It's important to remember that even if you or a loved one is having or has had a mental breakdown, it is a temporary condition. With the right treatment, you, or your loved one, can recover and begin to heal.
Some restructured their lives and jobs to make them less stressful, and started therapy. People who have had treatment and therapy after a nervous breakdown often emerge more resilient and better able to cope with life than they were before.
A nervous breakdown can last from a few hours to a few weeks. If your breakdown has been going on for a while, and you need some relief, the following ten tips are for you. They will help you not only survive this difficult time, but they might even help you grow from this difficult experience.
This mean you may not be able to eat, go to work, concentrate on work, talk to friends and family, or take care of yourself or your space. It may happen in episodes or culminate in one incident where you might have a panic attack, crying spells, or inability to do much of anything.
When the stress becomes unbearable, it can lead to a nervous breakdown. Studies have shown that stress affects both your mind and your body. Long-term stress can lead to structural changes in the brain, which can affect your memory and lead to difficulty concentrating.
A nervous breakdown is a serious mental health issue that requires prompt, professional treatment. It is triggered by excess stress and a lack of healthy coping mechanisms to manage that stress. The amount of stress that causes a breakdown varies by individual, with some being able to cope longer than others.
Nervous breakdown isn't a medical term, nor does it indicate a specific mental illness. But that doesn't mean it's a normal or a healthy response to stress. What some people call a nervous breakdown may indicate an underlying mental health problem that needs attention, such as depression or anxiety.
Being Able to Identify a Nervous Breakdown
being easily fatigued/having erratic sleep schedules. changes in routines (exercise, eating habits, etc.) being paranoid. experiencing feelings of hopelessness and despair.
A nervous breakdown is also known as a mental breakdown. The term is not an official diagnosis and is not used by the medical community. However, it is sometimes used to describe when mental distress suddenly becomes so overwhelming that a person can't function in their day-to-day life.
A mental breakdown does not exclude the possibility of psychosis, but a psychotic break refers specifically to an episode of psychosis. Typically, a psychotic break indicates the first onset of psychotic symptoms for a person or the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms after a period of remission.
A more severe or long-lasting mental breakdown may need hospitalization for stabilization and treatment. You might be hospitalized for several reasons, including suicidal talk, violence toward others, symptoms of psychosis, self-harm, or the complete loss of ability to function.
Mental health issues do not get better on their own. The longer an illness persists, the more difficult it can be to treat and recover. Untreated anxiety may escalate to panic attacks, and failing to address trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Rest is perhaps the most curative 'home remedy' for a nervous breakdown.” Hamlett recommends limiting daily obligations and engaging in stress-reducing activities such as watching pleasant television shows, spending time with pets, exercising, spending time in nature, meditating or doing deep-breathing techniques.
The Duration of a Nervous Breakdown Varies by Individual
These mental health crises are highly variable, lasting a few hours for one person or weeks for another. There are many risk factors for having a nervous breakdown, and the more an individual has, the greater the chance is that a breakdown will last longer.
If you're having a mental health emergency, it's important to get help right away. Though the thought of going to the emergency room (ER) might be daunting, it's often the best way to keep you safe during the crisis. Visiting the ER can connect you with resources that will help you manage and overcome these issues.
For instance, a 2017 study suggests that severe mental stress could lead to sudden death from heart disease or cardiovascular issues. In addition, a 2021 study shows that physical and psychological stressors can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD).
A nervous breakdown is not a recognized medical term, so technically, there is no way to diagnose it. A person who feels overwhelmed by stress or feelings of anxiety or who feels unable to carry on their daily life should see a doctor, who can help.
Some of the most commonly used include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine HCI (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).
When Is It Time to Walk Away? In some cases, the decision to leave is obvious. If physical abuse is present to any degree, and especially if the individual fears for their own life or well-being or that of their children, it's important to leave as soon as possible. Safety is the number one priority.
A psychotic breakdown is any nervous breakdown that triggers symptoms of psychosis, which refers to losing touch with reality. Psychosis is more often associated with very serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, but anyone can experience these symptoms if stress becomes overwhelming, triggering a breakdown.
“Nervous breakdown” isn't a medical diagnosis. But, it's a type of mental or emotional health crisis. You may feel an overwhelming amount of stress, anxiety or depression. In turn, you're not able to function in daily life.
Today, we know more about bipolar disorder and can be truthful about what we experience. A nervous breakdown is now called a bipolar disorder mood swing.
You can be treated against your will for 3 months. After 3 months, staff can only treat you without your consent if a 'second opinion approved doctor' (SOAD) approves the treatment. If you are unhappy about your treatment, you should talk to your responsible clinician.
If you meet the requirements, you do not need to make a claim, as your employer must pay you SSP up to a maximum of 28 weeks. You are entitled to statutory sick pay if you become ill and are an employee - this includes if your mental health condition makes you ill.