Overcoming Anxiety After a Scam: When to Seek Help
Fear of fraud? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you with some questions regarding anxiety. Due to a previous incident where an elderly family member fell victim to a phone scam, I tried to intervene at the time, but they did not listen. After the scam, I became increasing...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, when stressful events occur in life, it is inevitable that our mood and thoughts may be affected for a period of time, and some individuals may take longer to recover. It is advisable to redirect your attention to other people or things that are important to you, or when w...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety After a Scam: When to Seek Help
Why Do I Cry and Feel Numb When Scolded? Understanding Emotional Responses
Crying when scolded and experiencing numbness in the hands? I am a nearly 20-year-old girl who has always cried when scolded by elders since childhood. While crying was not a big deal when I was younger, my tendency to cry has not diminished over time. Now that I am approaching a...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello Ms. Li, currently there is no diagnosis of "crying disorder" in psychiatry. The numbness in your hands when you cry excessively may be a symptom caused by hyperventilation due to emotional excitement. Learning emotional regulation and frustration tolerance may be ...[Read More] Why Do I Cry and Feel Numb When Scolded? Understanding Emotional Responses
Understanding Unexplained Mental Health Issues: Seeking Help
I don't know what disease it is? I don't know what to do; I'm feeling agitated and unable to maintain a positive mood. Unpleasant images keep flashing before my eyes, such as thoughts of harming or killing others, or thoughts of my own death. The surrounding enviro...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the line between reality and unreality is becoming increasingly blurred, and emotional impulse control is deteriorating. This raises the possibility of a mental illness. In my experience, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. I have encountered cases where r...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Mental Health Issues: Seeking Help
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Myths and Realities
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) / Dissociation Hello, I would like to ask if dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder) is classified as a mental illness. If it is currently classified as such, will it one day be removed from the DSM lik...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is classified as a mental illness. Is there a possibility that one day it could be removed from the DSM like homosexuality? The likelihood is low. Typically, individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder have poor occupational and soc...[Read More] Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder: Myths and Realities
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:
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
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:
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
Do I Have Social Anxiety Disorder? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Does this qualify as a mental illness? Hello, doctor. I have two personal issues I would like to seek help with. Thank you! The first issue is that I have been very shy since childhood. In kindergarten, I was unable to speak to my teachers or classmates, not even a single word,...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello Joyce, your anxiety and unpleasant experiences at home may be interconnected. Growing up under the negative influence of your father and sister has likely contributed to your lack of confidence and sense of security. It sounds like your family story is quite lengthy and the...[Read More] Do I Have Social Anxiety Disorder? Understanding My Mental Health Struggles
Managing Symptoms: The Role of Counseling in Psychiatric Treatment
Symptom relief and improvement? Doctor, when medication is stabilized, should the remaining efforts rely solely on counseling?
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
When medication is stabilized, the remaining efforts vary from person to person. For patients with relatively good functioning, maintaining a consistent daily routine can be beneficial. However, for some patients, mental illnesses may lead to a decline in social functioning. Ther...[Read More] Managing Symptoms: The Role of Counseling in Psychiatric Treatment
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:
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
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
Can Personality Traits Change After Cancer Recovery?
Does the performance change completely? My father, who is 55 years old, has always had a suspicious and controlling personality. As the head of a company, he frequently calls to check on each employee's status every five minutes and has installed security cameras at every en...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, personality is not easy to change, and it becomes increasingly difficult with age. If a person's personality is characterized by stubborn perfectionism and self-centeredness, it is even less likely that they will find an opportunity for change. This is because they mu...[Read More] Can Personality Traits Change After Cancer Recovery?
