light mode dark mode

18 years old, self-harmed before, attempted suicide. Is it necessary to see a psychologist?

self-harm family disagreement suicide attempts mental breakdown anxiety and irritability
readership7453 favorite85 forward16
18 years old, self-harmed before, attempted suicide. Is it necessary to see a psychologist? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

Last year, I had a long period of self-harm last year due to a disagreement with my family. Every day, I would break down and cry uncontrollably. I attempted suicide, but later got better because I stopped thinking about it. But recently, it started again. Every day, for a little while, I inexplicably feel a complete breakdown, irritability, inexplicable anxiety, and the urge to die. Sometimes I really want to cry. Every time this happens, my head hurts a little and my breathing is a little difficult. Occasionally, I also have thoughts of wanting to hurt others. I feel like there is something wrong with my mind. I want to go to a psychologist, but I heard that it is very expensive and I can't afford it as a student... So I'm asking everyone, is it necessary for me to see a psychologist in this situation?

Harper Gray Harper Gray A total of 9507 people have been helped

Greetings, Lin'er is deeply saddened by your inquiry. Allow me to extend a warm embrace to you first. Your question encompasses the following scenarios, which Lin'er will summarize here:

Firstly, it is evident that you have a challenging relationship with your family. It is not the case that all families are capable of providing individuals with healing. Indeed, for a significant proportion of people, their original family represents a source of emotional distress.

2. Your past symptoms included uncontrollable crying, long-term self-harm, and an attempted suicide. This situation is of a serious nature and requires timely intervention to prevent further deterioration.

The current situation is as follows:

1. Somatic symptoms: headaches, dyspnea, and long-term depression can affect physical health.

2. Psychological Condition: Irritability, anxiety, crying, suicidal ideation, and a proclivity for aggressive behavior.

In light of the word limit, the amount of information provided is insufficient. Lin'er will offer a subsequent analysis of the existing problem description. Please accept our apologies if we have not considered all relevant factors.

Due to the limited word count, the information provided is insufficient. Lin'er will offer a detailed analysis of the existing problem description. Please accept our apologies if we have not considered all relevant factors.

1. Original family problems: The term "original family" is used to describe a family in which the children have not yet married and are still living with their parents. You have indicated that you have a strained relationship with your family.

Please state your age and indicate whether you currently reside with your parents.

Please indicate whether you have any siblings. Additionally, please describe any instances of conflict you may have experienced.

Please describe the circumstances in greater detail. Was there a particular incident that occurred last year that may have contributed to this situation?

In general, psychological problems are closely related to the original family. It is important to recognize that we have limited ability to repair the original family, and that the only thing we can change is ourselves.

2. Symptoms of mental illness, such as crying, self-harm, suicidal tendencies, and aggression towards others, require professional medical attention. A psychiatrist can diagnose whether an individual is suffering from a mental illness and whether medication or other forms of intervention are necessary. To obtain a comprehensive diagnosis, it is essential to visit a highly specialized psychiatric hospital and undergo professional psychological assessments to determine the severity of the illness. These treatments are not expensive, and it is advisable to prioritize addressing the immediate problem over market-based psychological counseling, which may not yield immediate results and is often costly.

Psychological counseling is a time-consuming process that requires long-term and continuous efforts, and it is also more expensive than other forms of treatment. However, if one is still a student, one can seek help from the school's psychological counselor, who can provide guidance on how to overcome the problem.

3. Attempt to convey the difficulties you are experiencing to your family. Is there a family member you trust?

It is imperative that you inform your family about your situation. You are no longer capable of handling it independently, and they can provide invaluable assistance. It is crucial to recognize that, despite your best efforts, misunderstandings and hurt feelings may still occur. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of disclosing this information to your family and choose the most appropriate method. If necessary, you can seek guidance from the school's psychological counselor.

In summary, if an individual is unable to resolve a problem independently, it is advisable to seek assistance from family members, educators, peers, medical professionals, or mental health counselors. It is imperative to prioritize one's well-being and pursue a prompt recovery. I extend my sincerest wishes for your continued success and well-being.

Helpful to meHelpful to me 917
disapprovedisapprove0
Hazel Shaw Hazel Shaw A total of 3976 people have been helped

Dear Question Asker,

After reviewing your inquiry, I empathize with the challenges you have faced at the age of 18. It is evident that you have experienced significant difficulties in recent years. I extend my support and encouragement.

