Understanding Depression and Social Anxiety Medication: A Student's Journey
Regarding medication for depression and social anxiety disorder? Hello Dr. Ding: I am a junior studying in Chiayi. Since high school, I have noticed that I feel anxious in crowded places, and I become even more nervous when giving presentations, experiencing palpitations. Sometim...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I see the various difficulties you have encountered and the efforts you have made, and I feel both admiration and concern. The physical discomforts you mentioned may arise during the process of changing medications. The reasons could potentially be withdrawal symptoms from...[Read More] Understanding Depression and Social Anxiety Medication: A Student's Journey
Overcoming Mental Health Struggles: Seeking Help and Understanding
My question? Hello, Dr. Ding: (1) I don't know how to explain this. Over a decade ago, I was set up by my enemies, which led to my mental illness. Later, I engaged in a "power struggle" with them, and we are currently maintaining a temporary state of "non-in...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, after reading your letter, I feel that your thoughts are relatively clear, and your abilities should be quite good as well. There’s no need to be overly pessimistic. Since your adversaries have not bothered you for over a decade, I believe you should not concern yourself w...[Read More] Overcoming Mental Health Struggles: Seeking Help and Understanding
Reclaiming Joy in Baseball After Injury: A Mental Health Guide
Low mood I used to be a boy who loved baseball; I have enjoyed this sport since I was young. However, due to an accident where I threw a softball too hard, I ended up fracturing my right humerus. I had to have a steel plate and screws implanted for stabilization. Although my arm ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, your passion for sports and your relentless spirit remind one of the Taiwanese spirit depicted in the movie KANO, which is truly commendable. However, life is filled with setbacks. We often find ourselves unable to attain what we desire, and when we do achieve something, w...[Read More] Reclaiming Joy in Baseball After Injury: A Mental Health Guide
Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety: Strategies for Educators in Challenging Situations
How to Avoid Anticipatory Anxiety Hello, Doctor: I am a special education teacher and I am facing a significant concern. I worry that during my classroom guidance sessions, if I encounter an outburst from a student and I am unable to manage it effectively, everything could fall a...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, it seems that you are performing very well, and not many of us can achieve what you have. Many perfectionists also experience self-doubt and high self-expectations, which can lead to stress. Even positive objective facts and the affirmations from those around us cannot con...[Read More] Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety: Strategies for Educators in Challenging Situations
Facing Loneliness and Caregiving Challenges in Your 20s and 30s
30 years old My father said that as parents get older, they can't always take care of me. For instance, my mother needs someone to accompany her when she goes to a large hospital for check-ups. While I am young and can manage on my own, I am an only child, and besides my par...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
You care a lot about others and are willing to help with their difficulties. If you are unable to assist, you still wish them well from your heart. This way, you will gradually make friends. Relationships are reciprocal; if you haven't built connections beforehand, it will b...[Read More] Facing Loneliness and Caregiving Challenges in Your 20s and 30s
Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Help
Aggressive behavior towards a specific target? My father is 70 years old and has been experiencing memory decline, poor appetite, and poor sleep quality since last year. Midway through this year, I noticed that he started to mumble to himself silently and would fall into deep tho...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, at this age, the onset of degeneration has started for some time, and the appearance of psychiatric symptoms is quite common among elderly individuals with dementia. The symptoms he has recently exhibited typically respond quickly and well to medication treatment, so it is...[Read More] Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Help
Understanding Unconscious Behavior: A Psychiatric Perspective on Seizures
The person is unresponsive, but they can still move? Hello, Doctor! Yesterday, I experienced chest tightness and fainted on the platform (I was unconscious beforehand). I was taken to the emergency room and gradually regained consciousness after receiving some sedation. It was ca...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, this situation has many possibilities. You mentioned having epilepsy, and it is possible to exhibit such symptoms during a seizure. Additionally, conditions like hyperventilation or side effects from medications can also lead to similar presentations. I recommend that you ...[Read More] Understanding Unconscious Behavior: A Psychiatric Perspective on Seizures
Navigating Psychiatric Care: Tips for Switching Doctors Smoothly
Some suggestions? I changed my appointment to see another doctor the next day because my original physician had many patients and I didn't want to wait. However, the new doctor had some concerns about me, stating that he had never seen me before and that the communication du...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, a good doctor-patient relationship is beneficial for treatment, especially in psychiatry. Regardless of where the issue lies, if a physician makes you uncomfortable, it's best not to see them! If you trust your physician and they have many patients, you can ask them w...[Read More] Navigating Psychiatric Care: Tips for Switching Doctors Smoothly
Navigating Anxiety: Understanding Health Fears and Relationships
Other concerns? Dr. Ding: Regarding the questions I asked last time, I would like to raise some additional concerns. Here is the content of my previous inquiry: (Hello, I’m not sure if it’s due to some obsessive thinking, but I’ve become very sensitive about illness. My boyfriend...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, regarding your concerns, I would like to divide them into two parts. First, the issue of infectious diseases that you are worried about. Second, whether you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the need to see a doctor. To begin with, concerning infectious diseas...[Read More] Navigating Anxiety: Understanding Health Fears and Relationships
Navigating Relationships and Self-Perception in Mental Health
Not having a family or establishing a career? As a 30-year-old, I have not settled down or started a family because I do not want to compromise for others. However, I have a concern about how much I care about others' opinions, particularly regarding my sexual orientation, i...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, in Taiwan, the number of unmarried individuals of marriageable age is increasing. Therefore, the acceptance of this situation is also growing, and there is no need to assume that others' concerns stem from a negative perspective. Moreover, in most cases, people are pr...[Read More] Navigating Relationships and Self-Perception in Mental Health
