[21F] Experiencing distress related to self-image, affecting sleep and motivation

Question

What do I do

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female is experiencing significant distress related to her self-image, particularly concerning her physical appearance, which has been affecting her sleep and overall motivation. She reports feeling down, avoiding social situations like going to the store, and experiencing anger towards everything. Initially motivated to gain weight, her eating habits have recently declined due to a loss of hope in improving her situation. She denies any thoughts of self-harm or that life is not worth living. The patient has no known pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, or current medication use. This situation underscores the importance of considering mental health's impact on overall well-being and the potential need for supportive care or counseling to address these concerns.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, it sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is a mental health disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can't be seen by others. But you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations.

  • Treatment typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in most cases. CBT helps you understand your thoughts and behaviors, and how to change them. Antidepressant medications, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be beneficial.

You also mentioned feeling down and having a lack of motivation, which could be signs of depression. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

  • Treatment for depression often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressants can be effective in treating depression, but they can come with side effects. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help you manage your symptoms and cope with issues in your life.

What you can do

  1. Seek professional help: It's important to reach out to a healthcare provider. They can provide a formal diagnosis and discuss treatment options with you.

  2. Practice self-care: Try to get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of sleep. These can all help improve your mood and energy levels.

  3. Stay connected: Reach out to trusted friends or family members. They can provide support and help you feel less isolated.

  4. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: These can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Techniques can include meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.

What you should look out for

  • If your feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of motivation continue or worsen, it's important to reach out to a healthcare provider.

  • If you start to have thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek help immediately. You can call a crisis hotline or go to the nearest emergency room.

Remember, it's important to reach out to a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment. This advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and how is it treated?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person is excessively concerned about perceived flaws in their appearance, which are often unnoticeable to others. Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change negative thought patterns and behaviors, and sometimes medication like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to manage symptoms.

How can depression affect daily life and what are common treatments?

Depression can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a lack of motivation, affecting one's ability to function in daily life. Common treatments include a combination of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, which can help manage symptoms and address underlying issues.

What are some self-care strategies that can help improve mental health?

Self-care strategies that can improve mental health include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.

When should someone seek professional help for mental health issues?

Professional help should be sought if feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of motivation persist or worsen. Immediate help is necessary if there are thoughts of self-harm or harming others. A healthcare provider can offer a formal diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.

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1 Comments

Janice#4034

8 mo ago

One of my best friends is a psychiatric social worker and she told me that SSRIs and cognitive behavioral therapy are the mainstays for the symptoms you've described. The purpose of therapy is to help you identify unhelpful and distorted thoughts and to take better control over your emotions.

Here is an educational video that she recommended: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io4XVJzTLpQ

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