Coping with Anxiety: Memory Doubts and Emotional Turmoil

Q: Coping with Anxiety: Memory Doubts and Emotional Turmoil

Hello： Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing symptoms similar to anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. <br>I recommend that you take the time to visit a psychiatric outpatient clinic for assistance, as it could be beneficial for you. <br>If i

I don't know how to handle these emotions?

I often experience sudden anxiety and find myself reflecting on past events.
Memories that should be certain become uncertain, leading to worries and anxiety about whether my recollections are incorrect.
For instance, I recently recalled a health check-up report from over a year ago.
I remember it being fine, but then I suddenly think of a specific detail or see a news report that triggers my memory, causing me to anxiously question if I might have misremembered.
This can lead to sleepless nights, and I even call the hospital where I had the check-up to confirm.

There are also times when I remember performing a certain action, but then I suddenly doubt it, like recalling that I gave someone a CD three months ago.
I believe the old data was completely erased, and I distinctly remember checking it multiple times.
Yet, I start to panic about whether I actually did those things.
When I see news about scams or crimes online or on TV, I become extremely anxious about whether something similar could happen to me, leading me to repeatedly assess the likelihood of such events occurring in my life.
This often results in insomnia, and I find myself constantly gathering information online, trying to avoid various situations, but it feels like excessive panic.

Sometimes, my anxiety leads me to distrust my own memories.
I used to just be unsure if I had locked the door when leaving, but now it feels like this uncertainty has intensified.
My anxiety seems to increase when I feel happy, as I fear that something unexpected might disrupt my happiness.
Additionally, I notice that this anxiety often peaks before and during my menstrual period, resembling premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
I also find myself unconsciously shaking my leg quickly; could this be an unconscious action related to anxiety?
I feel exhausted by this constant anxiety and unease, as I frequently double-check many things and struggle to trust various aspects of my life.
I am unsure how to cope with this and would like to ask a doctor how I can relax more.
Also, could this be related to premenstrual syndrome? Since I tend to feel particularly anxious and nervous during my menstrual period, should I consult a psychiatrist or a gynecologist?

LIN, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/12/08

Dr. Duan Yongzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello: Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing symptoms similar to anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
I recommend that you take the time to visit a psychiatric outpatient clinic for assistance, as it could be beneficial for you.
If it is related to premenstrual syndrome, a psychiatrist can assess your condition and refer you to an obstetrician-gynecologist if necessary.

Reply Date: 2006/12/08

More Info

Coping with anxiety, especially when it manifests as doubts about memory and emotional turmoil, can be a challenging experience. Your description suggests that you are dealing with significant anxiety that affects your ability to trust your memories and maintain emotional stability. This is not uncommon, as anxiety can lead to a heightened state of alertness and hyper-vigilance, which can distort your perception of reality and memory.

When you find yourself questioning your memories, it’s essential to understand that this is a common symptom of anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause cognitive distortions, where you may feel uncertain about events that you previously felt confident about. This can lead to a cycle of rumination, where you obsessively think about past events, trying to confirm their accuracy. This behavior can be exhausting and may contribute to sleep disturbances, as you mentioned experiencing insomnia.

Your experience of feeling anxious about past medical reports or actions, such as giving someone a CD, indicates a form of obsessive thinking, which is often seen in anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The need to repeatedly check or confirm actions stems from a fear of making mistakes or facing negative consequences. This can be particularly distressing when you encounter news stories that trigger fears about safety or personal well-being.

The physical symptoms you describe, such as rapid leg shaking, can indeed be manifestations of anxiety. This behavior is often a subconscious response to stress and can serve as a coping mechanism to release pent-up energy or tension. It’s important to recognize these physical signs as indicators of your emotional state.

Regarding the timing of your anxiety, particularly around your menstrual cycle, it’s possible that you are experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These conditions can exacerbate anxiety and mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations. If you notice a pattern of increased anxiety during this time, it may be beneficial to discuss this with a healthcare provider who can assess whether your symptoms align with PMS or PMDD.

To address your anxiety and memory doubts, consider the following strategies:
1. Seek Professional Help: Consulting with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide you with tailored strategies to manage your anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for anxiety and can help you challenge and reframe negative thought patterns.

2. Practice Mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, can help ground you in the present moment and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness can also improve your ability to manage intrusive thoughts and feelings.

3. Limit Information Overload: While it’s natural to seek information to alleviate anxiety, excessive research can lead to more stress. Set boundaries on how much time you spend looking up information related to your fears.

4. Establish a Routine: Creating a daily routine can provide structure and predictability, which may help reduce anxiety. Incorporate regular physical activity, which is known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve mood.

5. Communicate with Loved Ones: Sharing your feelings with trusted friends or family members can provide emotional support. They may help you gain perspective on your thoughts and reassure you about your memories.

6. Consider Medication: If your anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, medication may be an option. Discuss this with a psychiatrist who can evaluate your symptoms and determine if pharmacological treatment is appropriate.

In summary, your experiences of anxiety, memory doubts, and emotional turmoil are valid and deserve attention. By seeking professional help and implementing coping strategies, you can work towards managing your anxiety and improving your overall well-being. If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to hormonal changes, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare provider who can guide you in the right direction, whether that be a mental health professional or a gynecologist. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and support is available.

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