Mastering Anxiety: Tips to Conceal Your Worries in Conversations
Do not reveal anxiety when speaking? I tend to be an anxious and worrisome person, but what are some methods to prevent others from easily detecting my anxiety through my speech? A friend mentioned that they can tell I'm anxious just from the way I talk, suggesting that I sh...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, everyone is born with different personality traits. Some people are charming and adaptable, while others succeed through warmth and sincerity. Therefore, there is no need to force yourself to become someone else, unless your personality traits lead to difficulties in inter...[Read More] Mastering Anxiety: Tips to Conceal Your Worries in Conversations
Are Psychiatric Medications Addictive? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Can psychiatric medications be addictive? Hello, Doctor: I have been taking psychiatric medication since 2008 due to a diagnosis of panic disorder. Although I have reduced my dosage over the past year (only taking it at bedtime), I find that if I try to stop the medication for a ...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, I believe you have compared the impact of stable medication adherence versus non-adherence on your quality of life. Under proper psychiatric care, you shouldn't worry too much about the issue of medication addiction. Of course, in addition to stable medication for pan...[Read More] Are Psychiatric Medications Addictive? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
Am I sick? Hello, doctor. I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend for almost three years. During the first year, I accidentally got pregnant, but my parents, concerned about my young age, did not want me to have the baby. I can accept this reason, but to this day, I often...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, I can sense from your letter that your emotional ups and downs have reached a level that is hard for you to bear. You must have gone through a lot of hardships over the past few years. It is natural to shed tears when faced with difficult situations; however, there are lik...[Read More] Understanding Emotional Turmoil: Seeking Help for Mental Health Struggles
Is Your Child's Poor Academic Performance a Sign of a Mental Disorder?
Are you being lazy and playful? Or is there an underlying issue? My child is already 20 years old and is attending university, but his academic performance is very poor. He hardly studies, and as a result, he does not do well on exams. I have told him that in college, it is essen...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, it sounds like your child may be inclined towards what is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD can focus and complete tasks that interest them, which often leads to misunderstandings where they are perceived as disobedient or intenti...[Read More] Is Your Child's Poor Academic Performance a Sign of a Mental Disorder?
The Haunting of Number Nine: A Journey Through Mental Health Struggles
The ghost of the number 9 is haunting me? In 2004, after being pinched by a classmate, I thought I had damaged my kidneys and went to see a doctor (the doctor said one kidney is sufficient to live). From then on, I began a life filled with paranoia. Additionally, after being hit ...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, I believe what you need is to adhere to a consistent treatment plan in mental health care. However, mental health treatment is quite unique and requires regular and long-term visits to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes. In your letter, you mentioned that over the past ...[Read More] The Haunting of Number Nine: A Journey Through Mental Health Struggles
Navigating Workplace Emotions: Dealing with Dislike for Your Boss
Are you asking for trouble? I don't know how to deal with my dislike for my supervisor. I feel like it's my own problem; I think my supervisor is too insincere or that their words aren't genuinely considerate of others. However, these thoughts only affect my work m...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, I believe there are only two types of people in the world who can say they have never experienced negative emotions such as dislike towards others: one is the socially adept person, and the other is the transcendent individual. In fact, everyone's background and innat...[Read More] Navigating Workplace Emotions: Dealing with Dislike for Your Boss
Managing Anger When Caring for Family Members with Mental Illness
Frequent anger outbursts? Hello Dr. Chang: Because everyone in my family has a mental illness, they often repeatedly ask me the same questions. Even after I explain things to them, they either don't believe me or get stuck on the same issue. I find it very frustrating, and w...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, you really don't need to blame yourself because you have shown great empathy towards your family's situation. I believe that everyone experiences emotional fluctuations when faced with similar circumstances. However, since the intensity of these emotional ups and...[Read More] Managing Anger When Caring for Family Members with Mental Illness
Navigating Complex Emotions: Understanding Medication and Mental Health
Complex emotions My emotions are quite complicated. The doctor said that my medication dosage is already very, very low, and I can still try to gradually reduce it. So, I will maintain taking one YOU-JET at night, one Bromazin in the morning and evening, and half a Mesyrel at nig...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, actually, I think everyone hopes that their fate, whether in process or outcome, can follow their original plans and expectations, as this is the situation that provides the most sense of security. However, life is a complex and multifaceted collection of elements, and the...[Read More] Navigating Complex Emotions: Understanding Medication and Mental Health
How to Overcome Constant Anxiety and Find Inner Peace
I have been feeling very anxious? If a doctor feels constantly anxious and others around them sense this tension, it may seem like there is always something to worry about, making it difficult to relax. What can be done to alleviate this anxiety? Although you have tried diaphragm...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is evident that this ongoing anxiety and tension is significantly impacting your life. While anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences, if any emotion persists for a duration or intensity that exceeds what you can tolerate or what is acceptable to others, it...[Read More] How to Overcome Constant Anxiety and Find Inner Peace
Understanding My Son's Desire to Transition: A Parental Guide
My son wants to become a girl? My son is 18 years old and will be entering his third year of high school after the summer break. Since the second semester of his first year in vocational school, he has expressed a desire to identify as female, adopting behaviors typically associa...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, being a parent indeed comes with endless worries. First, I want to acknowledge your hard work. I can imagine that when you learned about your child's desire to transition, your feelings must have been mixed. However, it's important to take a moment to calm yourse...[Read More] Understanding My Son's Desire to Transition: A Parental Guide
