Mental Disorders Online Doctors Consultation — page 8

It's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed after experiencing a traumatic event, and recognizing that you're struggling is an important first step. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a traumatic incident, and your described symptoms—persistent anxiety, nightmares, panic, avoidance behaviors, emotional shifts, and trouble concentrating—are all common in individuals who may be experiencing PTSD. To clarify, PTSD is typically diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Key symptoms include: 1. Re-experiencing the traumatic event through intrusive thoughts or nightmares. 2. Avoidance of reminders of the trauma. 3. Negative changes in mood or cognition, such as persistent negative feelings or mood swings. 4. Heightened arousal, which may include difficulty sleeping, irritability, or being easily startled. Considering your symptoms, it would be prudent to obtain a professional evaluation for a proper diagnosis. Reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help clarify whether what you're experiencing aligns with PTSD or another condition related to trauma. In terms of treatment, effective options for PTSD include: 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This focuses on understanding and changing negative thinking patterns. 2. Exposure Therapy: This involves gradual exposure to the trauma reminders in a controlled way to help lessen the fear response. 3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy helps process and integrate traumatic memories. 4. Group Therapy: Connecting with others who have had similar experiences can provide support and reduce feelings of isolation. It's essential to note that while some individuals experience symptom relief over time and may adopt self-help strategies, many find that professional support greatly enhances recovery. Self-management strategies include practicing relaxation techniques, maintaining a daily routine, and engaging in physical activity, but these are typically used in conjunction with professional treatment. Seek out a therapist who has experience treating PTSD, and don’t hesitate to reach out soon, especially given the distress you're experiencing. Aiming for support sooner rather than later can provide you with effective coping strategies and facilitate your recovery journey. If you ever feel overwhelmed or that your symptoms escalate, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare provider.

Mood swings, as you’ve described, can be caused by various factors, and it’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause. It sounds like your mood changes might be linked to hormonal fluctuations, especially since you notice them worsening before your period. This could be a sign of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but in some cases, it could also be a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a more severe form of PMS. Your energy levels being affected by your mood is also common. When you're feeling low, it's normal to feel more tired, even if you're getting adequate sleep. This could also be related to stress, as your body’s response to emotional stress can impact both mood and energy. I recommend keeping track of your symptoms, as you've been doing. It might also help to get your hormone levels checked, especially if you suspect a hormonal imbalance. Stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or talking to a therapist could also help. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are great, but sometimes extra support is needed.

Gaslighting is a complex form of psychological manipulation where one person attempts to make another doubt their perceptions, memories, or understanding of reality. This can happen both intentionally, where the gaslighter is fully aware of their manipulation, and unintentionally, where the individual may not realize that their behavior is harmful. Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, not just romantic ones. It can happen with family members, friends, colleagues, or even within professional environments. The dynamic often arises in situations where there is a power imbalance, making it crucial to be aware of the signs regardless of the context. The impact of gaslighting on mental health can be serious. Individuals who experience gaslighting often report feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, confusion, and a sense of losing their grip on reality. Chronic exposure can lead to more severe emotional issues, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depending on the extent and duration of the gaslighting experience. The feeling of "going crazy" stems from the constant barrage of conflicting messages, which can undermine one’s confidence in their thoughts and feelings. In terms of response, confronting the person who is gaslighting can be effective but also risky, as it may escalate the situation. It often depends on the relationship dynamics and whether the individual feels safe. More generally, distancing oneself from the gaslighter may be a healthier option if the behavior is persistent and harmful. Setting boundaries can also be an important step. Therapy can be extremely beneficial for individuals recovering from gaslighting. A qualified mental health professional can help someone process their experiences, rebuild self-esteem, and re-establish their understanding of reality. Recovery time can vary significantly depending on the individual and the situation, but with appropriate support and treatment, it’s possible to heal and regain a sense of agency. If you or someone you know is experiencing gaslighting, seeking professional help is a strong step towards recovery. A therapist can provide tailored strategies to cope with and address the situation effectively.