From your description of the problem, I can see that you are confused and feel helpless. However, I also see that you are striving to improve yourself in the midst of it. I can tell that you are actively seeking change. According to psychological experts, there is a principle in the field of psychology that states: Who is suffering? Who seeks help? Who is suffering?

Who is responsible for initiating the change?

You are now in a position to observe your own suffering with greater clarity, analyse it, and proactively seek change. The only potential obstacle is your current status as a student, which may limit your financial resources. However, your proactive approach to seeking change is commendable.

How should this situation be handled? I will share my views based on my personal knowledge.

Firstly, I can confirm that if financial resources permit, psychological counseling is an available option, regardless of whether or not psychological issues are present. The field of positive psychology has emerged as a new area of interest. The objective of psychological counseling is to enhance our lives. It is a misconception that psychological counseling is only for individuals who are certain they have psychological problems. This is a concept that we should address in the future.

Secondly, I would like to reiterate that you are experiencing distress and have the motivation to change. Therefore, I do not believe it is essential for you to judge whether you have a psychological issue, regardless of the circumstances. I believe it is a beneficial decision to seek the guidance of a counselor. Of course, we must consider your concerns, but your focus should be on pursuing your education.

Counseling services may be available at your school, whether it's high school or university. In that case, there may be a lot of discounts for students. If it's convenient for you, I suggest you find a counselor.

Secondly, as you are able to utilise the Yi Xinli platform to pose queries, you should be able to grasp the functionality of this platform. Therefore, you may as well utilise this platform to express your thoughts and feelings. You can pose questions or narrate experiences, in other words, document your thoughts and feelings in your own handwriting. If I were to make a suggestion, you may consider writing about events from last year that led to disagreements with your parents and your current thoughts on these matters. Continue to write about them in depth. Once you have expressed everything, the emotions that have built up inside you will flow out, and you will feel lighter. You will no longer be so harsh on yourself.

As a student, you have demonstrated a strong ability to learn. I encourage you to continue to believe in yourself and rely on your own abilities. You have the capacity to solve your current dilemma. You may wish to consider seeking a school counselor who offers more affordable services, or you could ask your parents for help in finding a social counselor. Alternatively, you could forgo counseling and use this platform to educate yourself about psychological knowledge in each section. This could help you to change your own cognition and behavior through self-study. I believe you have the ability to succeed, and I encourage you to believe in yourself.

The most efficient way to access this platform is to discover the narrative that underpins it. You will initially share your emotions, which is the most effective method of psychological healing through written expression.

I am optimistic that I will be able to see a bright and sunny version of you on this platform in the future.

I extend my warmest regards to you and the world.

Helpful to meHelpful to me 581
disapprovedisapprove0
Cyrus Cyrus A total of 4645 people have been helped

Hello, question asker. My name is Evan.

From the questioner's description, it is clear that last year, due to long-term discord in his relationship with his family, the questioner self-harmed and even attempted suicide! From a crisis perspective, the questioner's situation is serious and has reached the level of depression.

I believe it is crucial for the poster to see a psychologist. If the fee is a concern, I suggest taking a diagnostic scale at the hospital to identify the specific issue.

The questioner didn't provide much detail about what went wrong in her relationship with her family. There's no way to communicate with her in detail on the platform! In the original family, some things may seem normal to the parents, but they can often bring depression and harm to the questioner.

I want to give the OP a hug and warmth. The original family often cannot give the OP the love the OP needs, but the OP can give it to himself. Hug yourself more, care for and love yourself more, so you can heal yourself through your own love from the relationship with your family in your original family.

Since the question was asked on a platform, I'm going to give the questioner a little advice based on the question.

It is crucial to understand the motives of the parents in treating the questioner.

The parents are treating the OP this way for a reason. They must have been taught how to treat children in their own families.

Parents learn how to treat their own children from their own families. This model is imprinted in their hearts, and they bring it into the families they form.

They believe this is how parents should treat their children.

You need to understand your parents' motives. Once you understand why they are doing what they are doing, you can release your emotions, treat them more calmly, and be more composed.

You need to communicate with your family.

The questioner should communicate with their family when they are happy and talk about their feelings and thoughts. The questioner should also communicate with their family about how they feel about their actions.

