Should You Consult a Mental Health Professional for Your Struggles?

Should I consult a mental health specialist?

Hello, doctor.
Over the past year, I have been focusing on studying for exams, but I find it difficult to concentrate.
I often think thoughts like "Why am I still alive?" and "This has no meaning," which distracts me from studying.
Sometimes, I end up spending more time trying to convince myself not to get distracted, which makes me feel more suicidal.
I believe the reason I want to die is that when contemplating the meaning of life, I define it as "the reason I must exist," but ultimately conclude that this reason does not exist.
Therefore, I cannot find a reason to live, which leads to suicidal thoughts.
I have been feeling increasingly depressed and lacking the energy to continue a normal life, which affects my exam preparation.
Upon reflection, it seems that I deeply want to die, but I also love my family, which causes me great pain when I have these thoughts.
However, I cannot stop thinking about death; it occupies my mind constantly, making it hard to focus on anything else, and it has become a source of severe headaches.
This situation has persisted for over a year without improvement.
Recently, I have been experiencing emotional breakdowns more frequently, but when I discuss this with others, they often say I am overthinking or attribute my stress to exams or future pressures.
However, I believe my main source of stress is not these factors but the thoughts mentioned above.
I cannot resolve them, yet they do affect my exam preparation.
Most of the time, I feel very low, but sometimes I feel particularly sad, mainly because I think that even by others' definitions, I seem to lack value, which burdens them.
I feel helpless to resolve this, leading to emotional breakdowns where I cry, scream, and even slap myself (which I think is an attempt to calm myself down, but it doesn't help).
I cannot control myself and often ask others about my value of existence, but it always circles back to the idea that I am overthinking.
After about one or two hours, I usually calm down, but the frequency of these episodes has increased to about once or twice a week.
I also experience related physical symptoms: headaches, palpitations, muscle aches, frequent fatigue, chest tightness, difficulty concentrating, and stomach pain.
However, these symptoms don't seem to align with typical depression symptoms.
I am unsure if I have a mental illness, so I am uncertain whether seeing a psychiatrist would be helpful.
Should I consider visiting a mental health professional?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/12

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

It is advisable for individuals experiencing significant emotional distress, along with obvious psychosomatic symptoms, to seek medical attention from a psychiatrist.
Dr.
Wu Enliang.

Reply Date: 2024/06/12

More Info

It sounds like you are going through an incredibly challenging time, and I want to emphasize that seeking help from a mental health professional is not only advisable but often essential in situations like yours. The thoughts and feelings you are experiencing—such as contemplating your existence, feeling a lack of purpose, and experiencing emotional breakdowns—are serious and warrant professional attention.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that the feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of self-harm are significant indicators that you may be dealing with a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can manifest in various ways, including persistent sadness, difficulty concentrating, physical symptoms like headaches and muscle pain, and overwhelming feelings of despair. The fact that you are struggling to focus on your studies and are preoccupied with thoughts of death suggests that your mental health is being severely impacted.

Many people hesitate to seek help due to feelings of shame or the belief that their problems are not severe enough to warrant professional assistance. However, mental health professionals are trained to help individuals who are experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, regardless of the severity. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve support.

Consulting a mental health professional can provide you with a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. They can help you explore the underlying issues contributing to your distress, develop coping strategies, and work towards finding meaning and purpose in your life. Therapy can also offer you tools to manage your emotions and thoughts more effectively, which can be particularly beneficial when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Additionally, if you are experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, chest tightness, and fatigue, it may be worthwhile to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Mental health and physical health are closely interconnected, and addressing both aspects can lead to a more comprehensive approach to your well-being.

In terms of practical steps, I encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional—this could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor. You might also consider discussing your feelings with a trusted family member or friend who can support you in this process. If you feel comfortable, you can start by sharing your experiences with your school counselor, who may be able to provide resources or referrals.

Lastly, remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many individuals face similar struggles, and seeking help is a courageous step towards healing. It’s essential to prioritize your mental health and well-being, especially during such a critical time in your life as you prepare for exams and navigate your future. Your life has value, and there are people who can help you rediscover that value and support you through this difficult time.

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