The term “nervous breakdown” may mean different things to different people. Many people use this phrase to describe feelings of overwhelming stress, panic, or anxiety. While many people use this term casually, it may describe experiencing symptoms of a treatable mental health condition.
This article will explore what a nervous breakdown is and how to treat it. You will learn:
- What the term “nervous breakdown” really means
- How to recognize the signs of a nervous breakdown
- What to expect in treatment for a nervous breakdown
- Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment and support
If you or someone in your life needs help managing a mental health issue, you are not alone. Find comprehensive, compassionate support at Renewed Light Mental Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.
What is a Nervous Breakdown?
Many people use the term “nervous breakdown” to describe feelings of stress and anxiety. It is not a recognized medical or mental health diagnosis. However, a mental breakdown can signify intense stress or symptoms of other mental health conditions.
Generally, people may use the term nervous breakdown to describe:
- Intense or chronic stress
- Physical or emotional exhaustion
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
People may use the term “nervous breakdown” to describe new or worsening mental health symptoms. In some cases, a nervous breakdown may indicate someone is having a mental health crisis.
It is essential to recognize the mental and physical symptoms of a nervous breakdown and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Signs of a Nervous Breakdown
The mental and physical symptoms of a nervous or mental breakdown may vary from person to person. Here is an overview of some common symptoms of a mental breakdown.
Anxiety
New or worsening anxiety may be part of a mental breakdown. Some symptoms of anxiety may include:
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Sleep problems
- Muscle tension
- Excessive sweating
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Nightmares
- A sense of uneasiness
- Clammy skin and hands
- Tightness in the throat or chest
- Shaking
- Stomach pain
- Digestive problems
People may experience anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms that affect daily life, including panic attacks. While a nervous breakdown isn’t a medical term, anxiety is a real condition that can get better with treatment.
Depression
Some mental or nervous breakdowns include symptoms of depression. Common depression symptoms include:
- Hopelessness
- Low energy
- Difficulty with concentration or focus
- Frustration or anger
- Feeling sad
- Frequent crying
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Thoughts about death, dying, or suicide
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can get better with treatment. If you or someone you love struggles with depression, contact a mental health professional right away.
Impaired functioning
A mental breakdown may involve falling behind in some aspects of daily life. People may:
- Give up hobbies or social activities
- Isolate more often
- Eat an unhealthy diet
- Stop going to appointments or meetings
- Miss work or skip class
- Sleep too much or too little
- Stop exercising
- Neglect hygiene
These and other signs of a mental breakdown can impact daily functioning. It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize these signs.
Symptoms of a mental illness
In some cases, a mental breakdown may include experiencing new symptoms of a mental health condition. This might include:
- Experiencing flashbacks from a traumatic event
- Having delusional thoughts
- Experiencing hallucinations
- Feeling paranoid
- Having angry outbursts or aggression
- Using drugs or alcohol to cope with physical or emotional pain
These signs are a clear indication that someone requires treatment and ongoing support to manage a mental health condition. Seek treatment as soon as possible if you or a loved one experiences these signs of a mental breakdown.
What Can Cause a Nervous Breakdown?
In some cases, a nervous breakdown may include symptoms of a diagnosable mental health condition. The symptoms of a mental breakdown may indicate that a person needs additional support or treatment.
Some potential causes of a nervous breakdown include:
- A new medical condition
- Long periods of work or stress without a break
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Recent life changes, such as a move, loss of a relationship, death of a loved one, or other stressful situation
Experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms is a sign someone needs help. Contact the Renewed Light Mental Health team to learn more about getting help for mental health conditions.
Treating a Nervous Breakdown
Treatment for mental health conditions typically includes:
- Assessments and screenings to ensure proper diagnosis
- Medications to treat symptoms of a mental health condition
- Behavioral therapies and counseling to help people explore the roots of their symptoms
- Lifestyle changes, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene, and more
- Support groups or group therapy
- Family therapy, when appropriate
- Education
Learning about a mental health condition and developing new coping skills can help people manage it for life. Each person follows a tailored treatment plan to ensure they get the therapies for their unique needs.
Find Mental Health Treatment Now
If you or someone you love needs treatment or support to manage a mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the Renewed Light Mental Health specialists to learn about our holistic treatment and support programs. You may also reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Psychiatry Online: The Mechanics of a “Breakdown”
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The diagnostic meaning of “nervous breakdown” among lay populations
