The term "nervous breakdown" is sometimes used by people to describe a stressful situation in which they're temporarily unable to function normally in day-to-day life. It's commonly understood to occur when life's demands become physically and emotionally overwhelming.
If you suffer a nervous breakdown you may feel extreme anxiety or fear, intense stress, and as if you simply can't cope with any of the emotional demands you feel. This crisis will leave you unable to function normally, to go to work or school, to take care of children, or to do any of your usual activities.
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.
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.
Work stress, mental illness, family responsibilities, and poor coping strategies are all things that can lead to a nervous breakdown and the inability to function normally. The good news is that nervous breakdowns are treatable and manageable.
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.
It is a severe mental health emergency and requires immediate treatment from a medical expert. If you experience a mental breakdown, mainly when alone, it's advisable to seek immediate help.
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.
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.
What Drugs Treat Anxiety Disorders? Antidepressants, particularly the SSRIs, may also be effective in treating many types of anxiety disorders. Other anti-anxiety medications include the benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
According to a study earlier this year, more than a quarter of Americans (26 per cent) say they have felt on the verge of a mental breakdown (relationship problems and being a single parent were most often cited as the cause).
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).
Also commonly known as a nervous breakdown, mental breakdowns are not generally considered to have a medical diagnosis. The phrase is simply used to describe a situation when certain symptoms arise in a person's mental health. The most common signs someone is having a mental breakdown are: Hopelessness.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Loss of interest in activities and other things. Mood swings and outbursts. Emotional numbness. Significant changes in daily patterns, such as sleep, appetite and eating, or self-care.
Different types include breakdowns caused by depression or an anxiety disorder, a breakdown that causes psychotic symptoms, or work-related burnout. Nervous breakdowns may also differ in the types of situations that cause the stress and whether they build up slowly or happen quickly after one major stressful event.
According to a study earlier this year, more than a quarter of Americans (26 per cent) say they have felt on the verge of a mental breakdown (relationship problems and being a single parent were most often cited as the cause).
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.