Overcoming Fear: Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Building Confidence
How to overcome fear? As we age, it becomes increasingly common to feel fear; sometimes, thoughts about accidents while riding a bike can arise. While these thoughts do occur, I can at least return to reality. At this age, I still hesitate to learn how to drive, fearing that I mi...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, you have actually pointed out the crux of the issue in your question: "What if I'm not good enough?" When expectations are set too high and one cannot approach the results with a calm mindset, it leads to a fear of failure and setbacks. This self-protection ...[Read More] Overcoming Fear: Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Building Confidence
Understanding Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Causes and Solutions
Circadian rhythm I work very hard, but I can't fall asleep all night while lying in bed, and then I wake up at 8 AM the next morning. After that, I fall asleep around 9 or 10 AM and sleep until 4 or 5 PM. By the time I wake up, it's already 10 PM, which means that durin...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I think your doctor is doing an excellent job! You should cooperate well with your physician and discuss any issues directly with them. Wishing you all the best, Dr. Ding Shuo-Yan.[Read More] Understanding Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Causes and Solutions
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Practical Tips for Building Confidence
Interpersonal anxiety If I feel uneasy around people because of their appearance and demeanor, especially when my mother says that one shouldn't be too honest in society, otherwise, they will be deceived, what can someone like me, who has social anxiety, do to overcome this?...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, if you find yourself feeling anxious around others or struggling with paranoid thoughts, my experience suggests that the best approach is to first reduce the harm you may cause to others. Always keep the intention to help others in mind; even if you ultimately can't a...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety: Practical Tips for Building Confidence
Understanding Schizophrenia: When to Seek Specialized Care
Please have the doctor help clarify? In general, among psychiatric disorders, is schizophrenia considered the most severe? Can it be managed in a clinic? Although clinic-based physicians are typically experienced practitioners, I would like to know if a patient's condition c...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the underlying logic of your question resembles the approach taken in internal and external medicine, which is not particularly suitable for mental illnesses. As internal and external diseases become more severe, they may require referral to a medical center for surgical i...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: When to Seek Specialized Care
Understanding Personality Traits and Mental Health Challenges
Personality is like this? If a person has a solitary personality and has worked in logistics but struggles to meet others' expectations, leading to concerns about their work methods and ultimately quitting after a few days, it may be indicative of deeper issues. Being an onl...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, regarding your job search, it seems that you have a good understanding of yourself. Being aware of your abilities and personality, as well as your strengths and weaknesses, can help you start looking for jobs that you are more likely to succeed in. Many people who are not ...[Read More] Understanding Personality Traits and Mental Health Challenges
Is Poor Memory a Sign of Being Unintelligent? Understanding Mental Health
Is poor memory related to benzene? Hello Dr. Ding, does having a poor memory mean that someone is not smart or quick-witted? I often feel depressed and lack confidence because of this, especially when I forget things that clients just told me in an instant. Does this mean I am no...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, poor memory is a common complaint in psychiatric outpatient clinics. Besides elderly individuals who may be experiencing dementia, many young people also face this issue. As you mentioned, various factors could contribute to this. Anxiety disorders, depression, and being o...[Read More] Is Poor Memory a Sign of Being Unintelligent? Understanding Mental Health
Managing Medication Withdrawal: Tips for Discontinuing Xanax Safely
Medication issues Dear Director, I am currently taking Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and Xanax. I take Xanax XR at a dose of 0.5 mg once daily. I am concerned about withdrawal effects; if I want to discontinue Xanax, should I first reduce the dose to 0.25 mg before completely stopping? Wh...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, reducing or discontinuing medication is contingent upon symptom improvement and the condition moving towards recovery, but this needs to be discussed with your physician. Withdrawal effects may occur if the dosage of the medication has been relatively high and used for a l...[Read More] Managing Medication Withdrawal: Tips for Discontinuing Xanax Safely
Letting Go of Past Regrets: Finding Your Path Forward
Let go of past worries? I had an unsuccessful academic journey in the past, which led me to attend a private school with a poor reputation. I often feel regret for not transferring to another school. Ultimately, I had to enroll in a preparatory class for re-examination, and I end...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the past is completely over and cannot be relived. Whether good or bad, nostalgic or regretful, it is all the same. Even the other people present at that moment have moved on; no one is stuck in that situation. To be honest, the only ones still holding on are ourselves, be...[Read More] Letting Go of Past Regrets: Finding Your Path Forward
Understanding the Brain's Filtering Mechanism: Causes and Implications
What is the reason? What does it mean for the brain to filter out unwanted information? What kind of information does this refer to? Can you provide examples? If the brain is unable to filter information, what are the usual causes?
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, we have various senses such as sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, which continuously receive information from the surrounding world every moment. This information is transmitted to the brain for judgment and comparison, transforming it into meaningful data, which the...[Read More] Understanding the Brain's Filtering Mechanism: Causes and Implications
Navigating Anxiety About Potential Health Risks in Relationships
Some concerns? Dr. Ding: Hello, I’m not sure if it’s due to my tendency to overthink, but I’m quite sensitive about illnesses. My boyfriend’s mother works in a hotel, and due to his parents' divorce, they have only recently reconnected. However, he is not very clear about th...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, The concern you mentioned in your letter is indeed not something that most people worry about. However, thinking about this issue does not necessarily indicate obsessive thinking or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As long as you acquire the correct medical knowledge...[Read More] Navigating Anxiety About Potential Health Risks in Relationships