Psychological Distress: Symptoms and Solutions

Confusion seeking resolution?

Hello, doctor.
I feel like there must be something wrong with my mental health.
Although I know that consulting a psychologist might be more effective in overcoming these issues, I thought it would be more appropriate to ask online first.
Here are my questions:
1.
I often feel disgusted by sexual topics.
I remember in high school when a group of boys discussed masturbation, I felt my lips and face turn pale, I became dizzy, started sweating cold, and felt nauseous.
Recently, I looked up what ejaculation feels like out of boredom, and just reading about it made me feel extremely disgusted to the point of almost vomiting, accompanied by cold sweats.
In elementary school, when a doctor came to talk about sexually transmitted diseases, I had to run out to vomit after listening.
In middle school, I watched a video explaining childbirth (which wasn't very graphic), and it also made me feel uncomfortable.
I'm worried that I might not be able to masturbate or enjoy sex in the future.
Interestingly, I don't feel this way when looking at pornographic images or reading erotic novels.
However, I really dislike the appearance of male genitalia.
I am still interested in girls, but I don't understand why I have this aversion to topics related to male reproductive organs.
2.
I have trypophobia; I am very afraid of objects like pen tips or needles pointing at me.
Even hooks on a shelf or the tips of chopsticks seem very glaring to me, making my eyes uncomfortable and causing me to want to close them.
The severity of this varies; sometimes it is not too intense.
3.
Recently, I have been having strange thoughts about many things.
For example, when I see a fruit knife, I think about the possibility of cutting myself, and when I see chopsticks, I think about the risk of them being poked into my eye.
I find myself worrying about many situations.
4.
I often fixate on a particular thought, but suddenly negative thoughts intrude.
Even though I don't want to think that way, negative thoughts keep popping up, such as "This is so annoying" or "What does this have to do with me?" I know that these thoughts are not healthy, and I easily feel like I will fail or perform poorly on exams.
5.
Is it related to mental health issues if I get startled easily or have sensitive vision (fear of pain)? Could you please explain the possible causes of these issues and potential treatment methods? I apologize for asking so many questions, but I am really troubled.

Kunhuo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/03/03

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

The physical discomfort symptoms mentioned in your question are manifestations of autonomic nervous system overactivity.
Each individual's stability of the autonomic nervous system has some inherent differences.
When faced with events that provoke strong emotions, somatic symptoms can suddenly arise.
This is especially common during periods of anxiety or fear, where such physical discomfort is almost always present.

Additionally, sexual issues play a certain role in psychiatry and can be complex to explore.
There are biological reasons as well as influences from early life experiences.
This aspect requires a more in-depth psychological treatment process to clarify.
While we should certainly not take our attitudes toward sex too lightly, viewing it through a lens of excessive tension or overvaluation can sometimes lead to distress.

It is quite common to repeatedly fear and worry about trivial matters or to have automatic negative thoughts arise in one's mind, along with a tendency to be easily startled.
Many people in situations similar to yours consult with doctors, and these issues are usually resolved quite easily.
Relaxation exercises, simple cognitive behavioral therapy, or short-term medication can all be beneficial.

You are still young, and your personality is not yet fully formed.
I suggest you engage with friends who have a more laid-back attitude to see how they handle similar issues, which can provide valuable insights for yourself.
Human psychological resilience is significant, and many troubles can be improved.
There is no need to feel discouraged; it is essential to maintain an optimistic outlook.

Wishing you all the best,
Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan

Reply Date: 2011/03/03

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of psychological distress that is affecting your daily life and overall well-being. Your symptoms, including feelings of disgust towards sexual topics, specific phobias (like trypophobia), intrusive thoughts, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli, can be indicative of underlying anxiety disorders or specific phobias. Let’s break down your concerns and explore potential causes and solutions.

1. Disgust Towards Sexual Topics: Your intense reaction to discussions about sexual matters may stem from a combination of personal experiences, cultural conditioning, and possibly anxiety. It's not uncommon for individuals to have strong aversions to certain topics, especially if they have had negative experiences or have been exposed to distressing information in the past. This could also be linked to a fear of vulnerability or intimacy, which can be common in individuals who have anxiety or trauma histories.

2. Specific Phobias: Your fear of sharp objects, like pens or needles, and the discomfort they cause you can be classified as specific phobias. These phobias often develop from a traumatic experience or can be learned behaviors. The fear response can be disproportionate to the actual threat posed by these objects, leading to significant distress.
3. Intrusive Thoughts: The unwanted thoughts you experience, such as imagining accidents or negative outcomes, are often associated with anxiety disorders, particularly Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These thoughts can create a cycle of anxiety, where the fear of having these thoughts leads to more anxiety, which in turn can cause more intrusive thoughts.

4. Negative Thinking Patterns: The tendency to have negative thoughts about yourself or your abilities, such as fearing failure in exams, can be linked to cognitive distortions. These are irrational thought patterns that can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward addressing them.

5. Heightened Sensitivity: Being easily startled or having a sensitive visual system can be related to anxiety. When the body is in a heightened state of alertness, it can react more strongly to stimuli in the environment, leading to feelings of discomfort or fear.

Potential Causes:
The combination of these symptoms suggests that you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder, which can manifest in various ways, including specific phobias, OCD, and generalized anxiety. Factors contributing to these conditions can include genetics, brain chemistry, past trauma, and environmental stressors.

Treatment Options:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. It can also help you gradually face your fears in a controlled manner, reducing the power they hold over you.

2. Exposure Therapy: For specific phobias, gradual exposure to the feared object or situation in a safe environment can help desensitize you to the fear. This process is often guided by a trained therapist.

3. Medication: In some cases, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms. It’s important to discuss this option with a mental health professional.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall emotional regulation.

5. Support Groups or Therapy: Engaging with others who have similar experiences can provide validation and support. Group therapy can also be a helpful space to share and learn coping strategies.

Seeking Professional Help:
Given the complexity of your symptoms and their impact on your life, it would be beneficial to consult with a mental health professional. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are effective treatments available that can help you manage and overcome these challenges.

In conclusion, your experiences are valid, and addressing them with the right support can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life. Don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional who can guide you through this process.

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