Am I Suffering from Depression or Anxiety? Your Symptoms

I am unsure whether I have depression or anxiety disorders?

Hello Doctor: I am unsure whether I have depression or anxiety.
I find that I cannot tolerate continuous loud noises; for instance, if a baby is crying persistently, I feel an uncontrollable urge to stop the source of the noise.
I have even shouted at the baby to stop crying, but I know that is ineffective.
Sometimes, I struggle to sleep because I am preoccupied with work-related thoughts, and I occasionally need to take sleeping pills to fall asleep.
When I feel particularly frustrated, I secretly cry before bed, feeling like a worthless person and believing that no one cares about me.
However, I do not have thoughts of suicide.
I am uncertain whether I should seek help from a psychiatrist or a psychologist for treatment.
Are my symptoms indicative of a disorder? Thank you! Rongqing

Rongqing, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/12/11

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, sensitivity to sound, fear of noise, insomnia, emotional fluctuations, and easy crying are indeed common manifestations of anxiety and depression.
As for whether you have reached a level of illness, it is important to consider factors such as the severity of symptoms, their impact on daily life, and the duration of these symptoms.
This assessment should be made by a qualified medical professional.
You can consult either a psychiatrist or a psychologist; any qualified professional will help us identify our issues and the assistance we need.
Lastly, I want to encourage you: anxiety and depression are very common problems and are often easily treatable, so there is no need to be pessimistic or lose confidence.
Wishing you good mental and physical health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan.

Reply Date: 2010/12/11

More Info

Hello Yongqing,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your feelings and experiences. It sounds like you are going through a challenging time, and it's important to address your concerns regarding your mental health. Based on what you've described, it seems you may be experiencing symptoms that could be associated with either depression or anxiety, or possibly both.

To differentiate between depression and anxiety, it's essential to understand the symptoms of each condition. Depression often manifests as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. Individuals may experience changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. On the other hand, anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, or a sense of impending doom.

In your case, the feelings of frustration and sadness, along with the difficulty sleeping and the emotional responses to external stimuli (like the sound of a baby crying), suggest that you may be experiencing a combination of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The fact that you sometimes feel like you are not valued or that no one cares about you can also be indicative of depressive thoughts.

It's crucial to recognize that these feelings and symptoms are valid and deserve attention. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a positive step forward. You can consider visiting either a psychiatrist or a psychologist. A psychiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and prescribe medication if necessary. They can also offer therapy or refer you to a psychologist for counseling. Psychologists typically focus on therapy and can help you develop coping strategies and work through your feelings.

Regarding your concerns about whether your symptoms constitute a "disease," it's important to understand that mental health conditions are medical issues that can affect anyone. They are not a sign of weakness or failure. Just like physical health problems, mental health issues require appropriate treatment and support.

In terms of what to expect when seeking help, mental health professionals are trained to provide a safe and confidential environment. They will listen to your concerns, assess your symptoms, and work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication.

Additionally, it might be beneficial to explore self-care strategies that can help alleviate some of your symptoms. Regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, and ensuring you have a support system in place can all contribute positively to your mental well-being.

In conclusion, I encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional to discuss your symptoms and feelings further. You deserve support and guidance as you navigate this difficult time. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking that step can lead to a better understanding of your mental health and the development of effective coping strategies.

Take care, and I wish you the best on your journey toward healing.

Similar Q&A

Am I Suffering from Depression, Anxiety, or Panic Disorder?

I don't know when I started to feel increasingly unhappy. My low mood has persisted for a long time (over three months now), and I've begun to feel weary of the world. Sometimes I feel like I can't hold on any longer, and I have thoughts of wanting to disappear eve...

Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Ms. Huang: Hello, based on the information provided, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. However, depression often coexists with anxiety and panic symptoms. If the medication is effective, it is recommended to continue for a period of time before discussing with your ...

Am I Experiencing Anxiety, Depression, or Panic Disorder?

Sometimes at home, I feel an inexplicable sense of unease, fear, helplessness, and fatigue. It seems like nothing I do feels right, and I have a hollow feeling in my body, which is very uncomfortable (these are symptoms of anxiety, right?). This state often lasts for a long time,...

Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Jen, Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing significant anxiety, primarily concerning whether your symptoms will persist. It seems you have many uncertaintie...

How to Accurately Assess Your Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

Causes of difficulty concentrating ~ If I feel mentally exhausted, how can I correctly determine whether I have anxiety or depression? As for mental illness, dementia, delirium, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance-induced issues, I should not have those...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the best answer to this question is to see a doctor! Online resources cannot diagnose diseases! Sincerely, Dr. Ding Shuo-Yan.

Understanding the Fine Line Between Anxiety and Depression

I am unsure whether I am experiencing anxiety or depression. Sometimes, my mood suddenly drops, and I can't seem to feel happy. However, after reading recent news discussions about depression, I feel like I might be anxious, particularly regarding my sense of not fitting in ...

Dr. Tian Xinqiao reply Psychiatry
Hello, dear user: Thank you for your message. Facing your own anxiety and depression can indeed be a challenging experience. However, the most important thing is to try to like yourself and give yourself some confidence and affirmation. Firstly, I recommend focusing on reducing...