Should I See a Doctor for My Possible Depression and Insomnia?

Q: Should I See a Doctor for My Possible Depression and Insomnia?

Hello： Persistent feelings of wanting to cry, low mood, and lack of motivation can indeed be symptoms of depression. <br>During depressive episodes, physical pain may be amplified or recovery may take longer. <br>Outside of work hours, it is advisable to schedule time for leisure

A friend suggested that it might be depression. Should I see a doctor?

Hello Doctor: I apologize for the lengthy question, as I want to make sure I explain everything clearly.
Thank you for your help.
I have been experiencing insomnia for about two years now.
I often cry and have no motivation to do anything.
I am unsure of what to do and would like to know if I should see a doctor and if seeing a doctor would be helpful.
I remember being sick in middle school, where I would experience stomach pain after eating and lost weight down to 30 kg.
I eventually saw a gastroenterologist and was treated with medication.

Before graduating high school, I went through a period of over six months where I had no desire to do anything, completely stopped talking, and just wanted to be alone.
I don't know why this happened, and I never saw a doctor during that time.
I remember initially crying secretly, but eventually, I became numb and stopped communicating with my family and friends.

About two years ago, this situation started again, around early 2017.
I was just crying and unable to sleep at night, which I thought might be due to being alone after moving abroad and not adjusting well.
However, I still had to attend classes, so I often went without sleep.
Sometimes I would wake up and start crying, feeling very distressed and unable to attend class.
Initially, I tried running every day, hoping it would improve my mood, but after six months, my knees hurt, and I stopped.
I also took a part-time job, hoping that being tired would help me sleep.

Eventually, I felt a bit better and managed to work with others at school and at my job, forcing myself to be a little happier, but I still felt very sad every day.
I often experienced palpitations, severe stomach pain, and dizziness, curling up in bed for about 30 minutes to an hour, unable to move.
I have a history of pectus excavatum, and I wonder if that contributes to my palpitations (I have never had surgery for it).
I think I saw a doctor when I was younger; my mom said some doctors recommended surgery while others suggested waiting until I was older.
However, I never told my parents about my palpitations.
I graduated in 2018 and continued with my job, but I started feeling extremely fatigued.
I cried every night, but I still went to work to make a living.
Outside of work, I didn't want to do anything.
I used to watch TV, but recently I have had no desire to move and just want to cry.
I often lie down, feeling like I can't go on, but I also feel like I can't die.
I used to have trouble sleeping, but recently, aside from work, I just want to sleep.
I often sleep through my days off and have developed strange eating habits, craving high-calorie foods and eating even when I'm not hungry.
After eating, I would immediately fall asleep, which has caused me to gain about 10 kg.
In the summer of 2018, I suddenly experienced severe lower back pain, making it difficult to bend forward or backward.
Lying down was also painful, leading to insomnia again.
I continued working for another six months, but this year, I couldn't take it anymore and decided to return to Taiwan to see a doctor.
I saw an orthopedic doctor, who referred me to a rehabilitation specialist.
The doctor mentioned that my shoulder might have a mild tear due to overuse, but my lower back seemed fine.
Another rehabilitation doctor suggested a possible mild herniated disc.
I started physical therapy for two months, but my back pain did not improve.
Due to time constraints, I returned abroad without starting work again, as I have been crying all day and lack the motivation to continue.
I am still suffering from severe back pain and insomnia, crying every day.
Sometimes I don't even know why I start crying; it just happens.
After crying, I feel empty and helpless, wishing I could die, but I am afraid that my family would be very sad if I did.
I don't dare to tell them that I have been feeling this way for a long time, fearing it would upset them.
What should I do? Thank you, Doctor, and I apologize for the long message.
I appreciate your help.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/09

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: Persistent feelings of wanting to cry, low mood, and lack of motivation can indeed be symptoms of depression.
During depressive episodes, physical pain may be amplified or recovery may take longer.
Outside of work hours, it is advisable to schedule time for leisure activities that you genuinely enjoy.
If these symptoms have been troubling you for a long time, it is recommended to seek medical assistance.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2019/06/09

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a very challenging and distressing time, and I commend you for reaching out for help. Based on your description, it is clear that you are dealing with significant emotional pain, insomnia, and possibly symptoms of depression. Given the duration and intensity of your symptoms, it is indeed advisable to seek professional help.

Firstly, let’s address the question of whether you should see a doctor. The answer is a resounding yes. Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, can significantly impact your quality of life, and they often require professional intervention. A healthcare provider can offer a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, which may include a physical examination, psychological assessment, and possibly lab tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

You mentioned that you have experienced similar feelings in the past, including crying spells, lack of motivation, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations and abdominal pain. These are all indicators that you may be experiencing a depressive episode. Depression is not just a fleeting feeling of sadness; it can manifest in various ways, including emotional numbness, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and even physical pain. The fact that you have been struggling with these feelings for an extended period suggests that it is not just a temporary phase but rather a condition that needs attention.

In terms of treatment, seeing a doctor can be very beneficial. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can provide therapy options, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of both. Medications, such as antidepressants, can help alleviate symptoms by balancing chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Therapy can provide you with coping strategies and tools to manage your feelings and improve your overall mental health.

You also mentioned physical symptoms like back pain and heart palpitations. It is essential to address these with a healthcare provider as well, as they can sometimes be linked to anxiety or stress. A comprehensive approach that considers both your mental and physical health will likely yield the best results.

Moreover, it is crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your feelings, including any thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These thoughts are serious and indicate that you need immediate support. If you ever feel overwhelmed or in crisis, please reach out to a crisis hotline or emergency services in your area. Your safety is the top priority.

In addition to professional help, consider reaching out to trusted friends or family members about what you are going through. Social support can be incredibly beneficial in times of distress. Engaging in activities that you previously enjoyed, even if it feels challenging, can also help improve your mood over time.

Lastly, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge that you are struggling and to take steps toward healing. You deserve support and care, and there are resources available to help you through this difficult time. Please take the first step and reach out to a healthcare professional. You are not alone in this, and there is hope for a brighter future.

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