Overcoming Excessive Attachment to Success: Finding Balance in Self-Worth
Excessive attachment to gains and losses? How can I avoid being overly concerned about gains and losses, as it causes me to focus too much on others and prevents me from fully realizing my potential and being the best version of myself? It feels almost like an obsession; I find m...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, it is normal for everyone to wish to be the center of attention, and feeling envy or jealousy towards others' outstanding performances is a common reaction. I hope you can first accept this fact. Additionally, you mentioned that your strong desire for how others perce...[Read More] Overcoming Excessive Attachment to Success: Finding Balance in Self-Worth
Can Anxiety Medications Lead to Addiction? Understanding Risks and Effects
Will taking anxiety medication lead to addiction? Hello Dr. Chang: I have recently been ill, which has led to anxiety, and I have been experiencing insomnia for the past two months. I would like to ask some questions regarding medication: 1. Can medications for anxiety cause addi...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, basically everyone experiences some degree of anxiety and depression, but the extent of the disturbance and its impact can vary due to different underlying causes. Therefore, if you have been in treatment for a while and still feel that the therapeutic effects are limited,...[Read More] Can Anxiety Medications Lead to Addiction? Understanding Risks and Effects
Understanding the Pressure of Comparison in Mental Health
Higher expectations Hello Doctor: In your last reply, you mentioned that people can choose their comparison targets, which means choosing to compare themselves to themselves. However, it feels like I cannot achieve true free will. Is it really something I can decide? If so, why d...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, many people often face the judgment from themselves and others when they cannot meet the standards set by themselves or others. However, whether one has truly given their best effort should not be determined by others, but rather felt by oneself. Therefore, it is important...[Read More] Understanding the Pressure of Comparison in Mental Health
Embracing Imperfection: Overcoming Anxiety and Self-Acceptance Challenges
Accepting that you are not perfect? Accepting that you are not as good as you wish to be is not easy and can be quite distressing. It’s hard to come to terms with the idea that your current self is enough. Even when others say, "You're doing well," there’s often a ...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, after reading your letter, I believe you have articulated a challenge that almost everyone faces. The essence of life inherently carries a sense of competition, which is one of the natures we cannot control. However, we can choose our comparative benchmarks. We can decide ...[Read More] Embracing Imperfection: Overcoming Anxiety and Self-Acceptance Challenges
Struggling to Find a Job: Overcoming Career Confusion and Self-Doubt
I don't know what job to pursue? Hello Dr. Chang: I know that I am currently living off my parents, but I don't know what kind of job would be suitable for me. I feel very troubled as I have been unemployed for over a year. I previously worked in my field of expertise, ...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, I can sense from your letter that you are currently feeling quite down. Finding comfort, joy, and a sense of achievement in the workplace can be a challenge for everyone. However, at this moment, the more important challenge for you should be to focus on making yourself ha...[Read More] Struggling to Find a Job: Overcoming Career Confusion and Self-Doubt
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Is It Hypersomnia or Something Else?
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that? Doctor, I usually fall asleep very quickly and can sleep for a long time no matter where I am! This has been my pattern for a long time. However, there are also sudden days when I am completely unable to sleep. Could this be clas...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, poor sleep quality can definitely affect mood and overall quality of life. However, there are many reasons that can lead to poor sleep quality. Therefore, it is recommended to start by improving sleep habits, such as not lying in bed for more than half an hour and avoiding...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Is It Hypersomnia or Something Else?
Overcoming Fear of Blame: Understanding Anxiety in Mental Health
I am very afraid of being blamed? Many times, when things happen, I worry even before others criticize or question me. I fear being blamed, and sometimes, even when it’s clearly not my fault, I can feel a sense of unease throughout my body. I worry that I haven’t provided adequat...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, from your concerns, I see a great strength in your sense of responsibility and avoidance of blame. However, this strength seems to have expanded to the point where it affects your emotions. Therefore, we can think of ways to adjust this. For example, you could start by kee...[Read More] Overcoming Fear of Blame: Understanding Anxiety in Mental Health
Helping My Daughter Overcome Anorexia: A Parent's Struggle
Daughter with anorexia? I have a 26-year-old daughter who has been under significant stress due to writing her thesis. Over a year ago, she began exhibiting suicidal behaviors and was referred to the psychiatric department at Shin Kong Hospital (Dr. Chou). Her emotional state has...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, from your letter, I can sense your concern and the helplessness of wanting to help your beloved daughter but feeling unable to do so. The difficulties faced by families in caregiving include not only dealing with the patient's evident rejection and resistance to treat...[Read More] Helping My Daughter Overcome Anorexia: A Parent's Struggle
Understanding Mild Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Support Options
Mild depression Hello, Dr. Chang. I would like to ask about my mother, who has been suffering from depression and bipolar disorder for over 20 years. This has led her to have suicidal thoughts during difficult times. My siblings and I are feeling very distressed, and I may be exp...
Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, it sounds like you are feeling quite down. It's normal for everyone to experience emotional ups and downs, including feelings of depression or anxiety. However, if your low mood persists for an extended period or begins to affect your daily life, it may be necessary t...[Read More] Understanding Mild Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Support Options