Should I See a Psychiatrist? My Mental Health Struggles

Should I see a psychiatrist?

Hello, Dr.
Lin! I apologize for bothering you.
I haven't been doing well these past few years.
During my student days, I often took leave due to my menstrual cycle, and when I returned to school, I frequently felt like I was falling behind everyone else.
I set high expectations for myself, which gradually led to overwhelming daily stress, resulting in my decision to take a leave of absence.

During my time at home, I noticeably felt better, but after a while, I began to experience more symptoms.
I often feel useless and anxious about what to do next.
I frequently feel physically weak, have difficulty concentrating at times, and my heart races when I hear loud noises, like a door slamming.
My sleep is sometimes poor; I suddenly wake up as if I can't breathe, and during severe episodes, this happens multiple times.
When I can't find an outlet for my emotions, I resort to self-harm with a tweezers, only to feel deep regret and shame afterward.

I also become very anxious when I experience physical symptoms, worrying that I might have cancer, which drives me to the hospital out of panic.
My relationship with my family has been poor since childhood, and after taking a leave of absence, I often hear derogatory remarks from them, even comments suggesting that my death would not matter.
I have developed a habit of isolating myself in my room and rarely go out.

I have conflicting feelings about myself; I hate myself but sometimes feel pity for the part of me that self-harms.
Most of the time, I feel insecure and lack confidence, but when I see attractive photos of myself, I think I look pretty good.
I often feel disinterested in everything, yet occasionally miss the things I used to love.
I experience anxiety, low self-esteem, and sadness, but I can also laugh heartily at funny and uplifting things.
I feel like I'm unwell, but I'm uncertain if I truly need to see a doctor.

I would like to ask if I need to see a doctor...
What mental health issues might these problems be leaning towards? Thank you for patiently reading my entire message, Dr.
Lin.
I wish you happiness and good health every day! Thank you for your hard work!

En, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/04

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello, it seems that you have been experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety for a long time, including feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and a lack of desire to go out, which can severely impact your ability to maintain a normal life.
Additionally, expressing emotions through self-harm can lead to physical injuries.
Feelings of low self-esteem and lack of confidence can affect your interactions with others.
Therefore, I recommend that you seek help from a psychiatrist as soon as possible to receive professional assistance.
With psychological therapy and medication, your condition is likely to improve.
As for the specific mental health disorders you may have, while it currently appears to lean towards depression and anxiety disorders, a personal evaluation by a physician is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Wishing you peace and health.

Reply Date: 2024/03/04

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time, and I appreciate you reaching out to discuss your mental health struggles. Based on what you've shared, it seems that you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could indicate the presence of a mental health condition. Your feelings of anxiety, self-harm, low self-esteem, and emotional instability are significant and warrant attention.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that seeking help from a psychiatrist or mental health professional is a positive step. Mental health issues can manifest in various ways, and the symptoms you describe—such as feeling overwhelmed by pressure, experiencing anxiety about your health, having difficulty concentrating, and engaging in self-harm—are serious and deserve to be addressed.
From your description, it seems you may be experiencing symptoms consistent with anxiety disorders, depression, or possibly even traits of borderline personality disorder, given the emotional fluctuations and self-harming behaviors. Anxiety disorders can lead to excessive worry about various aspects of life, including health, relationships, and personal performance. Depression can manifest as feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and emotional numbness. The self-harm you mentioned is often a coping mechanism for emotional pain, and while it may provide temporary relief, it can lead to further feelings of guilt and shame.

It's also concerning to hear about your family dynamics and the negative comments you've received. Such experiences can significantly impact your self-esteem and mental health. The feelings of being trapped in your room and avoiding social interactions are common in individuals dealing with anxiety and depression. It's crucial to understand that you are not alone in this struggle, and many people experience similar feelings.

You mentioned that you sometimes feel a sense of self-compassion towards the part of you that is hurting, which is a positive sign. This indicates that you have the capacity for self-reflection and empathy, which are important qualities in the healing process. However, the conflicting feelings of self-hatred and self-compassion can be confusing and distressing.

In terms of whether you should see a psychiatrist, I would strongly encourage you to do so. A mental health professional can provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and experiences without judgment. They can help you understand your symptoms better, offer a diagnosis if applicable, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
It's also worth noting that many people find it helpful to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings, as this can provide insight into patterns and triggers in your emotional state. Writing down your experiences can also serve as a useful tool when discussing your situation with a psychiatrist.

In summary, your feelings and experiences are valid, and seeking help is a courageous step towards understanding and improving your mental health. You deserve support and care, and a psychiatrist can help guide you on this journey. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and doing so can lead to a better understanding of yourself and your needs. Take care of yourself, and I wish you the best on your path to healing.

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