Am I Depressed? Signs You Should See a Mental Health Professional

Q: Am I Depressed? Signs You Should See a Mental Health Professional

Hello, Mao： You are currently in a phase of depression and indeed need assistance from a medical team. <br>When facing problems and stress, having someone (a healthcare professional) by your side can certainly help stabilize your emotions, allowing you to handle situations more c

What’s wrong with me? Should I see a doctor?

Since I was young, teachers often told me that I was overly sentimental.
All my close friends have mentioned that I might have depression.
In online quizzes, I consistently score high for depression.
I always believed that I could control and adjust my emotions with willpower.
From elementary school to junior high, I managed to maintain good control over my life; at least on the surface, I was always seen as a good girl.
However, as I progressed to vocational school and encountered societal pressures, I felt increasingly overwhelmed.
I often thought about escaping, but I still managed to keep it together.
Recently, though, I seem to feel a deterioration in my mental state.
I can no longer stay in enclosed spaces for long; I feel irritable, a sense of pressure, difficulty breathing, and even think that stopping my breath might feel better.
I've always had a strong sense of responsibility, but now I don't want to do anything—I don't want to work or go out with friends; I just want to sit alone and space out.
I don't know if I have depression or bipolar disorder.
Should I see a doctor?

Mao, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/04/14

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry

Hello, Mao: You are currently in a phase of depression and indeed need assistance from a medical team.
When facing problems and stress, having someone (a healthcare professional) by your side can certainly help stabilize your emotions, allowing you to handle situations more calmly and clearly.
This way, you can effectively address the issues and stress you are experiencing, don’t you agree? Try to give yourself another chance...
see a doctor! At the very least, it could be a form of change.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2006/04/14

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of emotional distress, and it’s important to take your feelings seriously. Based on your description, there are several signs that suggest you may be dealing with depression or another mental health condition. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Persistent Sadness and Emotional Pain: You mentioned feeling overwhelmed by pressure and experiencing a worsening of your emotional state. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emotional numbness are common symptoms of depression. If these feelings persist for more than two weeks and interfere with your daily life, it’s crucial to seek help.

2. Physical Symptoms: You noted experiencing physical symptoms like difficulty breathing and feelings of pressure. Depression can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances. If you find that your physical health is declining alongside your emotional health, this is another indicator that you should consult a mental health professional.

3. Loss of Interest: You mentioned a lack of desire to engage in activities you once enjoyed, such as spending time with friends or working. This loss of interest, known as anhedonia, is a hallmark symptom of depression. It’s essential to recognize that withdrawing from social interactions can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair.

4. Thoughts of Escape: The desire to "run away" from your problems or the feeling that you cannot cope with your current situation is concerning. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, persistent thoughts of escape or self-harm should be taken seriously. If you ever feel like you might harm yourself or others, please seek immediate help.

5. Self-Assessment and Awareness: You’ve already taken the first step by recognizing that you may have depression. Self-assessment tools can provide insight, but they are not a substitute for professional evaluation. If you consistently score high on depression screening tests, it’s a strong indication that you should seek professional help.

6. Impact on Daily Life: If your emotional state is affecting your ability to function at work, in school, or in social situations, it’s time to reach out for support. Mental health professionals can help you develop coping strategies and may recommend therapy or medication to help manage your symptoms.

7. Seeking Help: It’s commendable that you are considering seeing a mental health professional. They can provide a safe space for you to discuss your feelings and experiences without judgment. A therapist or psychiatrist can help you understand your symptoms better and work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

In conclusion, based on your experiences and feelings, it is advisable to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and support you in navigating your emotional challenges. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to face this alone. There are resources available, and with the right support, you can work towards feeling better.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Mental Health: Signs You Might Need Professional Help

Since being severely ostracized and bullied in middle school, I feel that my mental health has been problematic. However, I am also afraid that I might be overthinking things. I once mustered the courage to visit a mental health clinic, but once I entered the consultation room, I...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: It appears that you have been experiencing some emotional issues for a long time. Whether this constitutes a mental disorder still needs to be evaluated, but the negative emotional behaviors have caused distress to your physical and mental well-being. It is important to ad...

Constantly Worrying About Health: When to See a Mental Health Professional

I often worry about my health; whenever I have a slight issue, I feel like it could be something serious like cancer. Recently, I've been feeling off, but my check-ups have shown nothing wrong. However, I still feel like there might be something that hasn't been detecte...

Dr. Yu Quanxun reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your description, you are quite concerned about your physical condition, which is causing you some distress. Although your tests have all come back normal, you still feel anxious. If this level of worry is affecting your mood and sleep, I would recommend seeking h...

Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Signs of Possible Mental Health Issues

When I am feeling down, my mind is sometimes filled with negative energy, but when I am happy, I feel more joyful than anyone else. However, I sometimes experience insomnia late at night, and my emotions seem to be in turmoil, often leading to breakdowns where I cry over trivial ...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. Regardless of whether it constitutes a condition such as depression, the text indeed indicates long-term negative emotions that are causing physical and mental distress. I recommend that you make time to visit a mental health clinic for counseling (you don't have to t...

Am I Sick? Understanding Depression and Seeking Help

Hello Doctor: Over the past year, I have noticed that I have very negative thoughts about everything. I constantly feel like I am not doing anything right. Additionally, my relationship with my boyfriend is not very stable; we often argue, and I frequently feel misunderstood or c...

Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry
Hello, Guazi netizen: Before formally answering your question, I would like to explain a few fundamental concepts in psychiatry. First, the brain, as the central nervous system, governs our entire body; it not only controls our speech and behavior but also determines our emotions...