Anxiety and Stress: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

There are some questions?

Hello, doctor.
During high school, I always felt the urge to go to the bathroom whenever there was an assembly.
At that time, the strict environment at school made me feel like I was just there to avoid punishment.
In college, I reached a breaking point and sought help from a psychiatrist.
The doctor diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and sleep paralysis.
However, the cost of health insurance registration and medication exceeded 500 NT dollars, which became unsustainable over time, and my family eventually discontinued my treatment.
The consultations were brief, lasting only 3 to 5 minutes, as the doctor hurried to see the next patient, leaving me feeling unheard.

I also consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who mentioned my autonomic nervous system dysfunction and imbalance of qi and blood.
Sometimes, I reflect on being bullied in elementary school, and when I shared this with my family, they dismissed it as just playing, which made me feel helpless.
I think about how children today skip school due to bullying, while back then, I was forced to attend school despite being bullied, which left me feeling unjustly treated.

Just before graduating from college, I was inexplicably attacked by a group of reckless drivers.
When I tried to talk to my family about it, I was compared to other victims, which left me disappointed and without comfort.
Many events have instilled a fear of people in me; I tremble, sweat excessively, and avoid eye contact when speaking to strangers or those I am not close to.
My father is strict and often nitpicks at others, which adds to my stress.

Recently, my family asked me to take out the trash.
I dozed off and, upon hearing the garbage truck, I rushed to catch it.
This caused my heart to race and my chest to feel tight, making it difficult to eat.
I went to see a cardiologist, who measured my pulse and performed an ECG, stating everything was normal and attributing my symptoms to sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, prescribing some medication.
I often feel pain and soreness in various parts of my body and feel completely exhausted.
However, my father believes I have poor stress tolerance, and I hesitate to mention that some of my issues stem from him.
He never admits when things go wrong and always points fingers at others.

Recently, I experienced sudden chest tightness and nausea while sleeping, which kept me awake all night, leaving me utterly fatigued.
I wonder if this is again due to excessive stress.

Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/05/28

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, based on your concerns, I cannot conclude whether your discomfort is due to excessive stress.
Since you are still young, theoretically, there shouldn't be any major issues with your health, and you have already consulted a psychiatrist.
My response may be that autonomic nervous system dysregulation is quite common in anxiety disorders, which can have some physiological factors.
In addition to seeing a doctor and taking medication, self-care can also help prevent recurrence.

In medicine, it is often recommended to practice diaphragmatic breathing and muscle relaxation training.
You can find information online, and there are also some videos on YouTube.
These practices have been established for decades and are becoming common health knowledge, so you don't need to worry about incorrect information or side effects!
Family members often have a tough love approach; when you feel wronged or bullied, their concern may stem from wanting to teach you how to avoid being hurt again.
This can sometimes lead to them blaming you for being careless or for potentially provoking others, rather than comforting you in the moment.
However, changing their perspective is not easy.
It might help to consider the caring motivations behind their actions.
Although you feel that medical expenses are high, it's important not to skimp on necessary medical care.
Moreover, healthcare in Taiwan is already very affordable and convenient; you would know this if you have lived abroad.
Seeking information about your condition and diagnosis online cannot replace a visit to a doctor.
There are multiple biases in the information available, and the doctors answering questions online may not be as serious or thorough as you imagine.
They might be casually responding while multitasking, without the responsibility or pressure that comes with a formal consultation.

There is no such thing as a free lunch! Ninety-nine percent of doctors also need to earn a living, and unless they are exceptionally compassionate, the services you receive for free versus those you pay for will certainly differ.

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

Reply Date: 2015/05/28

More Info

Understanding anxiety and stress, especially in the context of mental health challenges, is crucial for anyone experiencing these feelings. Your narrative reflects a complex interplay of past traumas, familial pressures, and the ongoing struggle with anxiety and stress. It’s important to recognize that these feelings are valid and can significantly impact your daily life.

