My Mental Health: Seeking Help for Anxiety and Panic Symptoms

Q: My Mental Health: Seeking Help for Anxiety and Panic Symptoms

Hello： Based on your detailed description, it is very likely that your condition is a symptom of panic disorder, as your symptoms have already affected you. <br>It is recommended that you visit a psychiatric outpatient clinic, as most treatments for this condition tend to be effe

I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific symptoms to provide an accurate translation or response?

Hello, I am 19 years old and have been experiencing pain in my left ear for several years.
I had a history of otitis media in childhood, so I went for an examination and underwent hearing tests, but no issues were found.
However, the pain in my ear has persisted until now.
A few years ago, I was startled while walking home at night during my first year of high school, and since then, I have felt a sense of unreality, as if I do not exist in this world.
I have been unable to feel happy, and it seems like my emotions have disappeared, which has caused me a lot of fear.
Later, I became worried that my family and friends might get hurt, and I developed compulsive behaviors to dispel these sudden thoughts.
I spoke with a school counselor who suggested that I might have panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, recommending that I see a psychiatrist.
However, my family thought it was just academic pressure, so I did not seek help.
I have been living with these symptoms until now, in my second year of college, studying design.
Over the past six months, my health has not been great.
In August, while working part-time, I experienced severe headaches and nearly fainted.
The doctor said there was nothing wrong but suspected anemia.
In September, I had inflammation in my left eye.
In October, after having a cup of coffee at lunch, I experienced chest pain, a sudden increase in heart rate, dizziness, and difficulty breathing while out in the evening.
I felt like something was seriously wrong, and when I couldn't reach my family by phone, I felt helpless and cried.
I sat at the train station for a few hours to calm down.
I also saw a family doctor who said there was no issue and that it was likely anxiety.
After that incident, I was afraid it would happen again, so I stopped drinking coffee.
Recently, for the past week, I have been experiencing sudden heavy heartbeats at night, dizziness, headaches, difficulty breathing, and a feeling that something is wrong.
My left ear continues to hurt, my hands and feet feel cold, my left eye is painful and itchy, and my left limbs feel numb.
I also feel like something is dripping from my nose into my throat, and I have chest pain with what seems like a slow and heavy heartbeat.
I am very scared, and to keep myself awake, I keep taking deep breaths and am afraid to sleep.
I have been very tired after a few days of this.
I do experience these symptoms during the day, but they are stronger at night.
This week is a holiday for me, and I have not had much stress, so I do not understand why this is happening.
I saw a family doctor who performed an ECG and checked my blood pressure, stating that my heart and lungs are fine.
He suggested that I talk to a university counselor first and then get a referral to a psychiatrist.
(Actually, I usually carry a heavy backpack on my left shoulder, and I wonder if that has compressed a nerve, causing the numbness in my hands.
Last night, I applied a muscle pain patch, and I feel somewhat better today, as the numbness has decreased.
Since my company requires a health check for my part-time job, I had blood tests, urinalysis, and basic examinations done, and the company hired me, so there should be no issue with hepatitis.
However, now that I know my heart and lungs are fine, I still experience the above symptoms.
I have been searching online for various conditions, and the more I read, the more I doubt and fear.
What do you think is happening to me? If I want to seek medical help, should I see a psychiatrist or another specialist? Or should I just get a general health check-up?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/26

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: Based on your detailed description, it is very likely that your condition is a symptom of panic disorder, as your symptoms have already affected you.
It is recommended that you visit a psychiatric outpatient clinic, as most treatments for this condition tend to be effective.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2015/12/26

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time with your mental and physical health. Your symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, and physical discomfort, can be overwhelming and distressing. It's important to understand that what you are experiencing is not uncommon, especially for young adults facing various pressures, including academic stress and personal challenges.

From your description, it seems that you have been dealing with anxiety and possibly panic disorder for some time. The feelings of unreality, fear of harm coming to loved ones, and compulsive behaviors are often associated with anxiety disorders. The physical symptoms you mentioned, such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing, can also be manifestations of anxiety and panic attacks. These symptoms can be very real and frightening, leading to a cycle of fear and avoidance that can further exacerbate your anxiety.

It's crucial to acknowledge that seeking help is a positive step. You mentioned that your family may not fully understand the severity of your situation, but it's important to advocate for your health. Consulting a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide you with the support and guidance you need. They can help you explore your feelings, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), has been shown to be effective for anxiety and panic disorders.

In addition to therapy, medication may also be an option to consider. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms, but this should be discussed with a psychiatrist who can evaluate your specific needs and monitor your progress.

You also mentioned experiencing physical symptoms like ear pain, headaches, and feelings of dizziness. While these can be related to anxiety, it's wise to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Since you've already seen a general practitioner and had tests done, you might consider following up with them or a specialist if your symptoms persist. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist could help with your ear pain, while a neurologist might be appropriate for your headaches and dizziness.

It's also important to take care of your overall well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood. Connecting with friends or support groups can also provide a sense of community and understanding.

In summary, I encourage you to seek help from a mental health professional to address your anxiety and panic symptoms. They can provide you with the tools you need to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. Additionally, don't hesitate to consult with medical professionals regarding your physical symptoms to ensure that all aspects of your health are being addressed. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there is support available to help you through these difficult times.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorders: When to Seek Help

Hello, Doctor. A few nights ago, just before going to bed, I suddenly experienced dizziness and nausea, followed by a rapid succession of symptoms: abdominal pain, thirst, tension, palpitations, and chest tightness. I tend to be an anxious person, and the sudden onset of these sy...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. Anxiety or panic are both symptoms of anxiety. The situation you described does indeed reflect a response associated with anxiety disorders. If it persists without recovery or improvement, it is advisable to seek evaluation from a mental health professional to determine wh...

Understanding Mental Health: Signs of Anxiety and Emotional Distress

Recently, I've been experiencing lower back pain and headaches, along with dizziness and nausea. I prefer to be alone and don't enjoy interacting with others (family is fine). I push myself to lose weight to a specific point, regardless of my physical condition. I have ...

Dr. Huang Huiqun reply Psychiatry
Dear "Seven," based on your description of the situation, you have been experiencing significant symptoms of depression and anxiety recently. I am also concerned about the possibility of an eating disorder. I recommend that you visit a mental health clinic to discuss an...

Understanding Anxiety and Panic Disorders: When to Seek Help

Hello, Doctor: I am a patient suffering from anxiety disorder, hypochondria, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I often worry and doubt that I have cancer or a serious illness. Whenever I feel a lump on my body, I fear that I have cancer. I frequently go to the ho...

Dr. Wang Zhenyang reply Psychiatry
Hello, In your letter, you clearly described your anxiety situation. I recommend that you seek medical attention from a psychiatrist or a psychosomatic specialist as soon as possible. Medication and some psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help al...

Overcoming Anxiety and Depression: Seeking Help for Mental Health Challenges

Hello, doctor. I sometimes experience anxiety and depression, which have affected my school, academics, and interpersonal relationships. A few months ago, I took an online depression assessment and found that my score was in the moderate to severe range. This has led to frequent ...

Dr. Li Guanying reply Psychiatry
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. I recommend that you visit our outpatient clinic for an evaluation and testing to determine if there are any psychosomatic issues or related concerns. Our clinic is open Monday to ...