When to Seek Help from a Doctor for Mental Health Issues

Q: When to Seek Help from a Doctor for Mental Health Issues

Hello： Looking at your content and questions, I can't help but feel a bit emotional about how some people's destinies are truly unimaginable. <br>However, I admire how you have come this far, even though it has been quite challenging. <br>Additionally, it seems that there are sti

Under what circumstances should one definitely seek medical assistance?

Hello Dr.
Lin, I may be prone to overthinking due to family and personality factors.
I have always been an outgoing person who enjoys making friends, but over the past decade, my family's financial situation has been poor.
My parents divorced, my younger brother was severely injured in a car accident, and my mother, fearing that my brother's lack of a bright future would burden me, committed suicide four years ago with my brother.
My father, feeling guilty about the family situation and later diagnosed with cancer, also took his life six months ago, fearing he would be a burden to me.
All of this has made my already low self-esteem worse, and I feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness.
Although I am married and my husband is relatively good, our relationship feels more like that of siblings, and intimacy has become strained and infrequent, which makes me very unhappy.
Additionally, his family dynamics are not very normal, which I find difficult to accept.
Currently, whenever I encounter something I care about that doesn't go well, I become extremely frustrated and feel useless, leading to thoughts of ending my life.
I am very afraid that if I face another significant blow, I might not be able to cope! However, when life is calm, I don't have many issues; I just find myself less inclined to interact with others.
Dr.
Lin, should I seek medical help now? Can I first consult a doctor without needing medication at this stage? Are there clinics or institutions in Taiwan similar to those abroad where I can seek counseling from a doctor? Thank you!

Fanny, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/04/07

Dr. Lin Yanhong reply Psychiatry

Hello: Looking at your content and questions, I can't help but feel a bit emotional about how some people's destinies are truly unimaginable.
However, I admire how you have come this far, even though it has been quite challenging.
Additionally, it seems that there are still some unsatisfactory aspects in your marriage, and there may be a possibility of depression implied in your words.
Whether medication is necessary will require further evaluation.
Generally speaking, if you experience the following symptoms for at least two weeks, medication treatment may be needed: 1.
Persistent insomnia, especially early morning awakening 2.
Continuously low mood 3.
Feelings of worthlessness 4.
Intense feelings of helplessness and hopelessness 5.
Significant decline in thinking or attention 6.
Suicidal thoughts.
However, in addition to medication, psychological counseling and therapy are also very important.
I recommend that you consult a physician.
A qualified psychiatrist should be able to assist you.
Alternatively, you can write back to let me know which county or city you live in, and I can help refer you.
Wishing you well, Dr.
Lin.

Reply Date: 2003/04/07

More Info

It sounds like you are going through an incredibly difficult time, and I want to acknowledge the pain and challenges you are facing. The experiences you’ve described—losing family members to suicide, dealing with a troubled family background, and feeling isolated—can have profound effects on mental health. Given your situation, it is crucial to consider seeking professional help.

When to Seek Help
1. Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness: If you find yourself feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or worthless, especially if these feelings interfere with your daily life, it is a strong indicator that you should seek help. You mentioned having thoughts of ending your life, which is a serious concern and should be addressed immediately.

2. Difficulty Coping with Life Events: You’ve experienced significant trauma and loss. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but if you find that you are unable to cope with these feelings or they are worsening, this is a sign that professional support is needed.

3. Changes in Behavior or Mood: You noted that you become very upset when things don’t go your way and that you have become less interested in social interactions. Changes in mood and behavior can be signs of underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

4. Impact on Daily Functioning: If your mental health is affecting your ability to work, maintain relationships, or take care of yourself, it’s important to seek help. You mentioned feeling disconnected from your husband and that your relationship feels strained, which can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression.

Seeking Professional Help
- Consultation: You can start by consulting a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. A consultation can help you understand your feelings and develop coping strategies. It doesn’t necessarily mean you will need medication right away; many people benefit from therapy alone.

- Therapy Options: There are various types of therapy available, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help you address negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. You can look for therapists who specialize in grief and trauma, as they may be particularly helpful given your background.

- Support Groups: Sometimes, connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can be beneficial. Support groups provide a space to share experiences and feelings in a safe environment.

Resources in Your Area
In many countries, there are mental health clinics and private practices where you can receive counseling without necessarily being prescribed medication. These facilities often offer a range of services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and crisis intervention. It’s worth researching local mental health resources or asking your primary care physician for recommendations.

Conclusion
Your feelings of isolation and hopelessness are valid, and you don’t have to navigate this alone. Seeking help is a brave step towards healing. Remember, mental health professionals are trained to help you work through your feelings and develop strategies to cope with life’s challenges. It’s important to prioritize your mental health, especially in light of the significant losses you’ve experienced. Please consider reaching out to a mental health professional soon. You deserve support and care as you navigate this difficult time.

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