Nervous breakdowns can be debilitating and overwhelming experiences that can leave individuals feeling helpless and out of control. However, it’s important to note that there is hope for those who are struggling with a nervous breakdown. With the right treatment plan, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and regain control over their lives. This post will explore the various treatment options available for nervous breakdowns, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. We will also provide tips on how to cope during an episode and how to prevent future episodes from occurring.
What Is a Nervous Breakdown?
A nervous breakdown, sometimes known as a mental breakdown, is a term used to describe emotional or psychological distress caused by stressful situations or traumatic events. This emotional distress can hinder an individual’s ability to function in everyday life. While it’s not a medical diagnosis or a clinical diagnosis of a mental health issue, it often indicates an underlying mental condition such as depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, mood disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders. You should contact a mental health professional for a more accurate diagnosis.
Causes and Triggers of a Nervous Breakdown
While the exact cause of a nervous breakdown is unknown, most breakdowns are triggered by intense stress. Some of the most common causes of a mental breakdown include the following:
- Academic pressure
- Recent injury or illness that impacts daily life
- A traumatic event, such as a death of a loved one
- Diagnosis of a chronic disease or medical condition
- Social and political unrest
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and COVID-19
- Exposure to violence, abuse, discrimination, or mass shooting
- Financial issues or job loss
- Major life changes, such as moving abroad
- Poor sleeping habits and lack of quality sleep
- Planning a major life event such as a wedding
- Experiencing parental burnout
- Personal history or family history of anxiety disorders
Common Signs and Symptoms
Nervous breakdown symptoms can vary between individuals. Depending on the cause of the breakdown, the manifestations may be physical, psychological, or behavioral. Common symptoms of a mental breakdown include the following:
- Extreme mood swings
- Emotional outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased heart rate
- Gastrointestinal issues such as an upset stomach
- Lack of appetite
- Inability to keep up with daily routine
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable
- Panic attacks
- Social withdrawal
- Extreme fear or paranoia
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms
- Suicidal ideation and behaviors
- Thoughts of self-harm
If you think you’re experiencing a mental breakdown and believe you may harm yourself, contact the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Treatment for Nervous Breakdowns
Experiencing a mental breakdown can be overwhelming and scary, but seeking professional help is the first step toward recovery. The most common forms of treatment can include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
- Psychotherapy – Forms of talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are often the most preferred treatment options for dealing with emotional stress. CBT is one of the most popular forms of talk therapy used in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders and major depression. It works by helping the individual identify irrational and false beliefs and thoughts and replace them with healthy coping mechanisms and strategies for dealing with challenging situations.
- Medication – Psychiatrists often use prescription medication to treat psychological symptoms or underlying mental health disorders. For example, antidepressant medications are generally utilized to treat an underlying anxiety disorder.
- Lifestyle changes – Your healthcare provider or therapist may encourage you to make healthy lifestyle changes to your current routine. From physical activity to regular mental breaks, lifestyle changes can help reduce stress levels.
Seeking professional mental health care can help you determine the cause of your mental health crisis and prevent its recurrence in the future. Individuals needing additional assistance and support should consider receiving care at an inpatient mental health facility.
Self-Care Tips for Nervous Breakdowns
Looking after yourself and implementing lifestyle changes can help you manage your stress levels and reduce the frequency and intensity of a mental breakdown. Here are a few self-care tips that you can implement to improve your psychological and physical well-being:
- Engage in exercise or physical activity at least three times a week
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Attend individual and group therapy
- Avoid drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances
- Get adequate sleep (at least 7 hours a night)
- Set realistic goals and take regular mental breaks
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation
While these lifestyle changes can be implemented independently, the most effective approach would be to collaborate with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan incorporating a combination of solutions.
Turning Point Centers is here if you or someone you love is struggling with a mental disorder, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder. We work tirelessly to provide the best treatment and support for various mental health issues in a safe and comfortable environment.