Kamal, you're 28 and dealing with PCOS along with mental health issues like anxiety, panic attacks, stress, overthinking, and mental strain. These symptoms are quite common in PCOS due to hormonal changes and emotional impact. Anti-anxiety treatment can help, but before starting any medication, a detailed psychiatric evaluation is important to understand the severity and choose the right approach. Treatment is tailored to your needs and may include safe medication along with therapy to manage stress and thought patterns. I suggest booking an audio or video consultation so we can plan a suitable treatment for your mental well-being. Dr Aman Shaba Consultant Psychiatrist 7992489808

From what you’ve described, your high-energy phases, impulsive behavior, and extreme shifts in energy could be indicative of manic episodes, which are a key feature of bipolar disorder. Mania often includes symptoms like feeling overly confident, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive decisions, followed by a crash into low energy and regret. The fact that you experience both these high and low phases makes it more likely that this might be something worth looking into further. I recommend keeping track of your mood changes and any other symptoms you’re experiencing, as this can help your doctor better understand your patterns. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if this is indeed a manic disorder, or if something else might be at play. In the meantime, it might help to maintain a stable routine, avoid making impulsive decisions when you feel “up,” and seek support from loved ones. Treatment for manic episodes typically includes medication and therapy, and many people find effective management strategies once they get the right care.

I'm sorry to hear about your recent experience; it sounds extremely distressing. Anxiety attacks or panic attacks can indeed occur unexpectedly, even when you don't feel particularly stressed. This is a common experience, as anxiety can sometimes manifest without clear triggers. Your symptoms align with those typically associated with panic attacks, including heart palpitations, chest tightness, and a sense of impending doom. Given your situation, it's crucial to understand that the feelings you're experiencing are valid and not uncommon for many individuals dealing with anxiety. The ongoing worry about having another attack is also a common reaction, but addressing it with appropriate strategies is important. 1. Immediate Steps for Managing Anxiety Attacks: When you feel an anxiety attack coming on, try the following techniques: - Deep Breathing: Shift your focus to your breath. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this process until you feel calmer. - Grounding Techniques: Use your senses to ground yourself. Focus on what you can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste in your immediate environment. This can help divert your mind from panic. - Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. This can alleviate physical tension associated with anxiety. 2. Lifestyle Modifications: Given your coffee consumption and sleep disruptions, making some changes could be beneficial: - Caffeine Intake: Consider reducing your caffeine intake gradually. Excessive caffeine can increase anxiety and trigger panic attacks. Aim for no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to about one to two cups of coffee. - Sleep Hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night. Consider creating a calming bedtime routine and reducing screen time before bed. - Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity regularly, as exercise can significantly reduce anxiety levels and improve sleep. 3. Long-term Management and Professional Support: It might be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional, especially if your symptoms are persistent or worsening. A healthcare provider can offer a thorough assessment and discuss whether you may benefit from therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), which has proven effective for managing anxiety. They can also guide you on how to approach any potential need for medication, should the situation require it. 4. Monitor and Document: Keeping a journal of your anxiety episodes, triggers (like caffeine intake or lack of sleep), and coping strategies can provide valuable insights into patterns and help you manage them more effectively. It's important to prioritize your mental health. If you find that these feelings don't improve with self-care measures or if they escalate, please do seek professional help. You're not alone in this, and support is available to help you regain control over your anxiety.

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling concerned about your health. It’s understandable that you're worried, especially since your Nani had ascites, and you may fear something similar could happen to you. However, it's important to note that having hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) doesn't necessarily mean you will develop ascites, especially if there are no other signs of liver dysfunction, like fluid buildup in the abdomen or swelling. The fact that the ultrasound only showed hepatomegaly and gas-filled bowel loops suggests that there may be some digestive or gastrointestinal issues, but no signs of ascites at this time. It's good that you're getting these concerns checked, and a detailed follow-up with your doctor can help address any lingering fears. If you are experiencing anxiety about your health, it might also help to talk to a healthcare professional who can provide you with more information and reassurance. In the meantime, focusing on managing your current condition with medical guidance and perhaps exploring ways to calm your mind could be helpful.