Do I Need to See a Mental Health Specialist as a Teen?

Q: Do I Need to See a Mental Health Specialist as a Teen?

Hello, student： Given your age, your sleep duration is a bit short. <br>Ideally, it would be better to aim for over 8 hours of sleep, unless you feel refreshed and well-rested every morning, in which case you might need less sleep. <br>Regarding your emotional state, it appears t

Do I need to see a psychiatrist?

Hello, Doctor: I am a 17-year-old high school senior.
I have seen online that there are some restrictions for minors seeking psychiatric care, and I want to avoid wasting medical resources, so I would like to consult online first.
My situation is that I often experience negative emotions, and as the major exams approach in less than a hundred days, I feel increasingly anxious.
In the past month or two, I have also noticed that I frequently feel very tired, and sometimes I experience palpitations and chest tightness, but these issues are still within my tolerable range.

Regarding my sleep, I usually sleep from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and it takes me about 20 to 30 minutes to fall asleep because I often think about many things while trying to sleep.
However, on weekends or holidays, my sleep schedule becomes irregular.
Recently, I have been waking up a few minutes before my 6:00 AM alarm due to nightmares, which also affects my mood in the morning.

Psychologically, I tend to be a negative thinker, so I often feel down.
I have recently observed that my low mood lasts quite a long time; aside from around noon, I almost always feel low.
Therefore, I feel that there might be some issues with my emotions.
My mood seems to affect my motivation as well, as I often avoid studying or working on assignments when I feel tired or down.
Instead, I tend to sleep or watch short videos that have no real significance for my future, and then I regret wasting time and life.
I am unsure whether I am just lazy or if my emotions genuinely affect my procrastination.
Interestingly, at the last minute of procrastination, I can complete all my tasks at once, which leaves me confused about myself.
In terms of social interactions, although my emotions often lead me to avoid chatting or interacting with others, I can still communicate and engage when necessary.
However, I often feel exhausted after a joyful social event, and now, due to my reduced initiative to socialize, my social circle is gradually shrinking.

To add some context, during middle school, I had trouble sleeping, engaged in self-harm, and often cried, which led me to see a psychiatrist once.
Although I was prescribed medication, I did not return for a follow-up because the doctor made me feel uncomfortable.
At that time, I lied to my parents, saying I was having nightmares, so they are currently unaware of my emotional issues.
Compared to my previous situation, I feel that I am still within a controllable range.
In summary, I believe my emotional issues need to be addressed, but I am unsure if my condition truly requires psychiatric care.
If it does, can I go on my own, as I do not want to discuss my emotional problems with my parents? I hope you can help me resolve my confusion and issues.
Thank you, Doctor.

Gaozhongsheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/20

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello, student: Given your age, your sleep duration is a bit short.
Ideally, it would be better to aim for over 8 hours of sleep, unless you feel refreshed and well-rested every morning, in which case you might need less sleep.
Regarding your emotional state, it appears that you are often feeling down, which is not normal.
I recommend that you seek an evaluation from a mental health professional to check for depression or other issues.
Low mood or anxiety can affect concentration, executive function, memory, and endurance, which will inevitably impact your performance in exams.
If your emotional state improves, your exam performance is likely to improve as well, so seeking medical help is advisable.
In summary, I suggest you visit a mental health clinic for professional assistance.
However, most healthcare facilities require parental accompaniment or consent for minors seeking treatment, so it would be best to discuss this with your parents before going.
If you prefer not to tell your parents, you can still visit the clinic and ask the staff to contact them to explain your situation; perhaps your parents will agree to your treatment.
In any case, I hope you will seek help from a mental health professional! Wishing you peace and health!

Reply Date: 2024/01/20

More Info

As a 17-year-old high school student, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially with the pressures of upcoming exams and the emotional challenges you’re facing. Your concerns about negative emotions, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbances are valid and warrant attention. It’s commendable that you’re seeking information and considering the possibility of consulting a mental health specialist.

Firstly, let’s address your emotional state. It’s not uncommon for teenagers to experience fluctuations in mood, especially during stressful periods like preparing for exams. However, the symptoms you describe—persistent low mood, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbances—suggest that you may be dealing with more than just typical stress. The fact that you find it difficult to engage in activities you once enjoyed, and that your emotional state is affecting your motivation and social interactions, indicates that it might be beneficial to seek professional help.

Regarding your concerns about the limitations for minors seeking mental health care, it’s important to note that many mental health professionals are equipped to work with adolescents. In many places, you can seek help without parental consent, especially if you feel that discussing your issues with your parents would be uncomfortable or unhelpful. However, this can vary depending on local laws and the policies of specific healthcare providers, so it’s worth checking the regulations in your area.

You mentioned that you previously had a negative experience with a mental health professional, which understandably makes you hesitant to seek help again. It’s crucial to find a provider with whom you feel comfortable. If you decide to pursue therapy or counseling, you have the right to choose a different therapist if the first one doesn’t meet your needs. Building a trusting relationship with a mental health professional is essential for effective treatment.

In terms of your symptoms, the feelings of fatigue, heart palpitations, and chest tightness could be manifestations of anxiety. These physical symptoms can often accompany emotional distress, and addressing the underlying anxiety may help alleviate them. Additionally, your sleep disturbances, including nightmares and early awakenings, can further exacerbate feelings of fatigue and irritability, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.

You also mentioned a tendency to procrastinate, which can be linked to feelings of being overwhelmed or anxious about tasks. It’s not uncommon for individuals to delay responsibilities when they feel emotionally drained. However, the fact that you can complete tasks at the last minute suggests that you have the capability to manage your responsibilities, but your emotional state may be hindering your ability to do so consistently.

In terms of social interactions, feeling fatigued after socializing is a common experience, especially for those who may be more introverted or dealing with emotional challenges. It’s okay to take breaks and recharge, but it’s also important to maintain connections with others, as social support can be beneficial for mental health.

Given all of this, I would strongly encourage you to consider seeing a mental health specialist. They can provide you with coping strategies, support, and possibly treatment options that can help you manage your symptoms more effectively. Therapy can be a safe space to explore your feelings and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

In summary, your feelings and experiences are significant, and seeking help is a proactive step toward improving your mental health. You deserve support, and there are professionals who can help you navigate this challenging time. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help—taking that first step can lead to positive changes in your life.

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