A type of mental or emotional health crisis that causes an overwhelming amount of stress, anxiety, and depression is called a nervous breakdown. It is not a medical condition, but it may seriously affect your ability to perform daily tasks. Thus, doctors will work with you to find triggers and develop a proper treatment plan.
Furthermore, the term “nervous breakdown” is sometimes used by the public and the press. Usually, doctors do not use this term to describe a mental health crisis or a breakdown of mental health. However, these problems are often caused by serious or long-term physical and emotional stress. In other words, this term means that a person is physically, mentally, and emotionally overwhelmed due to the stress of life.
In people with a mental health crisis, there is an intense reaction to stress that is similar to some features of other health conditions. These include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety
- Adjustment disorder – This condition is characterized by psychiatric symptoms that are associated with a stressful situation. It often occurs due to a reaction to a stressful or traumatic life event.
How serious is a nervous breakdown?
This health problem can be serious because it affects a person’s ability to perform daily tasks due to stress and the struggle to cope. In general, each person handles stress differently. While some of them are able to cope with stress, others do not. You should get medical help if you cannot perform daily tasks, including getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, going to work, and others. However, if you have suicidal thoughts, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) immediately.
Symptoms
The symptoms are often different among people because they depend on the underlying cause. Check some common symptoms below:
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Missing scheduled appointments or social events
- Slipping into poor lifestyle habits (such as unhealthy eating, poor sleep and hygiene, and a lack of physical exercise)
- Lose interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed
- Social isolation
- Not going to work for one or multiple days or calling in sick
Depression Symptoms
These include:
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Irritation
- Frustration
- Sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, or concerns
Anxiety Symptoms
- Fear and pain
- Nightmares
- Inability to remain still and calm
- Nausea
- Heart palpitations
- Sweaty or cold hands
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Shaking or trembling
- Breathing problems
Other Mental Disorder Symptoms
For example:
- Flashbacks of traumatic events (usually this indicates an undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Pack attacks
You should visit a healthcare professional if any of the symptoms listed above occur.
Causes
There are some types of stress that are difficult to handle, and they may cause a nervous breakdown. Examples include:
- Severe personal tragedy (including death of a loved one, divorce, severe financial strain, and others)
- Work stress (also known as burnout) or other work- or school-related issues
- Loss of sleep (insomnia) or inability to relax
- Chronic diseases or worsening of an existing health condition
- Family turmoil or trouble in love relationships
Generally, there is no limit to the possible causes of this health problem. In some cases, a mental health crisis may occur due to a combination of the previous causes.
Risk Factors
Physicians have also identified some factors that may increase your risk of developing a nervous breakdown. Check some examples below:
- A history of family history of anxiety disorders
- Having a severe health condition or worsening of an existing one
- Psychiatric disorders that may worsen due to stressful life events
How to Prevent a Nervous Breakdown?
In general, there are multiple tips that may help reduce the risk or even prevent a nervous breakdown. While the following measures cannot prevent uncontrollable stress, anxiety, or depression, they may help cope better with stress and reduce the frequency of the episodes. Examples include:
- Relaxation strategies – These include meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation (including tensing and relaxing muscle groups). You can also visualize and focus your attention on something that calms you.
- Self-care measures – For example, good sleep habits, regular physical exercise, and dietary changes. Doctors may recommend adding more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet and avoiding recreational drugs, alcoholic drinks, large amounts of caffeine, and processed foods.
- Regular breaks – It is recommended to make a to-do list that will help reduce stress. It should include mini-breaks every hour. However, do not beat yourself if you have not accomplished everything on this list.
- Counseling – You should visit a counselor if you are no longer able to perform daily tasks. They may help learn more about stress management.
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis of a nervous breakdown begins with questions about:
- Your medical history, family history, and symptoms
- Medicines you are currently administering
- The use of recreational drugs and alcohol
Doctors may also perform a physical examination to check for abnormalities linked to this health problem. When doctors suspect mental health disorders, you can be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further testing.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for a nervous breakdown is a form of psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of this treatment is to reduce the frequency of episodes, relieve symptoms, and prevent life-threatening complications (such as suicidal thoughts). During this treatment, you will:
- Explore your stress deeper to find triggers
- Learn how to recognize and change your negative thoughts
- Use learn new skills that will help you better cope with stressful situations
- Learn techniques that help keep the mind and body calm
Sometimes, doctors may prescribe medicines to relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long might a nervous breakdown last?
It is difficult to say for certain how long an episode takes to recover from a mental health crisis. People are different, and they have unique triggers and the ability to cope with stress. In any case, if you think you have symptoms of a nervous breakdown or mental disorders, immediately contact your physician.
What is the difference between a psychotic break and a nervous breakdown?
While a nervous breakdown causes challenges in life due to stressful situations, psychotic breaks can cause someone to lose touch with reality and experience delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. Moreover, both conditions affect the person’s ability to perform daily tasks.
What happens when you have a mental health crisis?
People with mental health crises may feel like they are losing control. This health problem is caused by prolonged or intense stress that causes the following symptoms. For example, fear, anxiety, concerns, nervousness, depression, irritability, and others. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
