Something's not right for a few weeks. Not sure if it's a relapse of depression or something worse?

Good day. My name is Evan.

From the questioner's own account, it can be seen that there seems to be a lack of a good understanding of depression. According to the questioner's own account, there have been incidents such as hearing voices and self-harm. It is this writer's opinion that the questioner should have a relapse of depression.

In light of the aforementioned symptoms, it is this author's recommendation that the questioner seek the counsel of a psychiatrist at a hospital or local mental health center for a diagnosis, following a discussion with their family.

It is challenging for the questioner to appear normal while contending with the adverse effects of inner auditory hallucinations and a plethora of distressing emotions. It is estimated that a considerable number of individuals, akin to the questioner, are unable to cope with the ramifications of the disease. I extend my support to the questioner and hope to impart a modicum of fortitude.

From a professional perspective, mental illness can be conceptualized as a minor ailment, akin to a common cold or fever. It can coexist with an individual without exerting a significant impact. Even if it is a mental illness, as long as it does not manifest, it will not have a substantial influence on the individual. John Nash, the renowned American economist and founder of game theory, was a schizophrenic patient who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994.

The individual perceives a necessity to develop the capacity to discern and dispel adverse sentiments and cultivate a constructive outlook.

As the question was posed on an online forum, it is not feasible to provide a comprehensive response. However, the following advice may be offered to the questioner regarding the management of negative emotions:

The recognition of depressive symptoms is of paramount importance.

In general, depression can be manifested in three areas: physical, mental, and emotional. If the following emotions are experienced with regularity in various settings (including home, school, and social environments), and these emotions persist for a minimum of two weeks, and it is challenging to overcome these negative emotional states independently, a psychiatrist can diagnose depression.

The individual experiences a pervasive sense of sadness or despondency for the majority of the day.

A pervasive sense of hopelessness or helplessness, accompanied by the conviction that one's actions are futile.

A loss of interest and pleasure in most activities, including those that were previously enjoyed, is also a common symptom.

A plethora of issues emerge, including difficulties with academic pursuits, challenges in navigating daily life, and an inability to complete even simple tasks.

Guilt is a pervasive emotion that can manifest as a sense of having transgressed and being unable to rectify the situation.

The individual may experience a sense of worthlessness, perceiving their actions as devoid of meaning.

The individual may exhibit suicidal ideation or engage in repetitive contemplation of death.

The etiology of depression is complex and multifaceted.

Some stressful occurrences, both positive and negative, and past traumatic experiences can precipitate depressive disorders. Anxiety, conversely, is characterized by persistent concern about future events and their potential consequences, leading to a state of apprehension and distress.

In some cases, transitions to new work environments, marital status changes, and childbirth can precipitate depressive episodes. These events often demand significant adaptive efforts from patients, which can, in turn, precipitate depressive symptoms.

Additionally, depressive moods may be precipitated by significant injuries. For instance, betrayal by a friend, involvement in a vehicular accident, or exposure to a natural disaster may all contribute to the development of depression.

Furthermore, prolonged exposure to negative stimuli can also precipitate the onset of depressive disorders. Such experiences may include physical, psychological, or sexual abuse suffered during childhood or even adulthood.

The occurrence of a stressful event does not inevitably result in the development of depression. While such an event may precipitate the emergence of depressive symptoms, it is not a definitive causal factor in the onset of depression.

It is imperative to halt the progression of negative emotions.

Upon the recognition of negative emotions, it is imperative to implement strategies that facilitate their alleviation. One such approach is to engage in self-affirmations that counteract the negative sentiments. To illustrate, upon waking up in the morning and anticipating a challenging day, it is crucial to acknowledge the initial negative feelings but also to reinforce the belief that the day will improve. This affirmation aims to maintain a positive outlook despite the initial negative expectations.

In the presence of negative emotions, it is advisable to avoid prolonged introspection and discourse on the subject. Instead, it is recommended to engage in the expression of positive sentiments. With continued practice, this approach will become second nature, leading to a transformation in one's cognitive framework.

It is essential to ascertain the underlying cause of these negative emotions.

What are the root causes of the negative emotions experienced by the questioner? Are these emotions driven by a fear of depression, a fear of the future, or a fear of not finding a suitable medical practitioner to treat the underlying conditions?

This necessitates that the questioner conduct a thorough examination and observation to ascertain the specific factors contributing to their negative emotional state and document them in written form.

It is essential to ascertain the factors that contribute to the negative emotional state of the individual in question and to identify the underlying cause of this emotional distress. In the aforementioned example, the individual's perception of their mental illness as a hindrance to effective communication with others represents a significant source of emotional distress. It is therefore necessary to consider the potential influence of other factors on the individual's emotional state.

Psychiatric illness is currently considered curable, although the precise time frame remains uncertain. Is the subject experiencing a form of psychological stuckness, preventing them from moving forward?

Only by identifying the underlying cause of the depression can the questioner develop a coping strategy that is tailored to their specific concerns.

It is recommended that each day be approached with a positive mindset.

It is recommended that each day be approached with a positive attitude. At the start of each day, it is helpful to consider five positive aspects.

Such positive occurrences may be minor events in one's life, such as listening to a pleasant melody, viewing a thought-provoking film, experiencing a pleasant aroma, or purchasing a desired item. It is beneficial to reflect on these experiences and verbalize them to oneself at the start of the day, thereby establishing a positive outlook.

A positive mindset serves as the foundation for commencing a new day, thereby rendering it more challenging for negative emotions to take root.

One might consider such an action to be somewhat absurd, yet studies have demonstrated that verbalizing positive affirmations can facilitate the conviction of those statements. This practice has been linked to enhanced levels of happiness, focus, and a reduction in the prevalence of negative thoughts.

It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a mental health professional.

In the event that the questioner is unable to confirm whether they are currently suffering from depression or a mental illness, they may seek assistance from a medical professional at a hospital or psychiatric facility, such as the Jingwei Center. There, they can consult with a qualified psychologist for professional psychological advice and assessment. Should the initial assessment be deemed premature, the individual may opt to retake the test at the Jingwei Center.

A psychiatrist can assist in understanding depression and anxiety, identifying coping mechanisms, and preventing recurrence. Professional treatment has been demonstrated to be an effective approach to addressing depression.

It can assist in identifying the underlying causes of depression, enabling the individual to overcome negative emotions and restore normal feelings and behaviors. In the event that the physician prescribes medication, it is important to adhere to the prescribed dosage and schedule.

Pharmacological intervention can be an effective means of regulating mood fluctuations.

Counseling can be employed in conjunction with therapy. Certain counseling techniques have been demonstrated to be efficacious in assisting individuals in overcoming depressive moods.

Some counseling techniques facilitate the confrontation of negative thoughts and ways of thinking, enabling their transformation into positive ones. The subject is also able to interpret the environment and the mutual influence between them from a more positive perspective.

It is my hope that this response will prove useful to the individual who posed the question.