It is crucial to understand the perspectives and motivations of your family members. Frequently, the behaviors of family members are shaped by the values and patterns inherited from previous generations. These patterns and values can directly impact both family members and the individual seeking guidance.

If the questioner has conflicts between their own demands and those of their family, they must be prepared for disagreements. Patient communication is still very important.

Get moving!

You must get active to resist negative emotions caused by the behavior of family members.

Get active, go outdoors, and get some fresh air and sunshine. Exercise will speed up blood circulation and relieve tension in the nervous system. When you exercise, the brain will secrete a happy substance, and you will experience this feeling after you exercise, which will encourage you to use exercise to dispel negative emotions.

Seek professional psychological support.

If you're struggling to accept your family members' behavior and need help communicating with them, I recommend seeking professional psychological support. I suggest visiting Jingwei Center or a top-level hospital psychiatrist to get diagnosed.

You can also find some professional counselors and tell them everything that's on your mind. They'll be able to help you communicate better with your family members. If you're still a student, your school probably has a psychological counselor. Go talk to them!

Accept yourself, no matter what.

If parents cannot give the questioner love or even do something to make the questioner happy, then the questioner can care for and love themselves and even accept themselves. Do more of the things you like, and let yourself feel the warmth of love for yourself in the things you like. You are worthy of love.

Accept your state. When you're in a low mood, do something to please yourself. Make yourself happy. Eat something sweet. Sweet things make the body happy, and they'll make you feel happy too.

You must make yourself happy without harming others. Don't let negative emotions fill your life.

Call a professional hotline for help.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and feel unable to cope alone, call the national suicide intervention hotline for help. The number is: National Hotline 400-161-9995, Student Hotline: 400-161-9995 and press 1, Depression Hotline: 400-161-9995 and press 2, or Life Hotline: 400-161-9995 and press 3. Alternatively, call the China Psychological Crisis and Suicide Intervention Center Helpline on 010-62715275.

The questioner can call these hotlines by themselves. These hotlines can and will effectively intervene in the questioner's emotions. The questioner's emotions will be released very well.

I am confident that my answer will help the questioner.

Helpful to meHelpful to me 882
disapprovedisapprove0
Penelope Jane Ashton-White Penelope Jane Ashton-White A total of 6474 people have been helped

Hello! I'll give you a 360-degree hug!

I'm happy to answer your question: Is it necessary to see a psychologist?

From your question, I can tell that you actually have the answer in your heart. I guess you want to see a psychologist, but you don't seem to want to make the decision yourself, and you want someone else to make it for you. Well, I'm here to tell you that you can do it!

I would wholeheartedly recommend that you see a psychologist. It's a great idea! The final decision is up to you, but I think it would be really beneficial for you.

You're not keen on going to the doctor at someone else's request, are you?

You're 18 years old and still a student! You're worried about the cost, and I totally get it. You probably don't want to tell your parents or family about this, either.

The great news is that many schools now have a psychological counselor, and the best part is that it's free for students! You can generally get six sessions.

You can also call the local psychological assistance hotline, which is a great option! I don't know how it is in your area, but where I come from, there is a dedicated team of teachers who answer the psychological assistance hotline, and these are also free of charge.

There's also a public welfare service for psychological counseling, so you can look for local resources!

The great news is that mental health services, psychological assistance, and more are usually under the jurisdiction of the National Health Commission. If you're having trouble finding an assistance hotline, public welfare services, or other resources, you can simply call the National Health Commission and ask about the free options available to you.

I'm so excited to tell you about this amazing resource for psychological counseling services! I really hope it can help alleviate the pressure of costs.

Let's dive into the other information I see in your question!

You said that at the age of 18, you had a difficult relationship with your family. You used the words "difficult relationship" and "chronic self-harm," so it's clear that you haven't had an easy time of it over the years. But you've made it through!

You said that trying to commit suicide and not thinking about things is better. But recently it has started again.

I'd love to know how you built up your own psychological defenses before, how you convinced yourself not to think about it, and how you convinced yourself. Have you started again recently?

I'd love to know what recent event triggered your trauma!

There's so much we can learn from these questions and answers! You did a great job sharing your behavior and emotions. I get the feeling you're not ready to talk about these things yet, but they're definitely having a big impact on you.

