the Struggles of Mental Health: Why Does My Brain Feel Stuck?

Q: the Struggles of Mental Health: Why Does My Brain Feel Stuck?

Mr. <br>Zeng： Hello, based on the information you provided, here is a summary response： 1. <br>You are currently experiencing a depressive episode, characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, reduced interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep patterns, restlessnes

Why is the human brain so difficult to use?

I have quite a few questions, and I don't know why when I sit at my desk, I either feel annoyed or sleepy.
Whenever I try to study, I have thoughts like "What is all this effort for?" or "I’m so frustrated, I don’t want to study anymore." I wonder if this is related to depression.
My doctor prescribed me Efexor, but later realized that I fall under the category of anxious depression.
Just taking Efexor wasn't enough, so he also prescribed Dogmatyl and Serenal.

One day, I suddenly wanted to stop taking Efexor, and I found that my mood and motivation improved significantly compared to when I was on medication.
However, I later experienced withdrawal symptoms, but the issues seemed to resolve.
Then one day, I noticed I started feeling worried and fearful again, and no matter how many anti-anxiety medications I took, there was no improvement.
I couldn't take it anymore and decided to take another Efexor, and surprisingly, I felt much better again.
When I went back for a follow-up with my doctor, he mentioned that reducing medication should be done gradually.
He suggested that if I was worried about feeling drowsy from Efexor, I could take both pills at bedtime.
Following his advice, I did that, and my sleep didn’t decrease, but I felt a lingering sense of fatigue throughout the next day, and my mood didn’t change much.
Even while watching a movie, I felt nothing (I even drank a cup of coffee during the movie to try to lift my spirits).
At that point, I planned to stop taking Efexor again, thinking I could just take one capsule a week.
The Efexor I was taking was a 75mg capsule, and I wanted to return to just taking the anti-anxiety medication.
This brings me back to my original question: Why does my brain transmit so many feelings of annoyance to me? I can swear that I am not a lazy person.
Sometimes I get so frustrated with my disobedient brain that I feel like banging my head against the wall to see if that would help.
Why do other people's brains seem to obey and function well, while mine does not? I feel like the "resistance" in my neural pathways is much greater than in others.
I truly have a sense of frustration about not being able to achieve my potential.
I want to ask the doctors: You must have been very diligent in your studies and spent a lot of time learning to become physicians.
Why can you fully commit and persevere, while I cannot? You spend most of your lives studying and working; don’t you ever feel a sense of emptiness? Doing the same thing day in and day out, do you find that life feels fulfilling? I really feel like since I started college, I’ve only learned how to play and don’t know how to do anything else.
I even dislike myself for being this way.
I thought taking Efexor might solve my problems, but I feel like that medication doesn’t make much difference compared to caffeine.
Initially, it lifts my mood, but after a few doses, I don’t feel much anymore, and my mood might even be worse than when I wasn’t taking it.
Once I stop, withdrawal symptoms appear.
Why do I feel emptiness and loneliness when I do my own work? Am I really that kind of lazy person who doesn’t like to work?
When I sit at my desk, it feels like I am isolated from the outside world, experiencing an unsettling feeling of being in a different space.
Doctors, please help me!

Zeng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/11/12

Dr. Liu Junxian reply Psychiatry

Mr.
Zeng: Hello, based on the information you provided, here is a summary response: 1.
You are currently experiencing a depressive episode, characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, reduced interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep patterns, restlessness or feelings of helplessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and a sense that life lacks value.
These are urgent issues that need to be addressed at this moment.
2.
However, treatment for depression requires time and cannot be achieved overnight.
In addition to pharmacotherapy (which has an efficacy of about 80%), psychological therapy (primarily cognitive-behavioral therapy at this time) is also necessary to achieve complete remission of symptoms, which will in turn enhance your attention! 3.
Therefore, my recommendation is that you need to be patient and continue your treatment while confidently adhering to your physician's treatment plan.
Discuss the details of your treatment thoroughly, and with time, the goal of recovery will be within reach! 4.
If transportation permits, you may consider visiting our outpatient mental health clinic for further discussion.
The physicians at our clinic have extensive experience and knowledge, especially the treatment team (psychotherapy and social support resources), which is comprehensive and offers psychological therapy in addition to medication, leading to more satisfactory changes in depression and ultimately improving your quality of life! For inquiries, please call: 049-2319913049-2550800 ext.
2093, Dr.
Liu Junxian, Psychotherapist.

Reply Date: 2002/11/12

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex interplay of anxiety, depression, and possibly other mental health challenges that are significantly impacting your daily life and ability to focus. Your feelings of frustration, fatigue, and disconnection from your tasks are common symptoms associated with anxiety and depressive disorders. Let’s break down some of the key aspects of what you’re experiencing and explore potential strategies for managing these feelings.

Firstly, the sensation of your brain feeling "stuck" or unable to engage with tasks can be linked to both anxiety and depression. When someone is anxious, their mind can become overwhelmed with racing thoughts, worries, and fears, which can lead to a sense of paralysis when it comes to focusing on tasks. Similarly, depression can manifest as a lack of motivation, feelings of emptiness, and a pervasive sense of fatigue, making it difficult to engage with activities that once brought joy or satisfaction.

You mentioned that you have been prescribed medications like Efexor (Venlafaxine), which is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. It’s important to note that while medications can be helpful, they often take time to reach their full effect, and finding the right medication or combination of medications can be a process of trial and error. The fact that you experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping Efexor indicates that your body had become accustomed to the medication, which is a common occurrence with many antidepressants. It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider when making any changes to your medication regimen to minimize withdrawal effects and ensure that you are receiving the most effective treatment.

Your feelings of frustration regarding your ability to focus and engage in tasks are understandable. It’s not uncommon for individuals to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate when they perceive that others are more capable or productive. However, it’s essential to recognize that everyone has their own struggles, and mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their outward success or achievements. The perception that others are effortlessly managing their responsibilities can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and lead to a cycle of negative self-talk.

To address the feelings of emptiness and disconnection you described, consider implementing some strategies that can help improve your mental well-being:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can help ground you in the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or meditation can help calm your mind and improve your focus.

2. Structured Routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of stability and purpose. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and set realistic goals for what you want to accomplish each day.

3. Physical Activity: Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even a short walk or gentle stretching can make a difference.

4. Social Support: Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can help combat feelings of isolation. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can provide comfort and validation.

5. Therapeutic Support: Consider seeking therapy or counseling, where you can explore your feelings in a safe environment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing negative thought patterns and developing coping strategies.

6. Limit Stimulants: If you find that caffeine exacerbates your anxiety or disrupts your sleep, consider reducing your intake. While caffeine can provide a temporary boost, it may also lead to increased feelings of jitteriness or anxiety.

7. Self-Compassion: Practice being kind to yourself. Acknowledge that it’s okay to struggle and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

In conclusion, the feelings you are experiencing are valid and deserve attention. It’s essential to continue working with your healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan for you, including medication and therapy. Remember that recovery is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. You are not alone in this, and there are resources and support available to help you navigate these challenges.

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