What is wrong with me?

Question

Below are my symptoms. Do I have a mental illness?

*I have extreme emotions. One minute I'm so irate, the next minute I'm so elated

*I'm angry alot...usually the little things set me off big time, ex. a rude cashier at a grocery store

*I'm lazy and I procrastinate...often putting off very important things.

*I look like a fat ugly slob and I simply don't care. I gained a tremendous amount of weight within the past year or so.

*I lose my temper a lot.

*I have no friends. I live alone, which doesn't bother me, but at times I feel isolated. I don't even know anyone who I can pick up the phone and call and talk about my problems. I never ever socialize. Dealing with people seems like too much work.

*I feel like I accomplished nothing in my life.

*I have had financial problems for most of my adult life. (I'm in my early 30s) I never really had a good job, despite the fact I have two college degrees. I've acquired debt, spent more than I earned, damaged my credit, an

and barely make enough to make ends meet? So, I don't really even have any money even if I wanted to socialize more.

What is wrong with me? What is the first step I can take to change my life? How can I get motivated? I'd prefer to do this on my own rather than talk to a counselor. I wouldn't mind it, but can't really afford it.

Answer 1

whoa..slow down and breath. Besides seeking medical help! I would:

1) buy a couple uplifting (or self help) books
2) start a yoga class or dvd from target (its more than just stretching- your mental state becomes healthier as you stretch and breath and concentrate on your inner self)
3)look into alternative actions for mood boosters: exercise, whole food supplements, organic energy drinks, ad more fiber and water to your diet! believe it or not constipation and a poor diet can make you depressed or create mood swings
4) start a journal or web blog with an objective (list only positive things, prayer journal, etc)
5) read a verse or two a day in the bible...or uplifting poetry
6) create a goal list! i.e. what you want to achieve in 2007
7) drop one bad habit at a time. you're human- you can't do it all at once
8) medication from a doctor. Prozac has done wonders for me! it might be a chemical imbalance

know that you are not alone

Answer 2

My first suggestion would be that you take on one problem at a time. I wonder if you may be suffering from manic depression? I would advise that you get evaluated by your Doctor. In addition, find a support system that can help you work through some of this so that you are not so overwhelmed. If you don't want to go out and meet people, maybe you could join an online group. The important thing is for you to know that you do not have to go through this alone, and that you are not the only one to have felt this way. Things can get better, you just need a little help taking the first step.
You can do it!!!

Answer 3

Honey I am a case manager at a mental health center, and let me tell you, you aren't mentally sick, it sounds as though you are depressed. It also sounds as though you have a low self esteem. Maybe a little manic. These are all things that can be fixed. I know you say you don't want to talk to a counselor because you can't afford it, but honey there is help out there and you can get it for free. There is a clinic in every town I can think of, and if not right in your town, there is one in the next big town closest to you. They will go by your income and they will offer you the type of services that are best suited for your needs. Sometimes you may need medication to help get you out of this rut you are in. Depression is not a fatal problem but it can make your life hard to live. Try getting up everyday and taking a shower, clean up, put your make up on, even if you aren't going anywhere...it is a known fact if you look good you usually feel good. Go out to places where there are ppl and try and meet some new faces, there are usually support groups at churches for ppl who suffer from depression,. There you can meet ppl who are going through the same things you are, but really you need to go and speak with someone, and let them help you. Good luck and I will be rooting for you

Answer 4

Dear Angry (oops, I mean happy-to-be),
It sounds like you need to pick up a good book on self-esteem. No one can diagnose you from a home computer, but there are community resources that will either charge you on a sliding scale, or offer services at no charge. You need to pursue that assertively. Take the list you made for this question with you to discuss with the therapist. Local universities may have no- or low-charge counseling, too. Check the one where you graduated. There are resources to help you.
One thing that will help you to feel better is not to lose your temper on people. It actually makes you feel worse emotionally and physically to do that. As soon as you hold your tongue for the first time, notice that you did it, and give yourself a reward.
Use an online book seller to find a good self-esteem book for less than the new price.
Another suggestion is to make yourself a budget, then stick to it. That will also encourage your self-esteem. You can do it.

