Is It Time to Seek Help? Mental Health Concerns

Q: Is It Time to Seek Help? Mental Health Concerns

Hello： Currently, it seems that this situation is quite different from most people's lives. <br>However, he has neither harmed himself nor others, and he is able to maintain his physical condition and live alone for extended periods. <br>The impact of his poor emotional state is

Should I see a doctor?

Hello Doctor: My family member, a 26-year-old male, has been observed to spend all his time alone in his room (only leaving to use the bathroom or buy takeout) since graduating from university at 22.
He currently claims he is preparing for a higher-level examination.
He returned from a pilgrimage abroad at the end of August last year.
I am hesitant about whether to take him to see a doctor because he seems to be isolated in his room all day, yet he was able to travel abroad independently for eight months last year.
He has very few social activities, going out with friends approximately once every two months.
He has expressed the following: 1.
Since elementary school, he has decided not to be human in his next life, preferring to be a stray cat or dog rather than a wealthy person.
2.
During his vocational school years, he realized he couldn't cry and has hidden his emotions; he is slowly opening up to friends but still conceals a lot.
3.
He feels society is hypocritical, so he hides his true self and interacts with others in a way that they prefer.
4.
He feels very safe in his room.
5.
He believes life is meaningless and thinks he just needs to exhaust his life.
6.
When he has emotional breakdowns, he may not speak to anyone for an entire day.

What concerns me is that he has been in this situation for several years, yet he can still perform normally when he goes out occasionally and has the ability to travel independently.
When he goes out, I feel relieved, but when he returns to his room, my worries resurface.
Should I take him to see a doctor before the situation worsens? Which specialty should he see? How can family members assist him? Or am I just overreacting?

Danxin de mama, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/04

Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry

Hello: Currently, it seems that this situation is quite different from most people's lives.
However, he has neither harmed himself nor others, and he is able to maintain his physical condition and live alone for extended periods.
The impact of his poor emotional state is that he does not communicate with others, but there seems to be no mention of more severe issues such as suicidal thoughts.
Therefore, there should be no reason to force him to seek medical treatment.
Since we cannot compel him, the next step is to see if he has any desire to change, and whether his family can persuade him to try other ways of living.
If so, then consider discussing it with a mental health professional.
Tang Chia-Hong

Reply Date: 2024/01/04

More Info

It sounds like you are deeply concerned about your family member's mental health, and your instincts to seek help are valid. The situation you describe raises several red flags that suggest it may be time for him to receive professional support.
Firstly, the behavior of isolating oneself for extended periods, only leaving the room for basic needs, can be indicative of underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. While he may have the ability to travel and engage in social activities occasionally, the fact that he spends most of his time alone and expresses feelings of emptiness and a lack of purpose is concerning. His statements about not wanting to be human and preferring to be a stray animal suggest a profound disconnection from life and a potential struggle with existential thoughts.

Moreover, the emotional suppression he describes—having difficulty crying and hiding his true feelings—can lead to increased emotional distress over time. This is often seen in individuals who may be experiencing depression or anxiety disorders. The fact that he feels safe in his room but perceives life as meaningless is a significant warning sign. It indicates that he may be using isolation as a coping mechanism, which can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair.

Given these factors, it is advisable to encourage him to seek help from a mental health professional. A psychiatrist or psychologist would be appropriate, as they can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine the best course of treatment. Therapy can be particularly beneficial for him to explore his feelings, understand his thoughts, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. If medication is deemed necessary, a psychiatrist can prescribe appropriate treatment to help manage symptoms.

As a family member, your support is crucial. Here are some ways you can assist him:
1. Open Communication: Encourage him to talk about his feelings without judgment. Let him know that it’s okay to express what he’s going through and that you are there to listen.

2. Normalize Seeking Help: Share that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many people benefit from talking to a professional, and it can be a vital step toward feeling better.

3. Encourage Small Steps: If he is resistant to the idea of seeking help, suggest small steps he can take, such as talking to a trusted friend or family member about his feelings or even considering online therapy options.

4. Be Patient: Change takes time, and it’s essential to be patient with him as he navigates his feelings and the idea of seeking help.

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding mental health issues can help you provide better support. Familiarize yourself with common mental health conditions and their symptoms.

6. Create a Supportive Environment: Encourage activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and social interaction, even if it’s minimal at first.

In conclusion, your concern is justified, and it’s important to take action before the situation worsens. Encouraging your family member to seek professional help can be a significant step toward recovery. Remember, you are not alone in this; many resources are available to support both him and you as a caregiver.

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