How to Help a Friend Who May Be Struggling with Mental Health Issues
Does my friend have a mental illness? Hello, Doctor: I have a friend (A) born in 1978 who was very cheerful during college. After graduating, she started working while preparing for the Western medicine licensing exam, but she failed three times. In the workplace, it seems she ex...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, generally speaking, even non-professionals can often recognize the possibility of mental illness, which indeed increases the likelihood of someone being unwell. However, someone who stays at home all day and avoids social interactions may have a high chance of having a men...[Read More] How to Help a Friend Who May Be Struggling with Mental Health Issues
Coping with a Family Member's Schizophrenia: Strategies for Support and Understanding
Schizophrenia Hello, I would like to ask about a family member who has schizophrenia but believes they are not ill and is unwilling to see a doctor. The likelihood of compliance is very low. Sometimes there are long periods without episodes, but recently they have been occurring ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, if you have previously sought treatment from a psychiatrist, you can still go to that hospital to discuss your situation with the physician. Some may arrange home visits, where nurses come to the patient's home to provide care, including administering injections. Ther...[Read More] Coping with a Family Member's Schizophrenia: Strategies for Support and Understanding
Am I Sick? Understanding Anxiety and Avoidance in Daily Life
Am I sick? Hello, I have recently noticed that I have a strong fear of going out. In the past, I would check what time would have fewer people and choose that time, but in the last few months, I feel very strange. I can go out with friends and family, but when it comes to going o...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the fear of going out can stem from various reasons. Some individuals may experience agoraphobia, which is the fear of being in crowded places where escape might be difficult. Others may suffer from depression, leading to decreased interest, energy levels, and self-confide...[Read More] Am I Sick? Understanding Anxiety and Avoidance in Daily Life
Understanding the Difference Between Mental Illness and Laziness
The difference between mental illness and laziness? Hello, doctor: Why do people often perceive individuals with mental illness as lazy?
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the symptoms of mental illnesses manifest in psychological and behavioral aspects, which are more abstract and not as evident as physical symptoms like fever, cough, or fractures. Therefore, unless someone has personally experienced a mental illness, most people may percei...[Read More] Understanding the Difference Between Mental Illness and Laziness
Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Schizophrenia and Career Challenges
The vicious cycle caused by schizophrenia and work-related difficulties? Hello, Dr. Ding. Please allow me to describe my condition and current situation. Two years ago, I went abroad to study and had a girlfriend at that time. When I returned home, I wanted to quickly find a loca...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, first of all, I want to congratulate you on stabilizing after the acute phase of your illness. Not only have you not experienced hallucinations, but your choice of words in describing your issues is also quite good, which is encouraging. The prognosis of schizophrenia, or ...[Read More] Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Schizophrenia and Career Challenges
Coping with a Loved One's Alcohol Addiction: A Guide for Family Members
Dealing with individuals who have alcohol addiction? He is my closest family member, and at home, it's just me and this elder. Every time I remind him, he really dislikes me telling him not to drink alcohol. However, I am very afraid that he will revert to his old ways. I am...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, in such situations, my experience suggests finding a way to encourage him to see a doctor, allowing the doctor to address the issue. When persuading him to visit a doctor, it is crucial not to mention alcohol cessation. Instead, look for any problems he may have related to...[Read More] Coping with a Loved One's Alcohol Addiction: A Guide for Family Members
Managing Relapse Risks in Alcohol Recovery: A Guide for Families
Issues related to alcohol cessation? I would like to inquire about a situation involving an elderly family member who had a long history of alcohol abuse. They managed to quit drinking with the help of a doctor and medication about one to two years ago, but now they have develope...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, I'm not sure what your relationship is with this elder, but you are only 17 years old. Regarding issues like alcohol addiction, he may have had many unpleasant experiences with close family members in the past. Unless you have a very good relationship with him, be pre...[Read More] Managing Relapse Risks in Alcohol Recovery: A Guide for Families
Managing Anxiety: Navigating Mental Health After High School
Anxiety issues After graduating from high school, I have been working for a year. During this year, I felt completely lost and had to figure everything out on my own, including the intricacies of my job and workplace relationships. If I didn't finish certain tasks, I would l...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, first of all, many people experience what you are going through, so please don't feel it's very serious or think negatively. Autonomic nervous system dysregulation and anxiety disorders are actually quite treatable, and medication can provide quicker results, mak...[Read More] Managing Anxiety: Navigating Mental Health After High School
Understanding Asperger's vs. Autism: A Personal Journey to Self-Discovery
Asperger's syndrome or autism? Since childhood, relatives have said that I have autism, and during college, friends suggested that I might have Asperger's syndrome. However, I have never been diagnosed by a doctor. I want to know if I really have these conditions and wh...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, online consultations are not suitable for diagnosing patients without a personal examination by a doctor, so we can only discuss some general medical knowledge related to your issues. Regarding your situation, I cannot determine what the problem is, but I can assure you th...[Read More] Understanding Asperger's vs. Autism: A Personal Journey to Self-Discovery
When Will Doctors Prescribe Modafinil for Sleepiness and Focus?
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent primarily used to treat sleep Modafinil is typically prescribed in specific situations, such as for the treatment of narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work sleep disorder. If you express to your doctor that you frequently fee...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, to be honest, I strongly discourage this idea and must tell you that it is very dangerous. In the past, before amphetamines were classified as a Schedule II drug, there was a widespread epidemic across Taiwan in the late 1980s. Aside from those who abused it purely for rec...[Read More] When Will Doctors Prescribe Modafinil for Sleepiness and Focus?