That's why it's so important for you to seek counseling. A counselor can help you sort things out, become aware of them together, find patterns, and understand the reasons and methods. Seeking counseling is the best thing you can do for yourself right now!

The next step is the college entrance exam and leaving home, which is also a turning point in your life. It's an exciting time! Many people are not ready to leave home, but they act in the opposite way.

I don't know your situation, but I'm excited to find out more!

You don't talk about it much, and you probably can't talk about it in depth on an open sharing platform like Q&A. So, I suggest you talk to a psychologist!

I am a counselor who is often Buddhist and sometimes depressed, but I'm also occasionally positive and motivated! The world and I love you!

Helpful to meHelpful to me 343
disapprovedisapprove0
Agatha Agatha A total of 4845 people have been helped

Everyone has the power to be a beacon of light. It doesn't matter if you ask a question or answer one, your words can shine a light into the hearts of many people. This is our shared energy.

Hello, I'm Fei Yun, a heart exploration coach. Dear child, I can feel your pent-up emotions. You can start by confiding in someone here. It's so important to know you're heard, seen, understood, and accepted. This is a great way to release emotions.

It's totally normal to feel confused and lost during adolescence. It's a time when we're all trying to figure out who we are, craving respect from others, and looking for more trust and support.

However, because of their own "ignorance" (caused by their own upbringings and historical reasons), parents are unable to understand your inner world. You're stubborn, and you're not letting them in, which creates a gap between the two generations. This makes you feel increasingly depressed. You feel helpless and the urge to scream is constantly building up.

It's totally normal to feel the urge to hurt others when you're struggling with self-harm. It's just the energy generated by long-term suppressed emotions. Every emotion has energy, which can either hurt others or yourself.

If we don't let our emotions out, they can really take a toll on us. It seems like your depression has been really rough on you, and it's understandable. You've been experiencing some physical symptoms like headaches and breathing problems.

It's so common for children to be deeply influenced by their parents and their original family, even into adulthood. It's as if the unfinished business of parents is handed down to the next generation to "pay the price," for whatever reason.

It's so important to remember that just because you've transcended your original family, it doesn't mean that they're to blame for all your problems. It's also a great opportunity to grow and understand your distress and painful experiences.

1. You can get help from a school counselor if you need it.

The good news is that it's usually free! The education bureau says that every school has to have a mental health teacher for primary and secondary students. So, you can get professional help and advice from your teacher if you need it.

It's so important to feel seen, understood, and accepted. When we do, we can start to heal.

2. You can also read some books and write freely in your spare time.

For example, "You should fly to your mountain like a bird" is about the author Tara's own story. Writing is a wonderful way to have a conversation with yourself. It's a great way to understand your emotions and what you need.

"The Power of Self-Healing through Writing" is a great resource for learning how to re-evaluate your parents, look at their growth experiences from the perspective of a stranger, and understand their actions.

With all of this in mind, you can achieve object separation from your family of origin and parents, and gain maturity and growth.

Dear child, Everyone has experienced the confusion of puberty. You have come through this stage, and a bright future awaits you. You are not alone; teachers and others are here to help you through this time.

I really hope the above is helpful to you, and I love you so much, the world and I! ?

If you'd like to keep chatting, just click "Find a coach" in the top right corner or at the bottom. I'd love to keep talking with you one-on-one!

Helpful to meHelpful to me 295
disapprovedisapprove0
Belinda Belinda A total of 2451 people have been helped

I really think it would be a good idea for you to go for it! But of course, you should also think about your personal finances and that of your family.

For example, if I were a student, it would be 150 yuan an hour, once a week. In that case, if you feel that you can afford 150 yuan a week without too much pressure, of course you can go to a counselor or come to me for counseling.

However, if the 150 yuan has affected your quality of life, but you don't feel you need psychological counseling, then it might not be the best option for you.

If you don't have a lot of money but your parents are happy to spend it on you, you can still get psychological help. Or you can come to me!

Also, if you feel like your parents might think you're meddling if you tell them, then maybe it's best not to go.

Because at this time, it's often more vulnerable to secondary damage.

This is something I've seen a lot with the clients I've worked with. Most of them have been referred to me from other places. What I've noticed is that, at first, things were actually okay. But then the child started to become more and more anxious, and their situation got worse and worse.

