Feeling Stuck: Navigating Mental Health Challenges and Finding Hope
I'm not sure what to do? In the morning, I often wake up feeling heavy-hearted, and even if I wake up a little earlier, I find myself frequently checking the time and noticing that an hour has passed. It seems like there’s nothing interesting happening in my life, and I feel...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, In your letter, you mentioned several symptoms of depression, but did not specify any particular life stressors that might be contributing to this. Therefore, we will discuss the management and adjustment of depressive symptoms. When a person is feeling depressed and unh...[Read More] Feeling Stuck: Navigating Mental Health Challenges and Finding Hope
Navigating Relationships and Anxiety: A Journey Through Mental Health
Fear of wanting a relationship? Hello, doctor! I have seen a psychiatrist before; I visited a few times in middle school but stopped later because both my family and I learned that taking medication wasn't effective. At that time, I would ask strange questions, like whether ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, having a sex drive is a very natural thing. From a medical perspective, masturbation is not inherently good or bad; it is a common way for many people to relieve sexual tension. Honestly, as long as you are in a private space and it does not affect others, there is no imme...[Read More] Navigating Relationships and Anxiety: A Journey Through Mental Health
Consequences of Stopping Medication in Schizophrenia: Family Guidance and Support
What are the consequences of patients with schizophrenia discontinuing their medication? How should one respond to the auditory hallucinations and delusions experienced by a loved one with schizophrenia? Hello Director Ding. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions am...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned in your letter, discussing the reality of hallucinations or delusions with individuals experiencing mental illness often presents a dilemma between providing a sense of reality and fostering distrust in relationships. Although family members are the ones w...[Read More] Consequences of Stopping Medication in Schizophrenia: Family Guidance and Support
Understanding Your Mental Health: When to Seek Help for Memory Issues
I'm not sure what's wrong with me; which specialist should I see or how can I improve? Recently, I've been having trouble remembering things. I forget what was just said right after hanging up the phone or turning around. My attention span is severely lacking; I ca...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Poor memory, aside from organic changes such as brain degeneration or injury, is most commonly seen in young people due to stress, which leads to a lack of concentration and results in forgetfulness. It is advisable for you to seek evaluation and treatment from a psychosomatic or...[Read More] Understanding Your Mental Health: When to Seek Help for Memory Issues
Struggling with Attention: When Focus Issues Affect Learning
Inattention Hello, doctor: I have noticed that I often have difficulty concentrating. When I am at home doing things I enjoy, such as watching videos, I can focus very well. However, once I leave home, my attention tends to wander. I often forget what my teachers and classmates s...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Based on your description, it can be initially determined that the main issue is not attention deficit, as this problem typically presents itself in a generalized manner. If attention were truly an issue, one would not be able to focus well on activities they enj...[Read More] Struggling with Attention: When Focus Issues Affect Learning
Is It Autonomic Nervous System Disorder? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is this considered autonomic nervous system dysfunction? I have had difficulty concentrating for a long time, often zoning out, easily falling into depression, and becoming anxious. When I get anxious, my mind goes blank, and I don't know what to do, which often leads to mak...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, issues with attention, as well as anxiety and depression, are possible. If you are aware of your attention problems, it is advisable to think things through multiple times when making decisions, or to discuss them with those around you. Remind yo...[Read More] Is It Autonomic Nervous System Disorder? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Social Anxiety: Overcoming Fear in New Social Situations
Social Anxiety Disorder When I enter a new class, if I have a friend from the beginning, I can interact with the whole class and make some friends. However, if I don't have anyone, I tend to be very quiet, and when others talk to me, my mind goes blank, and I can only respon...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, you can try to identify your strengths, or ask family or close friends to share their thoughts with you, which can help you have a more balanced view of yourself and not feel overly insecure. Additionally, try to convince yourself that there are all kinds of people in this...[Read More] Understanding Social Anxiety: Overcoming Fear in New Social Situations
Seeking Help for My Mother's Unusual Behavior: A Psychiatric Concern
Hello Doctor, I hope you can respond. This is my mother, thank you? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my mother. She graduated with a master's degree from a prestigious university and is 45 years old. She does not smoke or drink, but she often engages in strange behav...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms described in your letter regarding your mother, it is quite evident that she is experiencing delusions. The best course of action in this situation is to take her to see a doctor and consider medication. Attempting to rationally discuss and change her...[Read More] Seeking Help for My Mother's Unusual Behavior: A Psychiatric Concern
How to Ignore Hurtful Words from a Mentally Ill Family Member
How to treat someone else's words as if they were air? Hello Doctor: I have a family member with a long-term mental illness who speaks very harshly and cruelly. They often share negative things about our home with others, and what bothers me the most is that they constantly ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, regarding the situation mentioned in your letter, I don't have a better suggestion, but here are some thoughts for your consideration. When someone criticizes us or complains incessantly, we often feel upset, partly because we feel the need to respond to their behavio...[Read More] How to Ignore Hurtful Words from a Mentally Ill Family Member
How to Convince Family Members to Seek Mental Health Care
How to persuade family members to seek medical attention? My father (55 years old) has completed cancer treatment and is recovering well, but he seems to be filled with paranoid thoughts. For example, when I want to take him to the movies, he worries about a fire in the theater. ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, in this situation, seeing a doctor and taking medication is likely the better choice. With the physician's care and encouragement, some cases can improve quite quickly. I often hear family members say that if they had known earlier, they would have brought the patient...[Read More] How to Convince Family Members to Seek Mental Health Care
Overcoming Social Anxiety: Understanding Your Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing
Interpersonal relationships Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I have a persistent issue that troubles me. I often feel anxious and fearful about saying the wrong thing and making others unhappy or dislike me. After conversations, I constantly replay the interactio...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, first of all, paying attention to your behavior in front of others shows that you are certainly a considerate and polite person, which has become an increasingly rare quality in modern society. I believe you should encourage yourself and appreciate this trait. Of course, e...[Read More] Overcoming Social Anxiety: Understanding Your Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing
Should You Seek Psychiatric Help for Emotional Instability?
