Emotional Turmoil: When to Seek Mental Health Help

Q: Emotional Turmoil: When to Seek Mental Health Help

Hello： It is advisable to first reflect on whether these symptoms are a long-term trait or a recent development. <br>If the symptoms have recently appeared, they may be related to mood disorders or anxiety symptoms, and it is recommended to consult a psychosomatic or psychiatric

Emotional issues

Hello, doctor.
Sometimes I feel okay, but suddenly I get angry and shout.
Afterwards, I don't understand why I acted that way.
I always try to control it, but I can't.
I've also noticed that my mood swings are related to my worries about my health.
For example, if I'm concerned about whether something is wrong with my body, I tend to get angry easily.
I often worry about whether there is an issue with my health.
After visiting the hospital for my concerns, I feel somewhat relieved, but after a while, I start worrying about the same issue again (the doctor thinks I'm overly anxious, but I feel helpless and hope for further examination).
This cycle keeps happening.
Recently, I've become more susceptible to emotional disturbances affecting my sleep.
Should I seek help from a psychiatrist?

Zhi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/04

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: It is advisable to first reflect on whether these symptoms are a long-term trait or a recent development.
If the symptoms have recently appeared, they may be related to mood disorders or anxiety symptoms, and it is recommended to consult a psychosomatic or psychiatric outpatient clinic for confirmation.
If they are a long-term trait, you can try to make adjustments, reminding yourself to be patient and to slow down.
If you continue to feel troubled, you can still seek medical assistance.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2018/10/04

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant emotional turmoil that is affecting your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Your description of sudden outbursts of anger, difficulty in controlling your emotions, and the cyclical nature of your worries about your physical health indicates that you may be dealing with underlying issues that could benefit from professional mental health support.

Emotional disturbances, such as the ones you are describing, can often be linked to anxiety and stress. When individuals experience heightened anxiety about their health or other life circumstances, it can lead to irritability and emotional outbursts. This is not uncommon; many people find that their emotional state is closely tied to their physical health concerns. The worry about potential health issues can create a feedback loop where anxiety exacerbates emotional instability, leading to further distress.

Given that you mentioned your emotional fluctuations are impacting your sleep, this is another critical factor to consider. Sleep disturbances can significantly affect mood regulation and overall mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a heightened emotional response to stressors. Therefore, addressing both your emotional health and sleep quality is essential.

You also noted that you feel a sense of helplessness regarding your worries and that these feelings tend to resurface after a period of feeling better. This cyclical pattern is often seen in anxiety disorders, where individuals may feel temporarily reassured after a medical check-up, only to find that their worries return. This can create frustration and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of anxiety.

Seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, could provide you with the tools and strategies to manage your emotions more effectively. Therapy can help you explore the root causes of your emotional responses, develop coping mechanisms, and learn how to manage anxiety related to your health concerns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, is effective for addressing anxiety and emotional regulation issues.

In addition to therapy, it may also be beneficial to engage in self-care practices that promote emotional well-being. Regular physical activity, mindfulness meditation, and relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a calming bedtime environment can also enhance sleep quality, which in turn can positively affect your emotional state.

If you find that your emotional struggles persist or worsen, or if you begin to experience more severe symptoms such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm, it is crucial to seek immediate help from a mental health professional. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and determine the best course of action for your situation.

In summary, your experiences suggest that seeking help from a mental health professional would be a wise decision. They can offer support, guidance, and treatment options tailored to your needs. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and taking that step can lead to significant improvements in your emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Managing Emotional Turmoil: When to Seek Help for Mental Health

Two years ago, when I was alone, I often had intrusive thoughts and would frequently engage in self-harming behaviors. However, I haven't done that in a long time. Recently, due to some circumstances, I've been feeling a lot of pressure, which has made me irritable and ...

Dr. Liu Runqian reply Psychiatry
Based on your description, symptoms resembling depression include low mood, loss of interest, weight loss or gain, hypersomnia or insomnia, psychomotor retardation, easy fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating or indecisiv...

Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles

Hello, doctor: I recently started a new relationship, but I've noticed that I have become unusually anxious and insecure. I've had a few failed relationships in the past, and I really dislike this version of myself. Lately, I've been experiencing extreme emotional ...

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, depression should be the primary consideration. Life stressors and interpersonal pressures can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and emotional lows. This can result in a cascade of negative emotions and thoughts. Many people experience simila...

Coping with Emotional Instability: When to Seek Psychiatric Help

Hello, I would like to ask... I have been very emotional since middle school. I dislike being alone and am afraid of not being cared for. If the people around me ignore me even a little, I feel irritated and start to hysterically say things I don't even understand or cry and...

Dr. Liu Guangqi reply Psychiatry
Everyone needs care, and it's natural to fear loneliness. Experiencing emotional distress and hysteria under pressure can be troubling, especially if it leads to self-harming behaviors, which is even more concerning. This issue is sometimes discussed in conjunction with alco...

Understanding Emotional Instability: Signs and When to Seek Help

Frequent irritability, emotional instability, and easily crying, along with periods of low mood, can indicate underlying mental health issues. A strong aversion to social interactions and a preference for solitude, along with extreme thoughts, may suggest conditions such as depre...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, it is important to consider whether these issues are taking up a significant portion of your time and affecting your daily life, work, learning, or interpersonal relationships. Additionally, you should assess whether the duration has been more than a week or two, rather th...