Navigating Depression: Medication Concerns and Seeking Help
I would like to inquire about medication-related issues? Dear Dr. Ding, I have a long-standing tendency towards depression, but due to my difficulty in opening up to others, my previous visits to doctors have ended unsuccessfully (I couldn't express what was wrong with me)....
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, most people tend to think that their discomfort is due to the side effects of medications they are taking. While this is not entirely incorrect, the symptoms you mentioned, such as fatigue, numbness in the hands, and slight tremors, could also be manifestations of anxiety ...[Read More] Navigating Depression: Medication Concerns and Seeking Help
How to Encourage a Family Member with Panic Disorder to Seek Help?
If a family member has panic disorder and is unwilling to seek medical attention, can a family member make an appointment on their behalf? My mother has had an autoimmune disease for many years. This year, after reducing her steroid medication, she began experiencing dizziness an...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, you can encourage her by saying that nowadays, many people with insomnia seek help from psychosomatic medicine specialists, just like how surgical procedures work: the more surgeries a doctor performs, the more skilled they become, leading to higher success rates and lower...[Read More] How to Encourage a Family Member with Panic Disorder to Seek Help?
Managing Panic Disorder Medications: A Guide for Families
Panic disorder medication - Anpanil (also known as Alprazolam)? I'm sorry to hear about your mother's situation. She has been diagnosed with panic disorder and is currently taking Silence (a sleep aid) at night and Anpaning (an anti-anxiety medication) during the day. H...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the prescription medications from the doctor are made with careful consideration, and it is best to follow the doctor's instructions for optimal results. Both of these medications are commonly used for anxiety and panic disorders. Taking an anxiolytic during the day c...[Read More] Managing Panic Disorder Medications: A Guide for Families
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Social Anxiety Disorder Since around the second year of middle school, I have gradually felt a sense of inexplicable anxiety in social situations, wanting to hide away, feeling as if someone is always watching me, or constantly thinking that others are criticizing me. This feelin...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, first of all, I want to mention that without seeing you in person and without interactive consultation, it is not appropriate to definitively say whether you have social anxiety disorder. This online platform has good intentions, but it has its limitations and cannot repla...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Social Anxiety: Navigating Isolation and Emotional Struggles
You're welcome! Since childhood, I have been introverted and tend to avoid initiating conversations with others. I also fear talking to people, feel insecure and lack confidence, and sometimes have negative thoughts. I can easily become angry over small matters. Before speak...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, first we should try to accept who we are, especially since you seem to be a very kind person. This positive trait deserves more recognition. Just as rice nourishes a hundred different people, both introversion and extroversion have their own advantages. Outgoing individual...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety: Navigating Isolation and Emotional Struggles
Which Specialist Should You See for Mitral Valve Prolapse and Anxiety?
Which specialty should I consult for mitral valve prolapse and autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Dear Doctor: I have been experiencing issues with sleep quality for a long time. As a single parent of two children, I often struggle to get enough rest, which leads to frequent o...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, the cardiologist who prescribed these medications should have explained to you that there may not be any issues with your heart itself, but rather problems related to the autonomic nervous system or emotional stress. These medications are effective and you should feel temp...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Mitral Valve Prolapse and Anxiety?
Reconnecting with Emotions: Overcoming Emotional Numbness in Mental Health
Regaining sensation? I had the opportunity to experience psychodrama, and it was quite shocking. A year later, a different psychodrama director said to me, "It seems like you don't have any feelings." When asked about my feelings regarding certain events, my respon...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, in your question, you mentioned a lack of feeling, which seems to suggest that you have emotions about things but do not express them outwardly. Firstly, without delving into why this is the case, this phenomenon might be a matter of excess or deficiency. Conversely, havin...[Read More] Reconnecting with Emotions: Overcoming Emotional Numbness in Mental Health
Overcoming Unexplained Depression: Practical Strategies Beyond Medication
I find it strange that I'm experiencing such feelings of depression and low mood. What methods can help break this cycle? Hello Dr. Ding, I used to be a very happy and sunny person, always enthusiastic and positive about most things. People often referred to me as a "h...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, there are indeed some cases of depression that seem unrelated to life stressors, which are more associated with inherent factors. In such situations, I would recommend medication treatment. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as psychotherapy, can still play a role in all...[Read More] Overcoming Unexplained Depression: Practical Strategies Beyond Medication
Managing Anxiety Without Medication: Tips for Better Sleep
Non-pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders? In the past month, I have frequently visited the doctor due to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, headaches, dizziness, numbness in my neck and left arm, and difficulty breathing. I was finally diagnosed with anxiety d...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, have you been practicing your breathing? I recommend continuing on this foundation. Here, we can avoid emphasizing deep breathing, as some people may feel like they are intentionally holding their breath, which can increase tension. Another method is diaphragmatic breathin...[Read More] Managing Anxiety Without Medication: Tips for Better Sleep
Navigating Mental Health and Career Choices: A Personal Journey
I am Jason? Hello, doctor: First of all, I apologize; it's not that I have too many questions, but I don't know what to do or how to choose! If it weren't for (that person) experiencing a change (secret), I might still be doing a garbage collection job, living a mu...
Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, everyone has dreams and desires for happiness and a better life, which is the essence of hope in life. However, there are certain things that others may be able to achieve that we might not be able to. This is especially true for highly sought-after jobs, such as public se...[Read More] Navigating Mental Health and Career Choices: A Personal Journey