Is this change in my mental state something I need a doctor for?
April 30, 2017 2:59 AM Subscribe
I've been depressed in the past. Over the last two years, I've been managing my moods with CBT-style exercises at home, meditation and lifestyle changes. I've learned to catch moments of negative self-talk and reply to them, and I've had a long stretch of months where I felt calm and happy. But recently I've been experiencing this new kind of negativity - like sudden waves of self-hatred, so intense that I have to stop in the middle of the street on my way somewhere to deal with them - that I am freaked out by. Is this something I should take to a doctor or something I can reasonably manage at home by intensifying my use of CBT and other techniques? (What techniques might work on this kind of problem?)
Usually when I'm depressed, I feel low and sad and have some nasty thoughts about myself that I can catch with the aid of CBT and that become less of a big deal if I go out in the sun and walk or read or call a friend. In the last two months, however, the whole experience has changed in intensity. I get overwhelmed with a sudden surge of thoughts about how awful I am, my body and my voice and my hair and my personality, or by thoughts of some nasty experience in the past. It feels so quick and intense that I can't respond to it in the moment, and I have had to stop and sit down a couple of times just to calm down.
Is this a new form of crazy that I should take to a doctor for a new diagnosis? Or my old depression in a new form? It could well be situational -- I've had a lot of work stress lately, plus a lot of interaction with my dad who I find a very difficult person to be around, plus a general absence of peace and privacy thanks to my dad's presence in my home -- but I am worried by how new it is. Should I make a doctor's appointment?
Usually when I'm depressed, I feel low and sad and have some nasty thoughts about myself that I can catch with the aid of CBT and that become less of a big deal if I go out in the sun and walk or read or call a friend. In the last two months, however, the whole experience has changed in intensity. I get overwhelmed with a sudden surge of thoughts about how awful I am, my body and my voice and my hair and my personality, or by thoughts of some nasty experience in the past. It feels so quick and intense that I can't respond to it in the moment, and I have had to stop and sit down a couple of times just to calm down.
Is this a new form of crazy that I should take to a doctor for a new diagnosis? Or my old depression in a new form? It could well be situational -- I've had a lot of work stress lately, plus a lot of interaction with my dad who I find a very difficult person to be around, plus a general absence of peace and privacy thanks to my dad's presence in my home -- but I am worried by how new it is. Should I make a doctor's appointment?
Also just because the depression may be an existing problem that's worse, or situational doesn't mean you don't need or deserve help with it!
posted by faustian slip at 3:41 AM on April 30, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by faustian slip at 3:41 AM on April 30, 2017 [3 favorites]
I don't see how seeing a therapist could hurt. I experience this too. My only insight is that when CBT doesn't work, try and own the memory: you could have dealt with that past experience better and resolve to do so in the future. Also, make sure you are exercising, because it's literally the easiest and one of the best things you can do to improve moods. Hypnosis and self-hypnosis can be good as well. There are lots of free audio and videos online. Another good one is loving kindness meditation. Finally, I hesitate to recommend a book I haven't read, but "The Charisma Myth" may be a good book for you as it provides exercises for developing positive self narratives and self love. As far as dealing with your Dad, try re-situating your relationship with him so that you see HIM as the one with problems that spew negativity requiring patience and understanding.
posted by xammerboy at 5:57 AM on April 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by xammerboy at 5:57 AM on April 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
You don't say exactly what your CBT techniques are. Is one of them saying things out loud? I read (and now can't find the reference, I think it's from Rick Hanson) that saying things out loud, as opposed to just in your mind, is different. It takes a different neural pathway. Going to a therapist is a way to assure you say things out loud.
I know this works, I do it. I will look through my books to see if I can find the reference thoroughness sake.
posted by falsedmitri at 5:59 AM on April 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
I know this works, I do it. I will look through my books to see if I can find the reference thoroughness sake.
posted by falsedmitri at 5:59 AM on April 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
I know I sound like a broken record, but if you're female and in your thirties or forties, please get your hormones checked.
posted by tully_monster at 8:10 AM on April 30, 2017
posted by tully_monster at 8:10 AM on April 30, 2017
^^ A check-up in general - not just hormones, but thyroid/iron/vitamin deficiencies can all bring on those sudden, overwhelming mood plummets in your description.
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:02 PM on April 30, 2017
posted by Iris Gambol at 12:02 PM on April 30, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by faustian slip at 3:39 AM on April 30, 2017