Emotional Distress: Signs of Mental Health Issues

Mental discomfort

Hello, doctor.
I have been experiencing exclusion and personal attacks for a long time.
I often endure others' disdain and frequently feel unrecognized.
I try very hard to do everything well, but it’s the same at home and at school.
I am very reluctant to recall past events, but every time I think about them, I get headaches, feel scared, and often cry.
I decided to ask this question because I had an argument with my boyfriend today.
The issue wasn't significant, but while trying to calm down, terrifying memories from the past started flooding my mind, and I began to feel afraid.
After that, I started throwing things and walking away, feeling dazed and as if I couldn't control my thoughts.
In that moment, I just wanted to die.
This isn't the first time this has happened; I've wanted to die for a long time, but I don't know what to do.
I feel helpless.
I keep telling myself not to overexert, but I still feel exhausted.
I want to ask the doctor if I really have a mental health issue…?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/04

Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry

Hello, based on your description, it seems you are facing emotional and interpersonal issues that are making life very difficult and leaving you feeling helpless.
Everyone experiences low points in life, but your situation has reached a level where you are having suicidal thoughts.
Since it's difficult to understand your issues in detail through the internet, I recommend that you seek assistance from a nearby healthcare facility, specifically in the field of psychiatry or mental health.
Professional help should be beneficial.
Wishing you well!

Reply Date: 2016/03/04

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of emotional distress, which can be indicative of underlying mental health issues. Based on your description, several key points emerge that warrant attention and understanding.

Firstly, the feelings of being ostracized and attacked by others can lead to a profound sense of isolation and worthlessness. This is often compounded by the pressure to perform well in various aspects of life, such as at home and school. When you mention that you try hard to do well but still feel unrecognized or unappreciated, it can create a cycle of negative self-talk and low self-esteem. This is a common experience for many individuals who struggle with mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression.

The physical symptoms you describe, such as headaches and the feeling of being overwhelmed when recalling past traumatic experiences, are also significant. These symptoms can be manifestations of anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the memories are linked to distressing events. The fact that you experience these symptoms in response to stressors, such as arguments with your boyfriend, suggests that your emotional regulation may be affected. This can lead to feelings of panic, disorientation, and even suicidal thoughts, which you have mentioned.

It's important to recognize that these thoughts and feelings are not uncommon among individuals who have experienced trauma or ongoing emotional distress. The desire to escape from pain, including thoughts of self-harm or suicide, is a serious concern and should not be taken lightly. It is crucial to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide a safe space for you to explore these feelings and develop coping strategies.

In terms of understanding whether you have a mental health disorder, it is essential to consider the following:
1. Duration and Impact: If these feelings and thoughts have persisted over a significant period and are impacting your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, it is a strong indicator that professional help is needed.

2. Coping Mechanisms: How you cope with stress and emotional pain is also telling. If you find yourself resorting to harmful thoughts or behaviors, it may indicate a need for intervention.

3. Support Systems: Engaging with supportive friends, family, or mental health professionals can provide you with the necessary tools to manage your emotions and thoughts more effectively.

4. Professional Evaluation: A mental health professional can conduct a thorough assessment to determine if you meet the criteria for a specific mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. They can also help you understand the root causes of your distress and work with you to develop a treatment plan.

In conclusion, your experiences suggest that you may be dealing with significant emotional distress that could benefit from professional support. It is vital to reach out to a mental health professional who can provide guidance, support, and treatment options tailored to your needs. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you do not have to navigate this journey alone. There is hope for healing and improvement, and taking that first step towards seeking help can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Similar Q&A

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 Signs of Mental Distress: A Guide for Concerned Individuals

Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about a situation where an individual appears slightly unwell (fragile, pale) and seems very anxious when talking to others. Even when there is a chair available, they hesitate to sit down, and their body language appears stiff and fearful. ...

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: The situation described can be characterized as being under extreme emotional tension while trying to suppress those feelings. When the suppression becomes overwhelming, it can lead to an emotional breakdown. There are many possibilities; it could be temporary or pathologi...

Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Signs and Solutions for Mental Health

Hello, Doctor: Recently, my emotions have been quite unstable; I can be happy one moment and angry the next. I often get upset over trivial matters, and if things don't go my way, I become angry. However, I don't raise my voice or throw things at others, but I do when I...

Dr. Lin Niqi reply Psychiatry
Hello, your article indicates that you have been experiencing emotional distress lately, and your emotional and mental state is significantly affecting your daily life, which is causing you distress. It is recommended that you seek treatment from a psychiatrist.

Understanding Emotional Issues: Signs of Mental Health Struggles

In the past two years, whenever I argue with others, I tend to yell, throw things, and sometimes even resort to physical violence. My concentration has significantly decreased, I feel increasingly lazy, I have little motivation for the future, I experience insomnia, and I lack pa...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: I'm glad you brought up this issue, as it shows your motivation to improve yourself. Emotional regulation is indeed an important topic. If you've been experiencing such issues over the past two years, it might be helpful to identify any underlying sources of stre...