Do I Need to See a Psychologist for My Worrying Thoughts?

Q: Do I Need to See a Psychologist for My Worrying Thoughts?

Hello, Yi Hsiu： Based on your description, it seems more likely that you are experiencing symptoms of excessive worry. <br>Please pay attention to whether you also have symptoms of low mood or loss of interest. <br>If these symptoms are present and persist for a long time, it may

Do these symptoms require a medical consultation?

Hello, doctor.
I have heard of persecutory delusions, which involve constantly worrying that others will harm oneself.
However, my symptoms are different; I often feel that something bad will happen to others.
For example, when my mother goes to the water station to fetch water, I worry that she might get into an accident on the way back because the water jug is shaking.
Similarly, after my sister's surgery, I worry that she might feel dizzy and fall, causing bleeding.
Given these concerns, do you think I need to see a psychologist?

Yixiu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/16

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello, Yi Hsiu: Based on your description, it seems more likely that you are experiencing symptoms of excessive worry.
Please pay attention to whether you also have symptoms of low mood or loss of interest.
If these symptoms are present and persist for a long time, it may indicate depression, and I recommend seeking medical advice.
If you do not have any other symptoms, it might be helpful to distract yourself with other interests or activities to see if your condition gradually improves.
It is difficult to command our brain not to think about something; it is easier to focus our mind on another meaningful and relaxing activity.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2016/02/16

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant anxiety related to worrying about the safety of your loved ones, which can be quite distressing. Your concerns about your mother and sister indicate a pattern of intrusive thoughts that can lead to excessive worry. This type of anxiety can manifest in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or even obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where individuals may have persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviors or mental rituals to alleviate the anxiety.

It's important to recognize that while worrying about the safety of loved ones is a common experience, when these thoughts become overwhelming and interfere with your daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. A psychologist or mental health professional can provide you with the tools and strategies to manage these thoughts more effectively. They can help you understand the underlying causes of your anxiety and work with you to develop coping mechanisms.

In therapy, you might explore cognitive-behavioral techniques that can help you challenge and reframe your worrying thoughts. For example, you can learn to identify cognitive distortions, such as catastrophizing (assuming the worst will happen) and overgeneralization (drawing broad conclusions based on limited evidence). By addressing these thought patterns, you can reduce the intensity of your worries and improve your overall mental well-being.

Additionally, engaging in mindfulness practices can be beneficial. Mindfulness encourages you to stay present and focus on the here and now, rather than getting lost in anxious thoughts about the future. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises can help you manage anxiety when it arises.

It's also worth noting that discussing your feelings with trusted friends or family members can provide emotional support and help alleviate some of the burden of your worries. They may offer reassurance and perspective that can help you feel less isolated in your experiences.

If you find that your worrying thoughts are persistent, causing you distress, or leading to avoidance behaviors, it would be wise to consult with a mental health professional. They can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the nature of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

In summary, while it is normal to worry about the safety of loved ones, if these thoughts are consuming your mind and affecting your quality of life, seeking help from a psychologist is a proactive step. They can guide you in understanding your anxiety and developing effective strategies to cope with it, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and you deserve support in navigating these challenges.

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