From your description, it seems you have faced various stressors throughout your life, starting from high school where you experienced anxiety during assemblies, leading to physical symptoms like needing to use the restroom frequently. This is a common manifestation of anxiety, where the body reacts to stress with physical symptoms. The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and autonomic nervous system dysregulation indicates that your body is responding to stress in a way that affects your gastrointestinal system and overall well-being.

Your experiences of being bullied in elementary school and feeling unsupported by your family when discussing these issues can lead to a deep sense of helplessness and mistrust in others. This is not uncommon; many individuals who have faced bullying develop anxiety around social interactions, fearing judgment or further rejection. The feelings of fear and anxiety you describe when interacting with strangers or even acquaintances are indicative of social anxiety disorder, which can be exacerbated by past experiences and current stressors.

The incident with the reckless drivers and the subsequent lack of support from your family likely intensified your feelings of isolation and fear. It’s understandable that you would feel disappointed and let down when seeking comfort and not receiving it. This can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings, where you may begin to internalize the belief that you are unworthy of support or understanding.

Your physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat and chest tightness, especially when under stress, can be attributed to the body's fight-or-flight response. When you feel threatened or anxious, your body releases stress hormones, which can lead to these physical sensations. It’s good that you sought medical attention and received reassurance that your heart is healthy, but it’s important to address the underlying anxiety that is causing these symptoms.

The pressure from your father and the feeling that you are not meeting expectations can further contribute to your stress levels. It’s essential to communicate your feelings to him, but I understand that this can be challenging, especially if you fear his reaction. Seeking support from a mental health professional can provide you with a safe space to express these feelings and develop coping strategies.

In terms of treatment, it may be beneficial to explore therapy options that focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help you reframe negative thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Medication may also be an option, especially if your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life. It’s important to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options.

Lastly, consider engaging in self-care practices that can help alleviate stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle physical activity. These practices can help ground you and provide a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

In conclusion, your experiences highlight the importance of addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of anxiety and stress. It’s crucial to seek support, whether through therapy, medication, or supportive relationships, to navigate these challenges effectively. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you find relief and regain control over your mental health.

Similar Q&A

Coping with Mental Stress: Understanding Anger and Anxiety Issues

Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling a lot of stress at work. I find myself easily angered and wanting to yell at people or even hit someone. I feel down for no apparent reason. I can't seem to get enough sleep every day and constantly feel overwhelmed by a multit...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
In modern society, stress is inevitable. What we seek is not a life without stress, but a resilient state of mind and body that balances stress. The symptoms described in the inquiry are quite common among individuals with anxiety disorders or stress-related adjustment disorders....

Understanding Anxiety, Panic, and Depression: A Student's Struggle

I am a fifth-year design student in college, and I have been experiencing significant academic pressure lately. About two weeks ago, I had an emotional outburst due to stress, which led to intense anxiety in the following days, making me fearful of pressure. This anxiety has affe...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. Currently, it seems that we should maintain the diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood. This means that the emotional responses arising from stress (Stress-Related Adjustment Disorder) can include symptoms such as compulsions, anxiety, panic, and ...

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: A Journey Through Bullying and Pressure

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask for your advice. I have suffered from the pain of long-term bullying during my middle and high school years, which has made me more introverted and prone to overthinking. I don't have many close friends and lack social activities. We are in...

Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, the trauma experienced during adolescence continues to have an impact on both your physical and mental health, affecting interpersonal relationships and social interactions, making it more difficult to cope with stress in daily life. Many physiol...

Understanding Anxiety and Stress: Coping with Workplace Challenges

Hello, Doctor: I am currently in a work environment where some colleagues and supervisors are not very friendly, and they monitor my work, which makes me feel anxious and tense. I often worry about making mistakes. I am also very sensitive and care about others' evaluations,...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello! It seems that you are quite aware that when you feel anxious, you may resort to swearing or engaging in repetitive meaningless actions. These behaviors are actually normal expressions of emotional release. If these occurrences are infrequent and do not significantly impact...