When stress and feelings of worry or anxiety are there all the time and build up to a level that has an impact on a person's daily life, they may be described as having a nervous breakdown. A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental health crisis or mental breakdown, describes a period of intense mental distress.
“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.
Feelings of depression or anxiety that are new or more overwhelming than before. Feeling overwhelmed. Shutting down and being unable to participate in normal activities. Missing appointments, work, school, and other responsibilities.
A nervous breakdown usually lasts for a few hours to a few weeks, but in some cases it can last a few months or even a few years.
People who are experiencing a nervous breakdown may avoid social functions, call in sick for work and isolate themselves at home. They may not be eating or sleeping properly, and they may not look after their personal hygiene.
When experiencing mental health problems, you should visit an ER if you worry about your safety. For instance, if you share thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide, you should immediately go to an ER.
Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode.
Once you have been evaluated you can work with a psychiatrist or therapist to develop a treatment plan that will help you better cope with stress and avoid future crises. Depending on the severity of the crisis, you may want to consider a short stay in a residential treatment facility.
The most common signs someone is having a mental breakdown are: Hopelessness. Thoughts of suicide. Sense of worthlessness.
It affects a person's ability to meet their own needs and do daily tasks and activities. The term was often used in the past, but mental health professionals no longer use it. Instead, you may hear the term "mental health crisis."
Secondly, the term emotional breakdown can be used to describe a personal meltdown of an individual who just doesn't know how to cope with present circumstances. This can include episodes of uncontrollable weeping, withdrawal from loved ones and an inability to connect with everyday life.
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.
Since nervous breakdowns are not a formal clinical diagnosis there is not a formal expected recovery time. Most people have short episodes but the only way to ensure that it doesn't become a chronic problem is to spend time learning to process and cope with stress in a healthy way.
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.
The Long-Term Effects of Untreated Mental Illness
However, there are some commonalities. When mental illness is left untreated, it can lead to long-term issues with emotional stability, behavior regulation, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, and even physical illness.
Losing your mind may be experienced as extreme confusion, distress and/or dissociation from oneself. It may be so overwhelming that it leads to anxiety and panic attacks. You are not alone in feeling this way, and to answer the question again; it is highly unlikely that you're losing your mind.
The red flags of a nervous breakdown are similar to those of workplace burnout, including: excessive stress, extreme fatigue, insomnia, sadness, anger and irritability, social withdrawal, increased alcohol consumption, difficulty focusing or relaxing, and significant changes in eating and sleeping habits.
If they have been abusive or hurtful towards you and do not want to seek mental health treatment to learn how to properly cope with their symptoms, it is okay to take a step back in hopes that they will realize how professional support can help.