Overcoming Negative Emotions: Seeking Help Without Guilt
Prolonged negative emotions and thoughts of death? Hello, Doctor: I apologize for reaching out again. Thank you for your response to my previous message. I have downloaded the mood thermometer app and initially gathered the courage to make an online appointment with a nearby ment...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: May I ask what score you received on the mood thermometer? If it's 10 or below, I still recommend consulting a specialist. If it's 15 or above, or if you have suicidal thoughts rated at 2 or above, you definitely need to seek medical attention! Dr. Wu En...[Read More] Overcoming Negative Emotions: Seeking Help Without Guilt
Understanding Anxiety: Risks of Self-Medicating with Xanax
Regarding anxiety issues? Hello doctor, I believe I have an anxiety disorder and took my classmate's Xanax (0.5mg). Could this cause any problems? Will it lead to more severe anxiety symptoms? I often experience irritability, anger, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, but ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: Zanaflex is a sedative used for anxiety, but it may cause drowsiness, so it’s important to be cautious as it won't exacerbate anxiety symptoms. If you frequently experience irritability, anger, agitation, restlessness, or sleep disturbances, it could indeed b...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety: Risks of Self-Medicating with Xanax
Understanding Memory Gaps: When Conversations Haunt Your Mind
Frequent occurrences of conversations in my mind, but I often experience memory lapses regarding when and where they took place? Recently, I have been experiencing a phenomenon where I suddenly recall certain phrases from conversations I had the previous day. These phrases pop in...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online user: There may be prodromal symptoms of disease recurrence, so it is advisable to return for a follow-up consultation as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming uncontrollable! Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Memory Gaps: When Conversations Haunt Your Mind
Understanding PTSD: Managing Anxiety and Finding the Right Therapist
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Due to trauma-related stress from an incident in May, the doctor has informed me that I am experiencing generalized anxiety and autonomic dysregulation. Currently, I feel panic and anxiety for 1-2 hours when confronted with certain specific s...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: 1. Will nausea or dizziness improve on its own after a while? A: If the nausea or dizziness is caused by anxiety-related psychosomatic symptoms, it will improve as the anxiety decreases. 2. I need to switch to a new psychiatrist; should I also see a therapist?...[Read More] Understanding PTSD: Managing Anxiety and Finding the Right Therapist
Understanding Long-Term Negative Emotions and Thoughts of Death
Prolonged negative emotions and thoughts of death? Hello, Doctor: As the title suggests, I actually don't know how to explain my situation. I feel that many aspects of my past, including my family, have contributed to my current state, but I often struggle to articulate it. ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Ziyin: After reading your difficult life story, I can see that you are truly exhausted. I am also concerned that long-term stress may have led to physical and mental fatigue, possibly resulting in depression. Mental health issues require appropriate treatment, so I suggest...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Negative Emotions and Thoughts of Death
Understanding PTSD: Managing Panic and Anxiety After Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Previously, I experienced generalized anxiety disorder due to a stressful situation, which lasted only 2-3 days without recurrence. However, on May 22, I was startled by an event, which caused daily panic attacks that last about 2 hours each....
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
1. Some say that medical attention is only needed if the situation lasts more than a month. Is that true? If emotional distress is unbearable and affects daily life, seeking medical help is advisable, regardless of the one-month timeframe. 2. The psychiatrist prescribed me Sert...[Read More] Understanding PTSD: Managing Panic and Anxiety After Trauma
Overcoming the Fear of Seeking Mental Health Help
Unable to see a doctor? I can't bring myself to seek help from any doctors or mental health professionals. I know I should go, and I understand that these people are there to help me and are kind, but at the same time, I feel like they are laughing at me behind my back. I th...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online friend: I understand that it's not easy to share your feelings with strangers. I suggest starting by talking to family members, close friends, or sisters. You can also listen to their advice or ask them to recommend a good and patient doctor or therapist. Addit...[Read More] Overcoming the Fear of Seeking Mental Health Help
Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues: Insights on Mirtazapine and Alternatives
Issues with medication for anxiety and insomnia (due to insomnia and being easily affected by minor stressors)? Hello, doctor. I have previously been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (and possibly mild obsessive-compulsive disorder or PTSD) and have been regularly taki...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: Current scientific evidence suggests that the use of antidepressants is effective in treating major depressive disorder, and it is particularly effective for insomnia associated with major depression. The recommended duration of use is at least six months. However...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Sleep Issues: Insights on Mirtazapine and Alternatives
Managing Panic and Anxiety from Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation Panic Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and panic disorder at a hospital in China. I've been experiencing anxiety and panic attacks over the past few weeks. The doctor prescribed me Xanax to take a...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, internet user: I'm not entirely clear on your main issue, but I will do my best to respond based on my understanding. Masturbation and feelings of chest tightness, panic, and anxiety should not be related. Sexual desire is a normal physiological response, and generall...[Read More] Managing Panic and Anxiety from Autonomic Nervous System Disorders
Understanding Emotional Turmoil: When to Seek Professional Help
Psychological counseling I lack confidence and care a lot about what others think. Sometimes, I don't understand why I suddenly become irritable, and I often feel emotionally distressed and have trouble concentrating. When I hear noise, it makes me feel very anxious and frus...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online friend: Thank you for your hard work. It seems that you are experiencing quite a bit of emotional distress. Have you considered talking to a school counselor? The guidance counselors are trained professionals in psychological counseling and can provide an initial as...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Turmoil: When to Seek Professional Help
