Do I Need to Consult a Doctor for My Mental Health Concerns?

Q: Do I Need to Consult a Doctor for My Mental Health Concerns?

Hello, online friend： It is recommended to first use the Mood Thermometer (https：//www.tsos.org.tw/web/page/bsrs) to assess your emotional state over the past week. <br>If your score is indeed above 10, it is advisable to talk to a professional, such as a mental health center at

I'm not sure if I need to consult or see a doctor?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to know if my situation requires consulting a physician.
It’s a bit lengthy, so I appreciate your patience in reading through it.
Thank you for taking the time to help me!
Since childhood, I have felt that my parents favored my sister more.
My sister has asthma, so I was raised by my grandmother, even though we lived under the same roof.
I am not very close to my parents, and while I understand they love me, some events during my high school years still bring me to tears when I think about them.
I have always felt that my parents favored my sister, and I wonder if these factors have led to me having nightmares almost every day since middle school.
During middle school, I didn't have any issues with social relationships, and the academic pressure was not significant.
I often cried at night, and when my parents were particularly biased in their discipline, my emotions became very unstable.

There was a time when my parents frequently contacted me through the LINE messaging app.
Eventually, just hearing the notification sound from LINE would cause me significant stress, leading me to delete the app.
Even now, when I hear others using it, I still feel uncomfortable and pressured.
I felt the need to escape and moved out, cutting off all communication with my parents.
Although I felt guilty, I also felt a sense of relief.
After moving out, the frequency of my nightmares and crying gradually decreased.
Recently, my parents discovered my social media accounts and pressured me to come home.
Since middle school, being in the same space with my parents has made me uncomfortable and increased my stress.
I am currently very resistant to going home.
They occasionally message me, and if I don’t read their messages, they start calling me through social media.
I finally agreed to go home, but the closer the date gets, the worse my sleep becomes, and I start having frequent nightmares and feel like crying over trivial matters, whether they are funny or sad.
I have also noticed increased hair loss and have had fleeting thoughts of self-harm, but I cannot bring myself to do it because my child just turned one.
However, this situation, under the guise of love, has become suffocating.
My mother is very domineering and difficult to communicate with, while my father is passive, making communication ineffective.
I currently don’t know what the right course of action is and whether the symptoms I described require seeking help.
Since having a child, I have also discovered that my partner has a tendency to lie, which has left me feeling unmotivated in life.
My thoughts of self-harm have become stronger, and during arguments with my partner, I feel like I might not be normal.
However, after researching online, I feel that I might not have depression but rather just be under a lot of stress.
Therefore, I hope to receive some advice from you, doctor.
Thank you!

Chenxi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/12

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

Hello, online friend: It is recommended to first use the Mood Thermometer (https://www.tsos.org.tw/web/page/bsrs) to assess your emotional state over the past week.
If your score is indeed above 10, it is advisable to talk to a professional, such as a mental health center at the health bureau or a school counselor.
If your score exceeds 15 or if you have moderate suicidal thoughts, it is strongly recommended to seek treatment at a mental health facility.
Dr.
Wu En-Liang

Reply Date: 2020/10/12

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of emotional distress and turmoil stemming from various life circumstances, particularly related to your family dynamics and personal relationships. Given the complexity of your situation, it is important to consider seeking professional help from a mental health provider. Here are several reasons why consulting a doctor or mental health professional could be beneficial for you:
1. Understanding Your Emotions: You mentioned feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even thoughts of self-harm. These feelings can be overwhelming and may indicate underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed. A mental health professional can help you explore these emotions in a safe environment and provide you with coping strategies.

2. Family Dynamics: It seems that your relationship with your parents, particularly the perceived favoritism towards your sister, has had a lasting impact on your emotional well-being. Family dynamics can be complex and often require professional guidance to navigate. A therapist can help you understand these dynamics and work towards healthier communication and boundaries with your family.

3. Sleep Disturbances and Nightmares: You mentioned experiencing frequent nightmares and difficulty sleeping, especially as you approach situations involving your family. Sleep disturbances can be both a symptom and a contributing factor to mental health issues. A mental health professional can help you address these sleep issues and explore their connection to your emotional state.

4. Coping with Stress: The stress you feel from your family and personal relationships is evident. A mental health professional can provide you with tools and techniques to manage stress more effectively, which can improve your overall quality of life.

5. Thoughts of Self-Harm: You indicated that you have had thoughts of self-harm, which is a serious concern. It is crucial to take these thoughts seriously and seek immediate help. A mental health professional can provide you with the support you need to address these feelings and develop a safety plan.

6. Support for Parenting: Being a new parent can be incredibly challenging, especially when dealing with your own emotional struggles. A therapist can help you navigate the complexities of parenting while managing your mental health, ensuring that you can provide a nurturing environment for your child.

7. Clarifying Your Mental Health: You expressed uncertainty about whether your symptoms indicate a specific mental health condition. A mental health professional can conduct a thorough assessment to help clarify your situation and provide a diagnosis if necessary. Understanding your mental health can empower you to take appropriate steps toward healing.

8. Building a Support System: Therapy can also help you build a support system outside of your family. This can be crucial for your emotional health, as it provides you with a safe space to express your feelings and receive validation from someone who is trained to help.

In conclusion, based on the symptoms and experiences you've described, it would be wise to consult a mental health professional. They can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate your feelings, improve your relationships, and enhance your overall well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking this step can lead to significant improvements in your mental health and quality of life.

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