Understanding Sudden Suicidal Thoughts: A Guide for Mental Health Support
Life can suddenly bring about inexplicable suicidal thoughts? Hello Doctor: Six months ago, I left home due to domestic violence and have been experiencing insomnia. I was previously afraid of being found by my family, living in constant fear. I am currently seeing a doctor, and ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiaoguang: Facing such a difficult situation alone is truly challenging, and you are very brave! I wonder if the doctor you are seeing is a psychiatrist? If not, I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist; if it is a psychiatrist, you can ask them to refer you for psychot...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Suicidal Thoughts: A Guide for Mental Health Support
Understanding OCD, Anxiety, and Depression: A Teen's Struggle
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Anxiety? Depression? Hello, doctor. Although this issue has only been troubling me for about six months, I sincerely feel distressed and hope you can offer some guidance. I used to consider myself quite brave—someone who, despite being introve...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! After hearing about all the uncomfortable experiences you've been through, I truly empathize with you. It must be really tough to endure so much discomfort while also preparing for this year's major exams. I believe the doctor diagnosed you with obsessive-comp...[Read More] Understanding OCD, Anxiety, and Depression: A Teen's Struggle
Managing Palpitations After Steroid Use: Insights and Recommendations
Palpitations after taking steroids? Hello, Doctor. I am very fortunate to have read your article while suffering from a persistent cough. Since January 3rd, I have been experiencing a cough due to pharyngitis for almost two months. During this time, I have visited five clinics, s...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, user: Prescribing Eispan (Fludiazepam) 0.25 mg is considered a low dose and is very appropriate for autonomic nervous system disorders. Your condition, due to a prolonged cough, requires short-term use of corticosteroids to adjust your immune status. Gastrointestinal disco...[Read More] Managing Palpitations After Steroid Use: Insights and Recommendations
Understanding the Impact of Prednisolone on Mental Health Disorders
Steroids and Mental Illness Hello, Doctor. Recently, I sought treatment from an otolaryngologist due to a persistent cough following a cold that did not improve despite using various cough suppressants and expectorants (with normal X-ray and auscultation results). The doctor pres...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online user: Taking such a low dose of steroids for a short period will not have any significant impact on your mood, so you can take them with peace of mind. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Wu En-Liang[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Prednisolone on Mental Health Disorders
Alternative Medications for Anxiety Without Osteoporosis Risks
Medication issues Dear Doctor, I have been taking Clonazepam 12.5mg for about 10 years due to anxiety and panic issues, along with my constitution. I also have osteoporosis that requires treatment. I found on Google that SSRIs can have side effects related to osteoporosis. I woul...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Research abroad indicates that SSRIs, a class of antidepressants that regulate serotonin, may reduce bone density in individuals aged 65 and older. In high-risk groups (those with osteoporosis or a history of fractures), caution is advised when using these medications, alt...[Read More] Alternative Medications for Anxiety Without Osteoporosis Risks
How to Help a Loved One with Mental Health Issues Seek Treatment
Mental disorders My younger brother, who is 46 years old, is naturally shy and has never been married. Two years ago, he developed feelings for a female colleague at work, but she did not reciprocate and humiliated him in front of other male colleagues. Since then, he has often f...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to first consult with the local health center, where you can apply for a home assessment by a physician (some counties have designated hospitals and subsidies), or a public health nurse can visit the home for care. If the individual exhibits violent behav...[Read More] How to Help a Loved One with Mental Health Issues Seek Treatment
Managing Anxiety After Medication: Understanding Your Feelings and Next Steps
Nervous anxiety I have been off medication for three months and haven't returned for a follow-up appointment because I didn't know what to discuss with the doctor. Initially, I had weekly visits, then biweekly, then every three weeks, and finally monthly, totaling about...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: I would like to know what circumstances led you to start medication initially? Was it due to depression, anxiety, or panic? Are the discomforts you are experiencing recently similar to those you had before starting the medication? If so, this may indicate a relapse of your...[Read More] Managing Anxiety After Medication: Understanding Your Feelings and Next Steps
Struggling with Insomnia and Anxiety: Finding Hope in Mental Health
Insomnia with tendencies of depression? Since my twenties, I have experienced panic and anxiety, especially in crowded places with unfamiliar people, which causes dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. Sometimes, I get so nervous while shopping that I can't speak. In...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Guang: Thank you for your hard work! It seems that you are trying very hard to improve your situation, but you may feel a sense of helplessness. Given your current circumstances, the lack of someone to express your feelings to in daily life can lead to a buildup of st...[Read More] Struggling with Insomnia and Anxiety: Finding Hope in Mental Health
Understanding Symptoms of Mental Health Struggles: When to Seek Help
I'm not sure if I'm sick; what are the symptoms? I have a history of self-harm and wrist-cutting suicide attempts, but I am now in vocational school. Recently, I have been feeling very annoyed and exhausted, easily irritated, and I find everything and everyone around me...