Understanding Hyperventilation: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Hyperventilation Today, I was sent to the emergency room due to hyperventilation. The nurse administered a small dose of a sedative, and after my condition improved, I was discharged. This seems normal, but after going to sleep at night, I have been sleeping continuously for at l...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: It is likely just the effect of a sedative, and there is no need to seek medical attention. However, if hyperventilation occurs repeatedly, it is advisable to consult a mental health facility. Dr. Wu Enliang[Read More] Understanding Hyperventilation: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Coping with Emotional Challenges
Sjögren's syndrome A few days ago, I was told that I might have Sjögren's syndrome, and I'm feeling really upset...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: It's natural to feel shocked and have difficulty accepting a new diagnosis. I recommend working closely with a rheumatologist to receive proper treatment; your symptoms will definitely improve. Dr. Wu En-Liang[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Coping with Emotional Challenges
Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Racing Heart and Sensitivity Before Sleep
Experiencing an increased heart rate just before falling asleep? Hello doctor, my wake-up time is quite consistent, but my bedtime is irregular because I often feel very tired yet unable to fall asleep. This feeling is somewhat abstract; it’s as if I’m just one step away from ent...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online user: It seems that you are experiencing difficulty falling asleep, which may be related to some emotional distress. Please pay more attention to "sleep hygiene," such as waking up at the same time every day, avoiding naps during the day, exercising regula...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Racing Heart and Sensitivity Before Sleep
Understanding Borderline Personality Traits: When to Seek Help
I suspect that I might have borderline personality disorder? I recently discovered that I might have borderline personality traits, as several characteristics seem to apply to me. However, I am still able to manage my daily life, although I do experience negative thoughts more fr...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: An important aspect of personality disorders is that they should impact daily functioning. If, as you mentioned, it "does not significantly affect your normal life," then it should be manageable. If it truly becomes a concern, seeking help from a special...[Read More] Understanding Borderline Personality Traits: When to Seek Help
Do Anti-Anxiety Medications Cause Emotional Flatness?
Do anti-anxiety medications cause emotional blunting? Hello Dr. Wu, last year, due to my pet and an elderly family member becoming ill and requiring surgery and hospitalization, I experienced prolonged sleep disturbances, averaging less than 5 hours of sleep each night. One day, ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online user: Anti-anxiety medications like Anxiolytics can indeed cause sluggishness and difficulty concentrating if the dosage is too high. It is advisable to gradually reduce the dosage or even discontinue use. As for antidepressants, they should be taken continuously. D...[Read More] Do Anti-Anxiety Medications Cause Emotional Flatness?
Managing Academic Pressure: Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Students
Learning and Stress I am currently a student and I once studied extremely hard for the junior high school entrance exam. I truly mean that I was studying to the point of exhaustion. From the start of my preparation until the day of the exam, I actually slept no more than two hour...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
If you are worried that you might be suffering from depression, it indicates that your mental and physical condition is struggling to cope with stress. It is advisable to seek help. If possible, let your parents know about your recent mental and physical state. Alternatively, you...[Read More] Managing Academic Pressure: Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Students
Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Disorder: A Patient's Journey to Recovery
Anxiety and panic disorder suddenly exhibit opposite symptoms? Hello Dr. Wu, I am a panic disorder patient diagnosed over ten years ago. After understanding the causes of my condition, I have managed to get through this difficult period with minimal panic attacks, which only oc...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
It is indeed a severe anxiety disorder. It is recommended to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment to adjust medication or to incorporate psychotherapy or other relaxation training. If necessary, inpatient treatment may even be required. Wu Enliang[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Disorder: A Patient's Journey to Recovery
Overcoming OCD: Building Confidence Beyond Medication
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Lack of Self-Confidence? I often find myself repeatedly checking things at work due to a lack of confidence, but I later realized that I might have some obsessive-compulsive tendencies. I would like to ask how I can improve my symptoms asid...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
If it is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the most scientifically supported treatment aside from medication is behavioral therapy. However, as you mentioned, a lack of confidence can sometimes lead to repetitive checking, which may not necessarily indicate OCD. To obtain a pr...[Read More] Overcoming OCD: Building Confidence Beyond Medication
Understanding Side Effects of Increasing Dosage of Sertraline
What are the side effects of Seroquel? I recently increased my dosage of Strattera from 25 mg to 40 mg and have been taking it for two months. Recently, I have been experiencing side effects such as feelings of depression and negative emotions, along with sudden feelings of infer...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: The more likely issue is related to academic pressure, as 40mg is still considered a low dose. This medication typically does not have side effects related to depression or negative emotions. If you still have concerns, it is advisable to discuss them with your ph...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Increasing Dosage of Sertraline
Understanding Emotional Distress: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues
Emotional distress, issues related to seeking medical consultation? Hello Doctor, I often experience insomnia, feelings of sadness that make me want to cry, and even bouts of anger. I feel guilty that my temper affects my loved ones, and I think of myself as foolish and useless. ...
Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, online friend: It sounds very much like depression. I recommend seeking treatment at a mental health facility. I believe you have described your situation very clearly. If you're unsure how to express your feelings, you can simply show this email to the doctor for ref...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Distress: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues