[18F] Experiencing vision disturbances, mood swings, and numbness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing the following:

• Migraine: Migraines can cause visual disturbances, such as seeing squiggles or bright lights, and can sometimes be associated with mood changes. However, they are usually accompanied by severe headaches.

  • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve the symptoms and prevent future migraines.

• Mood Disorder: Rapid mood swings and feelings of numbness or detachment could be signs of a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Suicidal thoughts are a serious symptom that should be addressed immediately.

  • Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

• Dissociative Disorder: Feeling detached from reality and experiencing a sense of unreality can be symptoms of a dissociative disorder. These disorders are often associated with trauma or stress.

  • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, and sometimes medication.

Please note that these are only potential diagnoses. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Seek immediate help if you're having suicidal thoughts. You can reach out to a mental health professional or trusted person in your life. In the U.S., you can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

2. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. They can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

3. Try to identify any triggers for your mood swings and avoid them if possible.

4. Practice self-care activities, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your vision changes become worse or are accompanied by other symptoms such as severe headache, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of your body.
• Your mood swings become more severe or frequent, or if they're accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in appetite or sleep, or feelings of worthlessness.
• You continue to experience feelings of detachment from reality, or if these feelings are causing distress or impairment in your daily life.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.