Understanding Anxiety from Intrusive Thoughts: A Mental Health Perspective
Anxiety generated by obsessive thinking? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the length of the following message, and I appreciate your patience in reading it. As the title suggests, I have been struggling with anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. I first experienced these symptoms i...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! Indeed, obsessive thoughts can be quite bothersome, and it's clear that you're feeling distressed and trying hard to suppress them. However, attempting to suppress such thoughts often leads to the opposite effect. The more you focus on them, the greater their ...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety from Intrusive Thoughts: A Mental Health Perspective
Understanding Alexithymia: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Affective Disorder Hello, Doctor: About a year ago, I started to realize that I am different from others, and upon reflection, I think the signs began about eight years ago. I find it difficult to understand when others cry, even during family funerals, which doesn't surpris...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: "Alexithymia" refers to the inability to express emotions verbally, rather than a lack of emotional experience, although it is often interpreted more broadly. Based on your description, it seems that this may be more related to personality traits, typically assoc...[Read More] Understanding Alexithymia: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Should I See a Doctor for My Self-Harm and Emotional Struggles?
If you suddenly feel irritable and hopeless to the point of harming yourself, it is important to seek medical attention. You should consider seeing a doctor or a mental health professional? Since I became aware of myself, I started to hit myself around the time I was in middle sc...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, it seems that your situation occurs when you are alone and feeling irritable. The function of this behavior appears to be a way to redirect your inner agitation; however, it is not a healthy method. Being alone is a time to be with yourself, and it is important to learn to...[Read More] Should I See a Doctor for My Self-Harm and Emotional Struggles?
How to Encourage Hypochondriac Patients to Seek Medical Help
How to encourage patients with illness anxiety to seek medical care? Hello, doctor. My brother is 28 years old and has often experienced discomfort in specific areas of his body since childhood. He frequently undergoes examinations and exhibits anxiety, constantly researching onl...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: Seeking medical attention should not be forced. You might try to persuade him by saying, "When certain elements in the brain are imbalanced, the body can become very sensitive. What may start as slight vision problems can escalate to significant difficu...[Read More] How to Encourage Hypochondriac Patients to Seek Medical Help
How to Cope with Anxiety and Emotional Distress: Seeking Help
What should I do? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing unexplained dry heaving and rapid heartbeat lately, and I find myself needing to take deep breaths to catch my breath. I also have persistent abdominal cramps and headaches. Even when I am extremely tired at night, I still ...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello yy: I understand that these symptoms and feelings have made this period very difficult for you, and you may not be clear about where they come from. Self-harm seems to be your current way of coping with emotions, and you wish to improve and seek medical help, but you are af...[Read More] How to Cope with Anxiety and Emotional Distress: Seeking Help
Managing Emotional Turmoil: Overcoming Medication Misuse in Mental Health
In moments of emotional distress, individuals may find it difficult to control themselves and may end up taking an excessive amount of medication? Hello, doctor. I am currently receiving treatment at a mental health clinic, with regular follow-ups once a month. I initially sought...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hei: You've been working hard! Are you currently living alone? If not, can your family or friends who live with you help you store your medications? If someone can help you with that, it will better ensure your safety and prevent you from overdosing. If you are l...[Read More] Managing Emotional Turmoil: Overcoming Medication Misuse in Mental Health
Understanding Anxiety and OCD: When to Seek Professional Help
Anxiety Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Hello, I am a 19-year-old college student. I have a few questions to ask you: 1. I have a habit of checking doors and windows before going to bed, but this only happens when I sleep in my own room; I don't do it when I'm els...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hi there! Your situation resembles the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which includes obsessive thoughts (recurrent thoughts or impulses that are unwanted and distressing, which you may want to ignore or suppress) and compulsive behaviors (repetitive actions perf...[Read More] Understanding Anxiety and OCD: When to Seek Professional Help
Struggling with Feelings of Dirtiness After STD Diagnosis: Seeking Help
Feeling dirty about oneself? Hello, doctor: I previously had a very chaotic relationship with a boyfriend, and we haven't been together for many years. Recently, I went for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test, and despite being a person who values cleanliness and doe...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yu: Thank you for your hard work! Although being infected with herpes can be quite distressing, I hope you understand that herpes is actually a very common condition. Many people carry the herpes virus, but it typically becomes active when a person's immune syste...[Read More] Struggling with Feelings of Dirtiness After STD Diagnosis: Seeking Help
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
Overcoming Anxiety About Physical Health: A Guide for Patients
