Your Mental Health: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

I don't know how to make a judgment?

I have often felt unhappy since middle school, but I rarely express my true feelings because I am afraid to do so.
Sometimes I hold things in and only speak up months later.
My social activities are very limited.
Since my sophomore year, aside from feeling fatigued and going to bed early (often I end up sleeping at my desk for long periods due to unfinished tasks), even when I do go to bed, I start off sleeping well but can’t stay asleep for more than five hours before waking up.
Shortly after getting out of bed, I feel tired again.
I struggle to concentrate on tasks, and my efficiency is very low.
I often find myself daydreaming and talking to myself (I had better concentration before middle school).
However, my academic performance has remained good.
In college, there have been several instances where I felt detached from reality for several days or even over a week, as if I were dreaming.
I thought it was just because I hadn’t been home for a long time (I currently live on campus), but even after going home and returning to school, things didn’t improve.
I haven’t lost interest in my current field of study, but I have had suicidal thoughts several times over the past month.
I still feel somewhat motivated academically and hope to make my parents proud, which helps to suppress those thoughts.
Many times, I find it difficult to control my behavior and thoughts, which affects others (for example, I might suddenly call someone in the middle of the night and wake them up).
I haven’t been able to cry for over a year; even when I feel very sad, no tears come.
My emotions severely impact my relationships and daily life.
Recently, I feel irritated and annoyed when I hear others talking loudly, and my willingness to engage in conversation has decreased.
I am very sensitive to even slight noises during short breaks.
I am cold and uncommunicative with my roommates but am unwilling to explain why.
I feel it might be unreasonable to expect them to provide me with complete quiet and accommodate my need for cleanliness, yet this is one reason I don’t want to talk.
My low mood has persisted for two to three weeks, but it only manifested outwardly in the last few days.
In the past four years, I experienced extreme depression due to sexual assault, but my parents’ comfort did not help me truly heal.
A year ago, I received guidance from a teacher, which made me feel much better, and I no longer feel sad about that incident frequently.
However, I still feel that there are some aspects I cannot fully recover from compared to before (though I can’t articulate what they are).
I am very sensitive to interpersonal matters and am unsure if I have truly healed.
Could you please tell me if the above situation indicates some mental health issues? Thank you for your response.

saythree, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/11/11

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry

Your emotional distress has been present since middle school and continues to this day, often leaving you in a state of low mood.
Additionally, you sometimes experience more severe symptoms.
My assessment suggests that this may be classified as chronic depressive neurosis.
I recommend that you seek further treatment from a psychiatrist, which could lead to improvement.
This type of condition is often chronic and may sometimes be accompanied by major depressive disorder, directly impacting your interpersonal relationships.
It can lead to a reluctance to engage with others, or even a fear of social interactions.
You may find yourself thinking pessimistically about many things, lacking patience, and being overly sensitive.
Please do not worry excessively; accepting treatment is important.
Take care.

Reply Date: 2003/11/11

More Info

Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could indicate underlying mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. It's important to recognize that mental health conditions can manifest in various ways, and your experiences are valid and deserve attention.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
1. Persistent Low Mood: You mentioned feeling unhappy since middle school and having difficulty expressing your true feelings. This persistent low mood can be a sign of depression, especially if it has lasted for an extended period.

2. Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: Your struggle with fatigue, difficulty staying asleep for more than five hours, and the tendency to sleep excessively during the day are significant indicators. Sleep disturbances are common in both anxiety and depressive disorders, and they can exacerbate feelings of tiredness and low energy.

3. Difficulty Concentrating: You noted that you have trouble focusing and that your efficiency has decreased. This can be a symptom of depression, as it often affects cognitive functions, making it hard to concentrate on tasks.

4. Feelings of Detachment: The sensation of feeling "floaty" or like you're in a dream can be indicative of dissociation, which sometimes occurs in response to overwhelming stress or trauma. This feeling can be a coping mechanism for dealing with emotional pain.

5. Suicidal Thoughts: The presence of suicidal thoughts is a serious concern and should never be taken lightly. It’s crucial to seek help immediately if you are experiencing these thoughts, as they indicate a significant level of distress.

6. Social Withdrawal: Your reduced desire to engage in social activities and the irritability you feel towards others can be signs of depression or anxiety. Social withdrawal often accompanies these conditions, as individuals may feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with social interactions.

7. Sensitivity to Noise and Emotional Triggers: Increased sensitivity to sounds and irritability towards others can indicate heightened anxiety levels. This can lead to further isolation, as you may avoid situations that trigger these feelings.

Seeking Help
Given the complexity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life, it is highly advisable to seek professional help. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Consult a Mental Health Professional: A psychologist or psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms. They can help determine whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition.

2. Therapy: Engaging in therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial. Therapy can help you process your feelings, develop coping strategies, and improve your emotional regulation.

3. Medication: If a mental health professional determines that medication is appropriate, it can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be effective for many individuals.

4. Support Networks: Reach out to trusted friends or family members about your feelings. Having a support system can make a significant difference in your recovery process.

5. Self-Care Practices: Incorporate self-care into your routine. This can include regular exercise, a balanced diet, mindfulness practices, and ensuring you have time for relaxation and hobbies.

6. Crisis Resources: If you ever feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a crisis hotline or emergency services. Your safety is the top priority.

Conclusion
Your experiences are significant, and it’s crucial to address them with the help of a professional. Mental health issues are common, and seeking help is a strong and positive step towards recovery. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are resources and support available to help you navigate these challenges.

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