What causes frequent mood swings, sleeplessness and headaches?
Patient: I don t know where to begin, it feels so overwhelming to be talking to someone about what I m going through. I know I need to make an appointment with a doctor, but fear and lack of finances hold me back. I experience extreme lows in regards to my mood and often find myself crying over the least little thing. On the flip side of that coin, so to speak, it seems to take nothing to set off my temper. At the end of the day I cannot seem to be able to rest and sleep, and yet when I am in bed I want nothing more than to stay there. Sleep is a most elusive thing and I find myself tired quite often. The thought of being around people, especially groups of any size, sends my mind buzzing and my heart racing. I am experiencing more often pain across my lower back, sometimes it is nothing more than a twinge and other times is sharp and breath stealing. I suffer from acute prolonged pain in my right arm where I broke when I was a child. My appetite leaves much to be desired, usually eating once a day, and not very well when I do. I have headaches that last for days that make me have a sick feeling in my stomach and even more sensitive to light than normal. I have to force myself to take Tylenol for any reason. I do not do drugs or drink and am feeling at the end of my rope. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Doctor: My friend, you just have described every typical symptoms of a person suffering from depression. Depression is a syndrome that occurs mainly due to decrease in serotonin level in brain, which is a neurotransmitter. It results in decreased energy, increased fatigability, lack of interest, decrease urge for social interaction. The person finds no pleasure in any activities that he used to enjoy much previously. Sleep may increase/decrease, there is serious lack in self confidence, guilty feeling. Most of the time the person feels hopeless, helpless and worthless. Depression however is curable. There are numerous drugs available that balances the serotonin level. Alongside, therapy with an experienced psychologist always adds to the effect. I'll suggest you to immediately get in contact with a psychiatrist near you. Get well soon.