Anxiety about one's body? Hello, doctor. Recently, I feel that my anxiety has been getting worse, and I don't know what to do. Since mid-September this year, I have seen doctors more than twenty times for issues related to breast lactation, gastrointestinal problems, an...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Your situation is similar to illness anxiety disorder, previously known as hypochondriasis (although strictly speaking, based on diagnostic criteria, your condition has not yet lasted for more than six months, so this diagnosis cannot be made). You mentioned that you start...[Read More] Overcoming Anxiety About Physical Health: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors: The Struggle with Cleanliness
The psychiatrist said this is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? 1. The issue of whether I clean myself properly after using the restroom has troubled me for several years. 2. I once consulted a psychiatrist about whether my behavior could be classified as obsessive-compulsive...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: It sounds like the issue with wiping has been a source of distress for you. This indeed goes beyond mere cleanliness and is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I wonder if you have ever taken antipsychotic medications in addition to antidepressants? For more ...[Read More] Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors: The Struggle with Cleanliness
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
Finding Peaceful Sleep: Coping with Grief and Mental Health Challenges
I can't sleep because I'm feeling restless? Foods rich in tryptophan are generally not recommended. If one does not want to rely on benzodiazepine medications, what are some alternative ways to improve sleep? My family member passed away in the oncology department on Ch...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your hard work! Your relationship with this family member must be very close. The passing of a loved one can be a heavy blow for most people, often leading to feelings of depression, sadness, and even emotions such as denial, regret, and anger. This situation...[Read More] Finding Peaceful Sleep: Coping with Grief and Mental Health Challenges
Struggling to Focus During Exams: Tips for Students with Anxiety
Inability to concentrate during exams? I am a student preparing for the university entrance exam, but I have been facing some issues that are affecting my performance, which is quite frustrating. I tend to be impatient by nature, and often feel anxious when I have only completed ...
Dr. Liao Dinglie Reply:
Hello, online friend: The university entrance exam is a significant event in everyone's life. You must have put a lot of effort into preparing for it. Have you noticed that your attention span seems to struggle to last more than an hour? Eventually, you may want to wrap thin...[Read More] Struggling to Focus During Exams: Tips for Students with Anxiety
Can Calcium and Vitamins Help Improve Sleep Quality?
Can calcium supplements and vitamins be taken together? Since taking care of a sick family member until their passing, I have been experiencing nightmares and crying every night as the primary caregiver. I am also unwell myself. During the time I was caring for my family member, ...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your hard work! It sounds like you have made a lot of efforts regarding your current insomnia situation. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support that B vitamins, calcium supplements, or tryptophan are effective in improving insomnia. Ther...[Read More] Can Calcium and Vitamins Help Improve Sleep Quality?
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
Navigating a Partner's Emotional Instability: Seeking Help or Moving On?
My girlfriend is experiencing significant emotional instability? Recently, my girlfriend often breaks down emotionally over minor issues. There was a period when she was doing better, but now it's not the case. We argue over trivial matters, and then she starts hyperventilat...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your hard work! I’m not sure if your girlfriend is a student or already working. If she is a student, I recommend that she seek help from the counseling center at her school. If she is already working, you can ask a nurse at a nearby health clinic to assist h...[Read More] Navigating a Partner's Emotional Instability: Seeking Help or Moving On?
Understanding Transference in Psychiatric Care: A Teen's Journey
Transference Hello, Doctor: I have been seeing a male physician regularly since the third year of junior high school due to bullying in school and family background issues. Now I am in the second year of high school and have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I have week...
Dr. Wu Enliang Reply:
Hello, online friend: I suggest considering a change of physician! It seems that this treatment relationship is bringing about negative emotions instead. Alternatively, you might need to incorporate psychotherapy alongside your treatment; discussing these feelings with your thera...[Read More] Understanding Transference in Psychiatric Care: A Teen's Journey
Coping with Heartbreak: Understanding Emotional and Physical Symptoms
Heartbreak..? It's been about a month since my breakup, and my ex is a classmate. I still can't get over the emotional pain. I used to have a big appetite, but now I feel full after just one rice ball, and sometimes I can't even finish it. I'm still experienci...
Dr. Wang Yaoting Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of your current situation, it seems to be more like acute stress disorder combined with depressive symptoms. If the depressive symptoms persist for more than two months and increasingly affect your daily life, it is advisable to seek help from a p...[Read More] Coping with Heartbreak: Understanding Emotional and Physical Symptoms
Understanding Weekly Insomnia: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Recently, I have been experiencing insomnia on a regular weekly basis? In the first month, I experienced insomnia every Monday night. The situation was that I would go to bed around midnight and wake up around 1 AM, then I would need to toss and turn for one to two hours before f...
Dr. Lin Mianzhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu: It sounds like you are still a student. May I ask if you have been experiencing any stress in your life recently, or if there have been any changes? There are many potential causes of insomnia, including psychological stress, changes in routine, excessive or late co...[Read More] Understanding Weekly Insomnia: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep