Why do I feel sad and hopeless with loss of appetite?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have felt very sad a lot of the time for the past year and a half. This has been accompanied by feeling hopeless, having very low self-esteem, feeling unloved and like a burden, occasional mild suicidal thoughts (although I would never act on them), being very sensitive to rejection, and isolating myself. Before all of this I used to be very hungry in the mornings and now I have zero appetite during the mornings. Lately, I have had barely an appetite at all. Since five months back I am having trouble sleeping. These feelings of sadness, worthlessness, etc., tend to worsen at night as well. What is wrong with me?

Answered by Dr. Ruhi Satija

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ruhi Satija is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist skilled in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health and emotional issues. Her expertise includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, stress and anxiety management, depression treatment, trauma-focused therapy, and counseling for relationship or personal challenges. She is experienced in helping individuals, couples, and families develop coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, and achieve personal growth.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The negative thoughts which are making you feel this way are due to depression. They are not valid thoughts, they occur due to a chemical imbalance in the brain called serotonin. This is how depression works. I would suggest you meet a psychiatrist as soon as possible and start medications. Also, I would suggest you start counseling sessions to help you with your negative thought patterns and help you with breaking the cycle of negativity.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At October 29, 2019
Reviewed At June 27, 2023

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ruhi Satija is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist skilled in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health and emotional issues. Her expertise includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, stress and anxiety management, depression treatment, trauma-focused therapy, and counseling for relationship or personal challenges. She is experienced in helping individuals, couples, and families develop coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, and achieve personal growth.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ruhi Satija is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist skilled in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health and emotional issues. Her expertise includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, stress and anxiety management, depression treatment, trauma-focused therapy, and counseling for relationship or personal challenges. She is experienced in helping individuals, couples, and families develop coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, and achieve personal growth.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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