Should I seek medical attention in this situation? Hello Dr. Wang, About three years ago, during my high school years, I experienced significant self-harm and compulsively ate paper due to intense exam pressure, along with prolonged feelings of low mood and insomnia. At that ti...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
Based on the situation you described in your letter, your feelings of depression may require psychological counseling. Given your family circumstances, you might consider contacting the mental health department of your local health bureau, as they can assist in arranging counseli...[Read More] Should You Seek Psychiatric Help for Emotional Instability?
Understanding Shopping Addiction in Post-Stroke Patients: A Case Study
Regarding the shopping symptoms of mothers? Hello, doctor. My mother is fifty-six years old and had brain surgery three years ago due to a stroke. Since the stroke, she has experienced a decline in memory and logical abilities. Currently, she is taking sleep aids and antidepressa...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, In your letter, you mentioned that after the stroke and subsequent surgery, there has been a decline in memory and logical abilities, along with a recent pattern of daily shopping. This suggests that these issues were not present before the stroke and are likely related ...[Read More] Understanding Shopping Addiction in Post-Stroke Patients: A Case Study
Supporting a Friend with Bipolar Disorder: How to Help Effectively
A friend has bipolar disorder? My friend has bipolar disorder and frequently posts a lot of self-talk and strange messages on Facebook. His family previously took him to see a doctor and he underwent medication treatment, which helped for a while, but recently he has relapsed. Ho...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, your concern for your sick friend is truly touching and admirable! In society, there are not many who stand by their friends in difficult times, especially when it comes to patients that others tend to avoid. If it is confirmed that he is experiencing a manic episode of bi...[Read More] Supporting a Friend with Bipolar Disorder: How to Help Effectively
Does Bipolar Disorder Medication Affect Intelligence and Memory?
Why does bipolar disorder lead to cognitive decline? Can it improve? This year marks my second episode of bipolar disorder. I was hospitalized, and at that time, my IQ, logic, and memory were all quite good. I continued taking medication (Depakote and Olanzapine), but gradually I...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. During manic episodes, patients with bipolar disorder may experience increased energy and enhanced memory. If medication is discontinued and a depressive episode occurs, symptoms such as cognitive dullness, difficulty concentrating,...[Read More] Does Bipolar Disorder Medication Affect Intelligence and Memory?
Do I Have Social Anxiety? Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help
Could you please tell me if these symptoms indicate social anxiety disorder? Hello: These issues have been troubling me for a long time! I suspect that I have social anxiety disorder. Since middle school, I have rarely talked to classmates at school, sometimes going an entire day...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does sound somewhat similar. However, the internet is not suitable for diagnosing medical conditions; it would be more accurate for you to see a doctor. In fact, many people experience what you described, just to varying degrees, and it often ...[Read More] Do I Have Social Anxiety? Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help
Understanding Constant Worries: Navigating Changing Mental Health Concerns
Constant worry I have many worries. The themes of my worries over the past six months are different from those I had six months ago, and I don't know what to do. Although I have a job, I still feel divided in my focus. I'm wondering if the themes of my worries will cont...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, no one is free from worries; if someone were, those around them would certainly have their own worries! The themes of our concerns may change, and it's not surprising. Our feelings and the people or situations we encounter yesterday and today are different, so what we...[Read More] Understanding Constant Worries: Navigating Changing Mental Health Concerns
Overcoming the Fear of Illness: Understanding Anxiety and Health Concerns
Excessive fear of illness? Hello, Dr. Ding. Yesterday, while walking on the street, I saw something that looked a bit like a sanitary pad with some reddish substance that resembled blood. I’m not sure if I stepped on it, but I’m very afraid that I might contract HIV, even though ...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned in your inquiry, rational thinking cannot quell obsessive thoughts; the underlying causes are likely deeper issues. Factors such as physical constitution, personality traits, and life events all play a role. In facing such situations, if the symptoms are p...[Read More] Overcoming the Fear of Illness: Understanding Anxiety and Health Concerns
Coping with Heartbreak: Navigating Emotional Pain After a Breakup
Emotional issues? Hello, doctor. I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend for several years, and I feel that we have significant differences in our thoughts and plans for the future. As a result, I decided to break up, and he agreed. However, I realize that I can't le...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, I apologize, but your question is not directly related to psychiatry. Perhaps some experts specializing in interpersonal relationships can provide more relevant advice for your needs. Although I don't have much personal experience in this area and lack significant lif...[Read More] Coping with Heartbreak: Navigating Emotional Pain After a Breakup
The Real Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Physical Health
The tangible effects of anxiety and depression on the body? Hello Dr. Huang, I have recently been experiencing some symptoms of anxiety and depression due to various factors. This morning, I became overly anxious and depressed about certain issues, which led to a sudden feeling ...
Dr. Huang Weiqin Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello. From the perspective of psychosomatic medicine, the physiological (physical) and psychological aspects can influence each other. Therefore, emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, or ruminating thoughts can indeed have adverse effects on bodily organ...[Read More] The Real Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Physical Health