Breakdowns

Is it normal to feel perfectly fine and happy even after having a horrible mental breakdown, talking about wanting to do suicide and how my life isn’t normal? I’m turning 15 next year and frequently I’ve been having these mental breakdowns but feeling all cheerful and happy the next few days before having another breakdown. I’m not sure if it’s normal. I was diagnosed with minor depression, so I thought it wouldn’t be a problem. Can I have advice? I’m not sure what to do.

hi r.riaaazz, for your case i would highly recommend you to speak to a therapist if this goes on for more than a week or so, and please do inform a trusted parent/gardian on how you feel and discuss with them on the proper way to handle this!

Hello @r.riaaazz :wave:t2:! Thank you for sharing your experience.

You are rather courageous to be honest about this. Others go through similar extreme low periods and then feel normal once again for a while. Having such ups and downs may be perplexing and disturbing, particularly if you are depressed. These cycles may arise for a range of causes, including our mental attempts to shield and cope. Though they could seem erratic, the emotions don’t define you or suggest something is wrong with you.

Little efforts taken to control these ups and downs will have a difference. Your mood may be steadied by even little actions like getting adequate sleep, keeping a notebook, communicating with someone you trust, or engaging in peaceful pursuits. For extra aid as well, don’t hesitate to contact a counsellor or mental health expert; they can assist you to better grasp these emotions and provide strategies for management. You are not alone; many others wish to help you through it all.

Hi, r.riaaazz,

Thank you for reaching out to share your emotional experiences. You mentioned that you have frequently experienced episodes of “high” and “low” emotions and you are unsure if this is normal. I am wondering how long have you experienced those extreme emotions? At the point of your diagnosis with minor depression, did you have these experiences ? Have you shared with the psychiatrist about these emotions before ?

Nevertheless, it is also possible that the extreme moods are due to the fluctuations of teen hormones as you are in the early teenage years now. However, as you are diagnosed with mild depression, the suicidal thoughts should not be taken lightly. My concern is that your experiences of “high” emotions after the “low” could disguise the impact of the “horrible mental breakdowns” and not given the required attention. Therefore, it is better for you to consult your doctor to check it out.

Hope my sharing helps.

Hey @r.riaaazz Thanks for sharing this and I’m glad that you are very aware of your own condition, it shows how much attention you pay to your own well-being! Nice job!
Those swings from feeling really low to feeling okay or even cheerful can be confusing, and they often leave you wondering if it’s all part of a pattern. It might feel unsettling, but shifts in mood are actually common for many people, especially in teenage years when emotions are already heightened. These cycles don’t mean you’re “broken” or that something is seriously wrong with you, but it does mean it’s worth finding ways to support yourself better. Since you’re already aware of the impact depression has on you, talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you explore ways to manage these ups and downs could be helpful.

Hi, to respond to some of your questions, I have been feeling this way when I was around 7, when my great grandfather died. Ever since then, I have been feeling all sorts of emotions, at different times, at different places, for about a few years I felt “normal” again, but it started all over again when I was around 11.

I have a physiatrist, but they have not reached out to me after my first meeting about a year or two ago. I never shared this with her, as I never got to talk to her often, and I’ve only noticed now that I had these “episodes” more frequently.

For example, last night, I had a breakdown in the middle of my room for no exact reason, but was fine this morning as if nothing had happened. I’m confused on what to do, and I can’t talk to my physiatrist as I don’t have any communication with her, and I feel like she most likely have forgotten I was even her patient at this point.

My school counselor also has not seen me for about 3 months, although we are supposed to have a talk every 2 weeks, but I feel dismissed and ignored. I don’t know who else to talk to, as my family would think I’m dramatic, especially my grandparents, so this website was my only solution to this situation.

Hi @r.riaaazz,

First of all, I want to acknowledge your courage in sharing what you’re going through. It takes a lot of strength to open up about such difficult feelings. It’s completely valid to feel a mix of emotions after experiencing a mental breakdown. It is okay to go through these ups and downs, and it’s important to acknowledge that you’re not alone in this journey.

Your feelings are valid, and it’s perfectly alright to have ups and downs, especially when you’re dealing with mental health challenges. Minor depression can manifest in many ways, and it’s not uncommon to have moments of happiness even amidst struggle. However, it’s also important to keep seeking support, especially when you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide. Would it be possible for you to re-establish the existing connections with your school counsellor and psychiatrist?

Remember that you don’t have to face this alone, and there are people and resources out there that can help you navigate through these tough times. Prioritize caring for yourself and reach out for support when you need it. You’re not alone in this, and there’s hope for brighter days ahead.

Hi, r.riaaazz,
Thank you for your sharing the symptoms you are experiencing. I understand that the last you spoke to your psychiatrist was 1-2yrs ago, and your school counsellor was about 3 months ago. As you shared that you have been experiencing frequent emotional breakdown, and sometimes could be quite intense that you felt like hurting yourself , thus I do think that consulting a professional can be helpful.

You can try to reach out to your school counsellor again and shared all the worries/symptoms that you experienced (especially in the recent months), and explore with the counsellor how he/she can help. I know that some schools can refer students who require further assessments/support to psychologist. This may be helpful for you.

Meanwhile, you can continue to use this platform to share your feelings/thoughts. You may also want to engage an emotional regulation activity that can help you to feel calmer whenever you feel anxious . Here are some ideas that might be helpful :

  1. Deep Breathing . try this link : I’m feeling anxious - Mood

  2. take a brisk walk around your neighbourhood

  3. join an group activity in school , as talking and engage in activities with friends might help to lift your mood up.

take good care.