[23F] With anger, sadness, and possible trauma-related symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms and history you've shared, here are some possible explanations for what you might be experiencing:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

   • Rationale: Your history of witnessing abuse and experiencing flashbacks and nightmares suggests that you might be dealing with PTSD. PTSD can cause intense emotional reactions, including anger and sadness, and can lead to difficulties in controlling these emotions.
   • Typical Treatments: Treatment often includes therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-focused therapy, and sometimes medication to help manage symptoms.

2. Mood Disorders (e.g., Bipolar Disorder, Depression):

   • Rationale: Given your father's history of bipolar disorder and your own experiences of intense mood swings, it's possible that you might have a mood disorder. Bipolar disorder can cause episodes of extreme anger and sadness, while depression can lead to persistent feelings of sadness and irritability.
   • Typical Treatments: Treatment may involve a combination of medication (such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants) and therapy.

3. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):

   • Rationale: The intense and rapidly changing emotions, difficulty in controlling anger, and sensitivity to perceived slights or disagreements could be indicative of BPD.
   • Typical Treatments: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is often used to help individuals with BPD manage their emotions and improve their relationships.

What you can do

Addressing Anger and Sadness:

• Seek Professional Help: It's crucial to consult with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can provide a formal diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• Therapy: Consider engaging in therapy, such as CBT, DBT, or trauma-focused therapy, to help you process past trauma and develop strategies to manage your emotions.
• Healthy Outlets: Find healthy ways to express your emotions, such as through physical activity, art, or writing. These activities can help you release pent-up feelings in a constructive manner.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help you manage stress and anger in the moment.

Managing Flashbacks and Nightmares:

• Grounding Techniques: Use grounding techniques to help bring yourself back to the present moment when experiencing flashbacks. This can include focusing on your surroundings, using your senses, or engaging in a simple physical activity.
• Sleep Hygiene: Improve your sleep hygiene by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine before bed.

Improving Concentration and Focus:

• Structured Routine: Establish a structured daily routine to help improve focus and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them less daunting and easier to complete.

Utilize MDandMe:

• Journal Your Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and gain insights into your emotional patterns.
• Share with Your Provider: Share your longitudinal medical notes with your healthcare provider to help them understand your condition better and tailor your treatment plan.

What you should look out for

Given the intensity of your emotions and the potential for life-threatening thoughts, it's important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

• Thoughts of Self-Harm or Harm to Others: If you ever feel like you might harm yourself or others, seek immediate help from a crisis hotline or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Severe Mood Swings: If your mood swings become more severe or frequent, consult with a healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan.
• Increased Flashbacks or Nightmares: If you experience an increase in flashbacks or nightmares, discuss this with your therapist or healthcare provider.

Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you. Seeking professional help is a crucial step in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.