Symptoms and Signs of a Nervous Mental Breakdown
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cureus.com/articles/13630-neurohormonal-regulation-of-appetite-and-its-relationship-with-stress-a-mini-literature-reviewAnxiety disorders. (2022).
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disordersCackovic C, et al. (2022). Panic disorder.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430973/Chirico F. (2015). Adjustment disorders in DSM-5: Implications for occupational health surveillance.
psychopathology.imedpub.com/adjustment-disorders-in-dsm5-implications-for-occupationalhealth-surveillance.php?aid=7212Depression. (2022).
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depressionFatigue. (n.d.).
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fatigueNervous breakdown. (2021).
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdownWhat are sleep disorders? (2020).
psychiatry.org/patients-families/sleep-disorders/what-are-sleep-disordersWhat is cognitive behavioral therapy? (2017).
apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioralWhat is posttraumatic stress disorder? (2020).
psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsdYaribeygi H, et al. (2017). The impact of stress on body function: A review.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 23, 2022 By Annamarya Scaccia Edited By Rachael Link Medically Reviewed By Nicole Washington, DO, MPH Copy Edited By Megan McMorris Dec 3, 2021 By Annamarya Scaccia Edited By Colleen de Bellefonds Medically Reviewed By Lori Lawrenz, PsyD Copy Edited By Chris Doka VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Annamarya Scaccia — Updated on September 22, 2022
How to Recognize and Treat the Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown
Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Annamarya Scaccia — Updated on September 22, 2022A nervous breakdown is often triggered by intense stress and can cause both psychological and physical symptoms. A doctor may recommend a combination of treatment options, which could include talk therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.What is a nervous breakdown
A “nervous breakdown” or “mental breakdown” is a term used to describe a period of intense mental distress or illness that occurs suddenly. During this period, you may be unable to function in your everyday life. A nervous breakdown can be caused by several triggers, including:major life changeslack of sleepfinancial problemsabuseincreased stress levels, or burnouta sudden tragedy This term was once used to refer to a wide variety of mental health conditions, including:depressionanxietyacute stress disorder “Nervous breakdown” is not a medical term or official diagnosis of a specific condition. It doesn’t have one agreed-upon definition but is instead used by many people to describe intense symptoms of stress and an inability to cope with life’s challenges. What others see as a nervous breakdown can also be an undiagnosed mental health condition.How to find help for a nervous breakdown
If you think that you or someone you know may be experiencing this, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-622-4357. Resources include: a free 24-hour informational helplineinformation about mental healtha treatment services locatorSymptoms and signs
The signs of a nervous breakdown vary from person to person. The underlying cause can also affect the types of symptoms you experience. You may experience symptoms that are:physicalpsychologicalbehavioral Since the term “nervous breakdown” is not used in the medical community, this mental state been described with a wide variety of symptoms that tend to appear suddenly.Symptoms of depression or anxiety
Some people may experience symptoms of depression or anxiety as a result of prolonged stress. Possible symptoms of depression include:feeling persistently sad or hopelessfeeling guilty or worthlesslow energy or fatigueloss of interest in hobbies or activitiesthoughts of suicide or self-harm Meanwhile, symptoms of anxiety may include:feeling on edge or restlessirritabilityclammy handsdizzinessupset stomachChanges in appetite
Stress often leads to changes in appetite. While some people may experience a loss of appetite in response to stress, others may cope with stressful situations by overeating.Poor sleep
High levels of stress can cause difficulties falling or staying asleep. Sleep disorders also often occur alongside certain mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Additionally, poor sleep quality and insomnia can interfere with your ability to function and may contribute to or exacerbate symptoms of mental health conditions.Panic attacks
Some people may experience panic attacks in response to extreme stress. This can cause symptoms such as:extreme fear or a sense of doomdifficulty breathingtrembling or shakingan accelerated heart rate or heart palpitationssweatingFatigue
High amounts of stress can cause feelings of tiredness and fatigue. Not only that, but certain issues associated with stress, such as poor sleep, can also contribute to low energy levels and exhaustion.Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD symptoms
PTSD is a condition that can occur after exposure to a traumatic event. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares about the eventavoidance of places or situations that trigger related memoriescontinuing to feel guilt or shame about the eventself-destructive or reckless behaviorsextreme mood swings or unexplained outburstshallucinations, which means hearing noises or seeing things that do not have an external stimulusparanoia, such as believing someone is watching you or stalking youDifficulty concentrating
Some research suggests that stress can cause changes to the function and structure of the brain, which could affect memory and concentration. High levels of stress may also negatively affect learning, making it more difficult to perform at work or school.Withdrawal
People experiencing a nervous breakdown may also withdraw from family, friends, and coworkers. Signs of withdrawal may include:avoiding social functions and engagementseating and sleeping poorlymaintaining poor hygienecalling in sick to work for days or not showing up to work at allisolating yourself in your homeExperiencing a mental health crisis
If you’re experiencing a crisis, think you may harm yourself, or are having thoughts of suicide, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at 800-273-8255.Causes triggers and risk factors
A person may report having a nervous breakdown when stress is too much for them to bear. That stress can be caused by external influences. Potential causes and triggers of a nervous breakdown include:recent injury or illness that makes daily life difficult to managerecent traumatic event, such as a death in the familypersistent stress at work or schoolrelationship changes, such as a divorcejob lossexposure to violencediscriminationserious financial issues, such as a home going into foreclosurea major life change, such as a relocationpoor sleep chronic medical conditions A personal or family history of mental health conditions can increase a person’s risk of experiencing a nervous breakdown. A lack of strong social support may also contribute.Treatments