After all, parents are often very resistant to the idea of their children seeing a counselor. But in order to fulfill their parental responsibilities, they have no choice but to do so, which can unfortunately give the child the feeling of being a burden to the family, causing secondary damage. Every time a consultation fails to achieve a specific or desired effect, it can feel like a bit of a self-attack.

I really don't think psychological counseling is the right choice for you in this case. But if you do decide to work for yourself, you can absolutely go to a psychological counselor with the money you earn!

There's no need to make psychological reality seem mysterious or untouchable. During counseling, it's important to remember that a counselor can only do so much. The biggest influence on a person is often their family environment.

I once had a friend who, due to his family of origin and personal circumstances, was strongly advised not to go home. He was told not to go home and receive psychological counseling.

However, since I'm not his counselor, I can't provide offline counseling. So he chose to go home.

But in less than two months, his situation took a really unfortunate turn.

Eventually, he left his parents' home and returned to the rented house he had previously lived in. At this point, he started to feel much better, and he was over the moon to be back home after just a week or so.

It's important to know that at that time, he was actually receiving psychological counseling at home. And it wasn't just a little bit—it was pretty often!

It's so sad to see how much damage was done at home. It's clear that the negative impact was far greater than the positive impact of receiving psychological counseling.

So, psychological counseling isn't right for everyone, but it's definitely helpful for everyone! But is the degree of this help proportional to the possible losses and damage that the person may suffer in the face of the circumstances?

Let's take another simple example. Imagine a person who earns 3,000 yuan a month. In that case, the general psychological counseling fee would be at least 300 yuan per hour.

Once a week, four times a month.

That means he spends 1,200 yuan a month on psychological counseling, which leaves him with only 1,800 yuan. And since psychological counseling is not done on a monthly basis, but often on an annual basis, that's quite a lot of money to be spending on something that isn't even a regular occurrence!

Some clients might not respond well to the counselor's approach, which could take a little time to see results.

It might take a year, two years, or even three years to feel better.

I would gently suggest that, at this time, it might be more helpful for him to find ways to release his emotions rather than going to a counselor.

It's often cheaper, which is great!

It's much more affordable! If he goes for psychological counseling, he'll find that while he may have identified his problem, he has not yet been cured, and he is already experiencing great existential anxiety.

It's so tough to make ends meet on 1,800 yuan these days. In some places, you don't even need to live in a first- or second-tier city. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for just 1,000 yuan!

I totally get it. That 800 yuan just isn't enough to cover your meals, social engagements, and phone bill. It can really create a huge sense of existential anxiety and secondary damage.

So this must be a matter of mutual consideration and comprehensive consideration from multiple perspectives. At this time, you may go for an hour and draw 20 to 30 yuan, find someone to play with, chat with him, complain to him, complain about your emotions, and just let it all out. It's a great way to release all that pent-up stress and find some emotional healing.

It's also a lot more cost-effective than counseling with a professional.

I really hope you find happiness!

Helpful to meHelpful to me 257
disapprovedisapprove0

Comments

avatar
Yale Miller Be honest in your business and your business will thrive.

I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through this. It sounds incredibly tough. Facing these feelings and acknowledging them is a big step, and it's important not to ignore what you're experiencing. Seeking help from a psychologist might be one of the best things you can do for yourself. Many universities offer counseling services at reduced rates or even for free to students, so it might be worth checking if your school has such resources.

avatar
Laura Reed The pursuit of erudition involves exploring the unknown in many areas.

It's heartbreaking to hear about your struggles. I know the idea of seeking professional help can feel daunting, especially with the cost factor. But please don't let that stop you. There are often community health centers and nonprofit organizations that provide mental health support on a sliding scale based on income. Reaching out to these places could make getting the help you need more accessible.

avatar
Isaacson Miller Learning is a flame that can light up the darkest corners of ignorance.

Feeling this way must be so overwhelming for you. It's crucial to remember that you're not alone in this. Even though seeing a psychologist may seem financially out of reach, there are other options like online therapy platforms that can be more affordable. Also, talking to someone, whether it's a trusted friend, family member, or a helpline, can sometimes provide immediate relief and guidance on where to find further support.

More from Soul Share Cove

This feature is under maintenance and update.
Close