Dr. Peng Liyun Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, I can sense your discomfort and efforts. It seems that your symptoms encompass emotional, cognitive, and physiological aspects, which have also affected your daily life. However, from your current description, I cannot immediately determine what ...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Mental Health Struggles: When to Seek Help
Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Twitches, Nightmares, and Talking in Sleep
Involuntary movements of the limbs and sleep talking during sleep? Hello, doctor. For the past three to four years, I have experienced involuntary movements of my limbs while sleeping (my partner says this usually occurs within the first 15 minutes of falling asleep). During time...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Joanne: The human brain does not fully mature until the mid-20s, and at 27 years old, you are not yet in the stage of neurodegeneration, so there is no need to worry. The symptoms of twitching in the limbs during the initial stages of sleep may be related to hypnic jerks, w...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disturbances: Twitches, Nightmares, and Talking in Sleep
Managing Anxiety About Testing for Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know
Anxiety issues? Hello Doctor, previously due to a suspected needle stick injury, the infectious disease specialist recommended retesting for Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, and HIV three months after the suspected exposure. I researched the window periods for these diseases, and it gene...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, 1. You can get tested after three months. 2. If the test is negative after the window period, there is no need for further testing. 3. It's understandable to have these concerns, especially since diseases like HIV seem to be untreatable. However, this is an outdat...[Read More] Managing Anxiety About Testing for Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know
Long-Term Use of Clonazepam: Effects on Blood Sugar and Prolactin Levels
Drug side effects Due to widespread anxiety disorder and panic disorder following breast cancer treatment, I have been on medication for 6 years (taking Alprazolam 0.5 mg at bedtime and Zopiclone 7.5 mg). Everything has been stable, but in the past six months, menopausal symptoms...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Wayne: Clonazepam will not affect blood sugar or prolactin levels! However, if you have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, a more fundamental treatment approach would be to take antidepressants, which are less likely to lead to dependency i...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Clonazepam: Effects on Blood Sugar and Prolactin Levels
Managing Excessive Sleepiness in Schizophrenia: Seeking Solutions
Schizophrenia, excessive sleepiness for 12 hours, feeling tired during the day, and experiencing significant fatigue? Hello, Doctor (I apologize for the lengthy message): I have schizophrenia and experience excessive daytime sleepiness for about 12 hours daily, feeling very fatig...
Dr. Huang Xiaoxian Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhou, first of all, I want to commend you on your awareness of your condition. Understanding your illness and consistently taking your medication greatly contributes to your stability. Regarding Abilify, it does have a higher incidence of drowsiness as a side effect, wh...[Read More] Managing Excessive Sleepiness in Schizophrenia: Seeking Solutions
Can You Take Fish Oil and Lecithin While on Anxiety Medication?
Medication issues Hello, doctor. I have been taking L-theanine to help alleviate anxiety and panic for almost a year now. I would like to ask if it is safe to take fish oil and lecithin, as I have been consuming these supplements for a long time and haven't noticed any adver...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ken: It seems that you value your health and are taking these supplements. Fish oil and lecithin do not affect the efficacy of antidepressants, so you can take them with peace of mind. However, it is important to note that there is more evidence supporting the effectiveness...[Read More] Can You Take Fish Oil and Lecithin While on Anxiety Medication?
Managing Anxiety and Heart Palpitations: Insights on Medication and Military Service
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Thank you, Director Liao, for your detailed explanation. I have seen a cardiologist who also mentioned that my symptoms are caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, the prescribed medication is a beta-blocker, which o...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, netizen: I am glad to hear that you have shown improvement after treatment. Issues related to the heart and autonomic nervous system should ideally be integrated into follow-up care with the same physician in the future. The medications you are taking, including their dosa...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Heart Palpitations: Insights on Medication and Military Service
Understanding Panic Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Anxiety Panic Disorder Hello, doctor. I am a third-year junior high school student, and I am feeling quite stressed as I prepare for the upcoming entrance exams. In the past, I occasionally experienced sudden feelings of unease, often accompanied by a sense of foreboding that mad...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Wang: Preparing for exams can be tough! Your situation is very similar to panic attacks, which may be related to the stress of exam preparation. However, there are other factors that can cause symptoms similar to panic attacks that need to be carefully differentiated, such ...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Finding Trauma Counseling Specialists in Taichung for Better Mental Health
Trauma Syndrome Psychological Counseling Due to a certain event, I am experiencing panic. Are there any trauma therapists in Taichung? I am afraid that seeking counseling might worsen my condition. My quality of life is currently poor, and I urgently need information and support ...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: Typically, psychiatrists work in conjunction with clinical psychologists to provide psychological treatment for patients in need. I often refer or suggest that patients seek psychological therapy. You can directly ask your psychiatrist if you have a need for...[Read More] Finding Trauma Counseling Specialists in Taichung for Better Mental Health
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Anxiety, Cramps, and Panic Attacks
At night, there is a pressure to curl up my whole body and scream? Hello Dr. Lin: I have been struggling with insomnia for over 30 years. I am aware that it is due to generalized anxiety, primarily stemming from my father, who was placed in a nursing home two years ago. He is now...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ah-Hsien: The symptoms you experience while sleeping are somewhat similar to those of sleep terror disorder. Symptoms include sudden awakening, screaming, increased heart rate and breathing, and cold sweats. The causes can include stress, excessive fatigue, lack of sleep, a...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Anxiety, Cramps, and Panic Attacks
Understanding Panic Attacks: Symptoms and Concerns for Patients
Panic attack Hello doctor, last November and at the beginning of this year, I suddenly felt very scared, experienced numbness all over my body, and felt nauseous and like I wanted to vomit, but my consciousness was normal. This morning, after having blood drawn, the same symptoms...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Fan: Generally speaking, seizures are less likely to present in this manner, so your situation is more likely to be a panic attack. However, it's important to note that many other conditions can exhibit symptoms similar to a panic attack, and careful differentiation i...[Read More] Understanding Panic Attacks: Symptoms and Concerns for Patients
Anxiety Medication Changes: Struggling with Increased Insomnia
After medication for anxiety, insomnia has worsened? I have anxiety and panic. I have already sought treatment from a psychiatrist, who prescribed me one capsule of Yongkangxu (安寧膠囊) in the morning and evening. Before bed, I take half a capsule of Daomeisleep (導美睡) and one capsul...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Anning capsules are a short to intermediate-acting benzodiazepine (BZD) medication. After discontinuation, some individuals may indeed experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and rebound insomnia. However, if you resume taking Anning capsules, you may...[Read More] Anxiety Medication Changes: Struggling with Increased Insomnia