If you think you or someone you love might be experiencing a nervous breakdown, make an appointment with a primary care physician or a mental health professional. Seeing a healthcare professional is especially critical if you’re at risk of hurting yourself or others. A doctor will give you a complete physical exam and discuss any medications you’re currently taking to ensure other factors are not contributing to your symptoms. They may then refer you to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatments, which could include:talk therapymedicationslifestyle changesTalk therapy
A doctor may recommend talk therapy to treat your symptoms. One common type of psychotherapy that’s commonly used is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has been proven effective at treating anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health conditions. It involves identifying problematic thought patterns and learning coping skills to better navigate challenging situations.Medications
In addition to talk therapy, a doctor may recommend prescription medications to treat symptoms or other diagnosed mental health conditions. This may include an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.Lifestyle changes
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of a breakdown, consider these strategies for managing your symptoms:Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which may worsen symptoms of mental health conditions and interfere with sleep.Exercise regularly, which helps combat stress and improve sleep. Regular physical activity has also been shown to improve the symptoms of many mental health conditions.Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and legumes.Develop a bedtime schedule and routine that will help you sleep well. This could involve taking a warm bath, reading a book, or switching off electronic devices an hour before bed. Practice stress-relieving techniques, such as: acupuncturemassage therapyyogabreathing exercisesWhen to contact a doctor
It’s not uncommon to feel unable to cope with life’s stresses at one time or another. But stress can become a health concern if it begins to interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks. A nervous breakdown could be a sign of a mental health condition. It’s important for you to see a doctor as soon as you notice signs of a breakdown. A primary care doctor can help you treat the physical symptoms. They can also refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional who can treat your emotional, mental, and behavioral symptoms. Caregivers should also contact a doctor as soon as possible if they’re worried about a loved one’s behavior or mental state.Tips for self-care
Lifestyle modifications can help you prevent a nervous breakdown. They can also help lessen the severity and frequency of them. These include:getting regular exercise at least three times a week, which can be as simple as walking around your neighborhood for 30 minutesseeing a mental health professional or attending counseling sessions to manage stressavoiding drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that stress the bodysleeping for at least 7 hours per nightincorporating relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, into your daily routinereducing your day-to-day stress level by: pacing yourselftaking mini breaks organizing your environment and daily activitieskeeping a daily to-do list You can make these changes on your own, but it may be more helpful to work with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan that best meets your needs.Finding support
If you think you might be having a nervous breakdown, contact a doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can help determine the cause, diagnose any health conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, and refer you to a specialist for further care. The following organizations can also provide information, support, and referrals to mental health professionals:SAMHSANational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Mental Health America (MHA)Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)Healthline FindCare tool, which allows you to browse mental healthcare professionals in your areaTakeaway
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. A nervous breakdown may also be a sign of another underlying mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. If you think you’re having a nervous breakdown, it’s important to see a primary care doctor or mental healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can help diagnose any mental or physical health conditions and determine underlying causes for a breakdown. A doctor may refer you to another healthcare professional. They may also provide therapy, medications, or lifestyle recommendations to treat mental health conditions and help you find a healthier way to cope with stress. Last medically reviewed on September 22, 2022How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Ans AH, et al. (2018). Neurohormonal regulation of appetite and its relationship with stress: A mini literature review.cureus.com/articles/13630-neurohormonal-regulation-of-appetite-and-its-relationship-with-stress-a-mini-literature-reviewAnxiety disorders. (2022).
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disordersCackovic C, et al. (2022). Panic disorder.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430973/Chirico F. (2015). Adjustment disorders in DSM-5: Implications for occupational health surveillance.
psychopathology.imedpub.com/adjustment-disorders-in-dsm5-implications-for-occupationalhealth-surveillance.php?aid=7212Depression. (2022).
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depressionFatigue. (n.d.).
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fatigueNervous breakdown. (2021).
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdownWhat are sleep disorders? (2020).
psychiatry.org/patients-families/sleep-disorders/what-are-sleep-disordersWhat is cognitive behavioral therapy? (2017).
apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioralWhat is posttraumatic stress disorder? (2020).
psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsdYaribeygi H, et al. (2017). The impact of stress on body function: A review.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 23, 2022 By Annamarya Scaccia Edited By Rachael Link Medically Reviewed By Nicole Washington, DO, MPH Copy Edited By Megan McMorris Dec 3, 2021 By Annamarya Scaccia Edited By Colleen de Bellefonds Medically Reviewed By Lori Lawrenz, PsyD Copy Edited By Chris Doka VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Annamarya Scaccia — Updated on September 22, 2022