Answer 5

Fist of all, ignore mattsofattso's deranged and IDIOTIC answer! He's got problems far beyond the realm of help in this lifetime! As for you, You are depressed. But you are one smart cookie obviously with college degrees under your belt! But the depression part can hamper your happiness...but it's treatable. I use to be one angry bit**. I ate too much, drank too much, and spent like I was Donald Trump's wives. Then I got in a darker place where I didn't want to leave the house, stopped socializing...blah, blah, blah... Vicious cycle. I should be a spokesperson for antidepressents. Do you feel a great deal of anxiety at times where you'd like to just hide under your covers with the curtains drawn? Betcha ya do. It's all apart of being clinically depressed, a mood disorder,,your'e not crazy,,,althought the stress of it all sure made me wonder at times. Go see a doc, they see it all the time, believe me! You can get a debt consolidater to get your debt in order. I've done that too. With depression at bay, you'll find that food really isn't love...but me and Little Debbie (snacks) had quite an affair there for awhile. Procrastination, fatigue, and hopelessness, are ALL apart of the craziness we torture ourselves with. And last, but not least, I've been to quite a few checkout lines where I could popped a cashier or two!!!! Hugs to you!! oooooo

Answer 6

Sounds like the exact same things they said about me. Bipolar and/or major depression. YES, get some help if you can. I too, cannot afford the medications I WAS on, that changed me so much (for the better), but I do have the support of some good friends thank God. I'll be that friend to help you until you can help yourself if you'd like. Just shoot me a email. I've been where you are, I know what you're going through. I work in a restuarant, and believe me, it's so hard when you don't feel like mingling with people most of the time. I'd rather throw that food in their face instead of serving it to them. But still, I maintain a smile somehow. I'm very stressed myself, with not enough time to myself, so just hang in there like I'm trying to do. Like I said, I'll be your friend.

Answer 7

The comments about being angry a lot, lose your temper a lot AND being irate/elated makes me wonder about a bipolar condition...[bipolar illnesses can respond to medication and/or therapy...and foods]

However, that and the next several sound like acute/chronic depression. Lack of concern for everyday activities, changes in weight [sleep], lack of sexual desire [no, you didn't mention that one] are pretty standard for depression.

You REALLY should talk to a professional! I'd love to suggest Omega-3's and vigorous exercise [both research supported for a number of mental health issues], but something about your post makes me feel that whatever you do on your own, should be in addition to outside assistance.

Answer 8

sounds like you have depression or bipolar. If it is depression a good way to help yourself feel better is start walking everyday about 30 minutes. It will send good feeling chemicals to your brain and added benefit is weight loss. You just need to make yourself do it everyday no matter how tired you are or how bad you feel that day just make it a point everyday go for a walk. It will truly help you. Once you start to feel better other things will start to fall into place. trust me I have been there I gained 30 pounds and never knew I was depressed till something bad happened in my life that slapped me in the face and helped me wake up and realize just how sad I was inside. Exercise truly help me feel and look better about myself. Once that happen I started doing more things that made me feel good, got a new job, moved into my own place, etc. Just make it a point everyday be active for at least 30 minutes.

Answer 9

Please get tested for depression or Bi-Polar disorder. There could maybe be a good medically based solution to your problems. It would be nice to live your life to the fullest and enjoy yourself. If you do not have insurance, call the local health department and ask for an income based clinic. These are regular doctor's who donate their time and services to assist the uninsured. It could be either free or greatly reduced fees. Good luck sweetheart, I hope you start to be happier soon.

Answer 10

Relax girl. You are just stress. Just let it all out and chill. Spend some time alone. chill and watch some movie, play games, any thing. I think you got some Bi-Polar issues. Just try to talk to some one you think is good to talk to. Just hang in there. Don't lose it dont go crazy. Chill