Managing Emotional Instability: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges

Emotional instability

Hello Doctor: I have a sensitive personality and can be quite emotional at times.
Recently, due to work-related stress, my emotions have become even more unstable.
I work as a technician at a technology company, where a colleague often shifts their unwanted tasks onto me and another coworker.
The company is undergoing workforce reductions, and everyone is required to take on more responsibilities, yet this colleague continues their behavior.
Even when they do help, it's usually with tasks that are not very demanding.
I work 12-hour shifts and have to rotate schedules, making it difficult to take time off.
Sometimes, I have to deal with difficult engineers during the morning shifts.
Over time, whether on the day or night shift, I feel exhausted and my temper has worsened, making it hard to control my emotions.
Sometimes, I end up taking my frustrations out on my parents, but afterward, I feel guilty about my behavior.
Now, just thinking about going to work every day makes me feel annoyed and tired.
When it’s time to sleep, even though I feel exhausted, I force myself to stay awake.
By the time I have to go to work, I feel extremely fatigued.
On my days off, I often don’t feel like going home; sometimes I just stay at my rental place playing games, neglecting meals and not feeling hungry.
I might eat something just to fill my stomach, or I might only eat one meal a day.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me...
I have considered quitting my job, but I’m unsure what other work I could do.
My parents always believed that having a college degree was enough, and now they think that a college education isn’t worth much, so they suggest I just stay in the factory until retirement.
Although I attended a private university that others say is good, my parents have instilled this mindset in me for a long time.
Little did they know that large companies in the tech industry are pushing for automation in production lines, which may mean that human labor will no longer be needed.
Facing this situation now, I feel regret and anxiety...
I regret not having a better career plan, and I’m almost 30 years old, yet I still feel lost about the future.
Sometimes, I really want to end it all because I feel so exhausted from living.
When I see the darker sides of human nature, this feeling deepens.
This isn’t the first time I’ve had suicidal thoughts; I experienced them back in middle school when I was ostracized for my sexual orientation.
However, every time I thought about it, I dismissed the idea because I knew it would hurt my parents.
After witnessing my cousin’s suicide and seeing her parents’ grief, I became even more afraid to take that step.
Doctor, do you think I need to see a psychiatrist? People around me believe that I just overthink things and get stuck in my thoughts.
They tell me not to think too much, and since I find it hard to trust others, I have yet to take action (to see a doctor).
I wonder if my experiences in middle school have shaped my personality traits.
I have always wanted to move past that shadow...
Finally, I sincerely thank you for patiently reading everything I’ve shared.
Thank you.

Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/01

Dr. Wang Yazhen reply Psychiatry

Dear Hua,
Regarding your work, it seems that a significant amount of stress comes from your inability to refuse tasks assigned by colleagues, leading to both physical and mental exhaustion.
You are having trouble sleeping at night and feel reluctant to go to work, resulting in a lack of energy and poor appetite.
You can consider two aspects: (1) changing your current environment and (2) transitioning to a different environment.
I'm not familiar with your actual workplace, but I wonder if it is very difficult to refuse the tasks that colleagues impose on you.
You are not obligated to do what others should be doing.
The best approach is to negotiate a workload that is acceptable to both parties, rather than silently and reluctantly accepting it, which may lead others to continue pushing tasks onto you.
Your career choices do not have to align with your university major.
It is crucial to set your goals.
Many people are currently seeking new paths or pursuing further education in areas they are interested in.
If you want to find a good job, the focus should not be on the diploma but on your skills.
Finding something you are passionate about and developing your abilities is what truly matters.
It is not too late at 30.
Suicidal thoughts often arise from feeling trapped without solutions, leading to a desire to escape these problems.
However, suicide would mean losing many opportunities for challenges and attempts in the future.
I sincerely hope you can redefine your goals and give it another try.
If you feel emotionally distressed, it is perfectly acceptable to see a psychiatrist.
The doctor will generally assess your situation, provide a diagnosis, and offer recommendations.
You might also consider counseling to help organize your thoughts and find new objectives.
Experiencing bullying in middle school has likely influenced you to some extent.
However, this does not mean you cannot break free from its impact; ultimately, it depends on how you perceive the situation and the decisions you make.
I hope you can face the difficulties ahead, feel the frustration in the moment, but still hold onto hope for the future!
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2018/09/01

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time, and I want to acknowledge the emotional turmoil you are experiencing. Your feelings of frustration, anxiety, and sadness are valid, and it’s important to address them. Based on your description, it seems that you are dealing with a combination of work-related stress, emotional instability, and possibly underlying mental health issues that could benefit from professional support.

First, let's break down some of the key points you've mentioned. You describe yourself as sensitive and emotional, which can be exacerbated by high-stress environments, such as your current job in a technology factory. The pressure of increased workloads, coupled with difficult interactions with colleagues, can lead to feelings of overwhelm and irritability. It’s not uncommon for individuals in high-stress jobs to experience emotional instability, especially when they feel unsupported or undervalued.

You also mentioned that your parents have instilled certain beliefs about education and career paths, which may contribute to your feelings of regret and anxiety about your future. This kind of pressure can lead to a sense of being trapped, especially if you feel that your current job does not align with your aspirations or potential. It’s understandable to feel lost when you perceive that your options are limited, particularly in a rapidly changing job market where automation is becoming more prevalent.

Your mention of having suicidal thoughts is particularly concerning. It’s crucial to take these feelings seriously. The fact that you have previously experienced bullying and exclusion during your school years may have left lasting emotional scars, contributing to your current struggles with self-worth and identity. It’s important to recognize that these thoughts are a signal that you need support. You are not alone in feeling this way, and there are professionals who can help you navigate these feelings and find healthier coping mechanisms.

I strongly encourage you to seek help from a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and help you develop strategies to manage your emotions more effectively. Therapy can also assist you in unpacking the experiences from your past that continue to affect your present, allowing you to work towards healing and personal growth.

In addition to professional help, consider implementing some self-care strategies to help manage your stress and emotional instability. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. These techniques can also improve your emotional regulation.

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a powerful way to boost your mood and reduce stress. Even a short walk can make a difference in how you feel.

3. Healthy Eating: Pay attention to your nutrition. Eating balanced meals can positively impact your mood and energy levels. Try to avoid skipping meals, as this can lead to irritability and fatigue.

4. Social Support: While you mentioned difficulty trusting others, it’s important to connect with supportive friends or family members. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can provide relief and perspective.

5. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions. It can help you identify patterns in your thinking and provide clarity.

6. Setting Boundaries: If possible, try to establish boundaries at work to protect your mental health. This might involve discussing workload expectations with your supervisor or finding ways to delegate tasks.

7. Professional Guidance: As mentioned earlier, seeking therapy can provide you with tools to cope with your emotions and navigate your career concerns.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve support and guidance as you work through these challenges. Your life is valuable, and there are people who care about you and want to help. Please take the first step towards healing by contacting a mental health professional.

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