Understanding Mental Health Issues: Signs and Symptoms in Young Adults
Psychological disorders? My sister has started to feel like crying, is paranoid, and has become very angry. She also begins to wonder what it feels like to jump off a building or to commit suicide. Her hair is falling out more and more, and she gradually talks less. She often ski...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: As mentioned in the letter, there are indeed differences compared to the general population, but online descriptions cannot lead to a diagnosis. It is recommended to consult a psychiatrist. Thank you for your correspondence.[Read More] Understanding Mental Health Issues: Signs and Symptoms in Young Adults
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
Is My Mother Mentally Ill? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Is my mother mentally ill, and what are the ways to address it? Hello, my mother is 45 years old, divorced, and has two children. She has previously experienced domestic violence leading to her divorce, and her second relationship ended after four years due to forced separation. ...
Dr. Wang Chongren Reply:
In your letter regarding your mother's mental condition, you described many of her behaviors that are inconsistent with reality, which initially raises concerns about a possible mental illness. Her insight into her condition appears to be poor, so it may be advisable to enco...[Read More] Is My Mother Mentally Ill? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Identifying Functional Decline in Patients with Mental Illness
Is there any functional decline? How can one determine if there is a decline in function? For patients with a diagnosis of mental illness, does the inability to earn a living and support themselves in society indicate a decline in function? Could the physician please clarify this...
Dr. Zhang Zhehong Reply:
Hello, functional assessment has many aspects, including psychological intelligence and functional evaluation. It is important to arrange one's daily activities, work, social interactions, leisure, and exercise. Earning a living is a positive indicator, but it should not be ...[Read More] Identifying Functional Decline in Patients with Mental Illness
Does Generalized Anxiety Disorder Increase Cancer Risk?
Anxiety disorder issues? I would like to ask the doctor: Recently, I saw reports stating that according to statistics, patients with generalized anxiety disorder have more than double the risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. Is this true? As a patient, I ...
Dr. Huang Weiqin Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, regarding the relationship between anxiety disorder patients taking medication and the risk of developing cancer, the results are still inconclusive. Please do not worry excessively. It is recommended that you engage in regular exercise and health management...[Read More] Does Generalized Anxiety Disorder Increase Cancer Risk?
Struggling with Inner Darkness: Understanding Mental Health Challenges
I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's very important that Hello, doctor. Everyone says I am the life of the party, kind to others, and have a good temperament. Although I appear cheerful in front of people, I actually prefer to keep my distanc...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, you asked whether you have an illness. Another common question is, what exactly does it mean to be "normal" and free of disease? Is there such a person in the world? Each of us has certain aspects that are significantly different compared to most people. This can...[Read More] Struggling with Inner Darkness: Understanding Mental Health Challenges
Feeling Increasingly Isolated: Navigating Mental Health Challenges
Feeling increasingly lonely? The workplace environment is quite cold among colleagues, and a former classmate once mentioned that if one still feels interpersonal issues after changing to a new work environment, it might be worth considering whether the problem lies within onesel...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, the situation you are facing is something many people with depression have experienced. Negative thinking, uncontrollable intrusive thoughts, lack of self-confidence, social withdrawal, and so on. These symptoms can be very distressing and feel endless. However, I want to ...[Read More] Feeling Increasingly Isolated: Navigating Mental Health Challenges
Is Dual Personality a Sign of Mental Illness? Understanding the Need for Treatment
Is having a dual personality considered a mental illness? Family and friends, as well as her boyfriend, all behave in a gentle and calm manner, but she is very indifferent and aggressive towards her family and has difficulty communicating. She gets angry and yells after just a fe...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, whether medication is necessary for treatment depends on confirming the presence of a mental disorder. After considering the underlying causes of the condition, medication can be a necessary and effective treatment option. To determine if there is a disorder, symptoms must...[Read More] Is Dual Personality a Sign of Mental Illness? Understanding the Need for Treatment
Understanding Skull Development and Its Connection to Mental Health Issues
Cranial development issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask until what age do male bones generally develop? Does the skull continue to grow after the age of 18? Two years ago, I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and often overthink things, which causes me headac...
Dr. Li Zhengfeng Reply:
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. Mental illnesses are generally not related to the appearance of the skull, unless the mental illness is caused by head trauma, in which case the patient may have fractures in the skull. After the age of 18, the skull should have ful...[Read More] Understanding Skull Development and Its Connection to Mental Health Issues