deserve support, and there are resources available to assist you. Taking this step can lead to a better understanding of your feelings and help you find ways to cope with the challenges you are facing. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are people who want to help you.

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