Should I Seek Psychological Counseling for Anxiety and Stress?

Q: Should I Seek Psychological Counseling for Anxiety and Stress?

Hello： It sounds like you have a sensitive constitution, particularly in interpersonal interactions and stress management. <br>This can manifest in your emotions, sleep, and physical sensations. <br>What you currently need is to understand which aspects can be improved through en

Do you accept psychological counseling?

Hello, Doctor! I am currently a senior in college.
Perhaps due to family influence, I have always been very conscious of how others perceive me, striving to do my best in everything.
Hearing rude or unpleasant comments has greatly affected me, making me feel inadequate.
This may have contributed to my anxious and tense personality.
I am afraid to speak in public; my hands shake, I stutter, and I am overly concerned about others' expressions, which makes my heart race.
I avoid looking into the audience's eyes and tend to stare at the ground.

Due to family issues, I experienced significant stress during middle school, which led me to self-harm with a ruler and even contemplate jumping off a building.
However, I refrained from doing so out of fear of pain.
Although the thoughts of jumping have diminished, my emotions have been relatively stable, and I usually cope with stress by listening to music when I feel down.

Since middle school, I have had sleep problems, often taking over an hour to fall asleep, and sometimes I don’t sleep at all throughout the night.
My body feels exhausted, but my mind remains alert, constantly racing with thoughts.
During college, I have not used any medication to manage my sleep, which sometimes leaves me fatigued in class.
I experience light sleep, vivid dreams, and wake up feeling tired.

Recently, I have been facing several issues: my heart races at times, I have stomach discomfort (I have had an endoscopy that showed mild inflammation), my bowel movements alternate between constipation and diarrhea, and I occasionally experience chest pain and noticeable memory issues.
My mood has also been declining; although I smile in front of my classmates, I feel genuinely down when I am alone at night, often listening to calming music to soothe my emotions.

Regarding my appetite, I have indeed lost some interest in food, resulting in a weight loss of about 1-2 kilograms.
Lately, I have even heard auditory hallucinations saying, "It would be better to just die." Our project presentation is at the end of November, and as the group leader, I worry that I will overthink everything again.

I apologize if my writing is a bit disorganized; I just wrote down whatever came to mind.
Doctor, what should I do? Thank you, Dr.
Huang!

LO, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/19

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry

Hello: It sounds like you have a sensitive constitution, particularly in interpersonal interactions and stress management.
This can manifest in your emotions, sleep, and physical sensations.
What you currently need is to understand which aspects can be improved through enhanced coping skills and which may require temporary pharmacological treatment to alleviate your difficulties (as your coping skills improve, the role of medication can gradually diminish).
Of course, it is essential to discuss this in detail with a physician.
With a clear understanding of the specifics, the doctor can tailor a treatment plan that suits you and identify the coping skills that need to be developed.
Your situation can change, so there's no need to worry~

Reply Date: 2018/09/19

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of anxiety and stress, which is affecting your daily life and mental well-being. Given the symptoms you’ve described, including physical manifestations like rapid heartbeat, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and even auditory hallucinations, it is crucial to take your feelings seriously and consider seeking professional help.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that anxiety and stress can manifest in various ways, both mentally and physically. The pressure to perform well academically, combined with the emotional burden from your family background, can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings. This is not uncommon among students, especially those who feel the need to meet high expectations or who have experienced trauma or significant stress in their past.

Your description of feeling nervous when speaking in public, experiencing physical symptoms like shaking hands and a racing heart, and the fear of judgment from others are all indicative of social anxiety. This condition can be debilitating, making it difficult to engage in everyday activities, especially those that involve social interaction or performance. The fact that you have had thoughts of self-harm in the past is also concerning and should not be taken lightly.

Given your current situation, I strongly recommend that you seek psychological counseling. A mental health professional can provide you with a safe space to express your feelings and experiences without judgment. They can help you develop coping strategies to manage your anxiety and stress more effectively. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety disorders, as it focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

In addition to therapy, medication may also be an option to consider. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help alleviate some of the symptoms you are experiencing, particularly if they are significantly impacting your quality of life. A psychiatrist can assess your situation and determine if medication is appropriate for you.

It’s also important to address your sleep issues, as poor sleep can exacerbate anxiety and stress. Establishing a regular sleep routine, practicing relaxation techniques before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help improve your sleep quality. If these strategies do not work, discussing your sleep problems with a healthcare provider may be necessary.

Furthermore, engaging in self-care practices can be beneficial. This includes regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and finding healthy outlets for stress, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or creative activities. Connecting with supportive friends or family members can also provide emotional relief and reduce feelings of isolation.

Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Many individuals face similar challenges, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health professionals are trained to help you navigate these feelings and develop a plan for recovery. Your well-being is important, and taking the step to seek help can lead to significant improvements in your mental health and overall quality of life.

In conclusion, I encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional as soon as possible. They can provide you with the support and guidance you need to manage your anxiety and stress effectively. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and taking that step can lead to a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Anxiety and Emotional Overwhelm: When to Seek Help

Most of the time, I am almost expressionless and silent. Occasionally, I can laugh happily while chatting with friends or my boyfriend, but even a small incident can lead me to feel overwhelmed with guilt, making it difficult for me to concentrate on tasks. I get stuck in this cy...

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear Gigi, thank you for your question. You mentioned experiencing anxiety, insomnia, and emotional fluctuations. I wonder if there have been any recent stressors that have been troubling you? You mentioned psychological counseling; I recommend that you consider discussing your i...

Understanding Emotional Challenges and Seeking Mental Health Support

Hello, doctor. First of all, thank you very much for reading this article. My parents divorced when I was in the second grade of elementary school. According to my father, my personality changed significantly during that time, to the extent that even my homeroom teacher asked him...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Emotions are related to past events, current environmental stressors, and one's coping abilities. While we cannot change the past, we can alter our perspective on those events and their impact on us. Although there have been struggles in the past, it is important to a...

How to Cope with Stress and Seek Help for Mental Health Issues

Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing a lot of unexplained stress. When I encounter troubling issues, I can only cry, and even after crying, the problems remain unresolved. Lately, I find myself sleeping for long periods without knowing when I wake up, and even aft...

Dr. Huang Weiqin reply Physical Fitness
User: Hello! From your description, it seems that the pressure from school and family has led to noticeable symptoms of mental and emotional distress, including frequent crying, lack of sleep, feelings of anger and fear, and a sense of breakdown. I recommend that you visit a near...

Overcoming Anxiety and Depression: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges

Hello, doctor. I sometimes experience anxiety and depression, which have affected my school, academics, and interpersonal relationships. A few months ago, I took an online depression assessment and found that my score was in the moderate to severe range. This has led to frequent ...

Dr. Li Guanying reply Psychiatry
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. I recommend that you visit our outpatient clinic for an evaluation and testing to determine if there are any psychosomatic issues or related concerns. Our clinic is open Monday to ...