A mental breakdown or a nervous breakdown is a state of psychological distress wherein an individual has experienced extreme physical, mental and/or emotional stress which they are not able to cope with and are not able to function effectively.
It can be compared to a mobile phone or device overheating causing it to malfunction or shut down completely. In a similar way, our mind and body can get overwhelmed and shut down or not be able to function regularly under extreme distress.
What can cause a mental breakdown?
Usually this may be caused as a result of stress building up over time but there are some triggering factors as well that can offset a nervous breakdown. Some circumstances that may induce or contribute as signs leading to a nervous breakdown include:
- Significant life changes such as death of a loved one
- Divorce or separation
- Relationship issues or abusive relationships
- Accident or serious/chronic illness
- Financial concerns or debt
- Burnout from work or school
- Lack of sleep
- Disruption of stability or identity
- Job loss or relocation
- Traumatic events or violence
- A high substance dependence or use with prolonged exposure to stress
Symptoms and signs of a mental breakdown
The symptoms one experiences may be physical, behavioral or psychological. Some signs of a nervous breakdown are:
- Feeling overwhelmed physically, emotionally and/or mentally
- Loss of control
- Feeling stuck and unable to function
- Feeling numb and helpless
- An extreme sense of looming hopelessness
- Low energy and fatigue
- Anger, irritability, mood swings or emotional outbursts
- Decreased concentration and focus
- Isolation and avoidance towards social interaction, work, completing tasks
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Nightmares or difficulty in sleeping
- Dizziness, sweating, and muscle tension
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shaking and tremors
In case of an emergency, if you think that you or someone you know may be experience this and require immediate assistance, call an emergency helpline number as they can help out!
What can you do to help?
If you know someone or are with someone who is having a nervous breakdown, the best thing to do is understand and respectfully offer an ear to listen and most importantly, offer a safe space for them and be patient. Some things you can do to assist someone having a mental breakdown:
- Create a safe environment and be calm as your balanced and neutral reaction can be reassuring to them and a space where they know they can openly express themselves if needed without any judgement provides a sense of security.
- Ensure safety by removing any objects that may be used for self-harm.
- Listen to them if they want to share, vent, shout, express their feelings and thoughts and further, do not pressurize them to talk but merely let them if and when they want to, you are there to listen.
- Offer reassurance to them by acknowledging that they may be experiencing very strong emotions but that they will subside with time and let them know you are there to support them.
- You can suggest simple breathing activities, going for a walk, any movement or engaging in a calming activity that they enjoy.
- Do not make assumptions or invalidate their feelings, thoughts or experiences but acknowledge them and tell them their feelings are valid and understandable.
- Respect any boundaries and preferences that they are comfortable with.
- Encourage or help them in contacting a mental health professional or emergency helpline if they are comfortable and offer to help them in finding resources if symptoms worsen, you can also accompany them to appointments if needed.
- Last but not the least, its important to be patient and just be there to support them, you might want them to get immediate help or know more details, ask questions but refrain from doing so and let them set the pace for seeking support themselves.
- Do check in afterwards to see how they are doing and recovering from this experience and try to build a social support network.
Supporting someone experiencing an emotional breakdown can be emotionally draining and challenging. Remember to take your own time to process, cope, prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.
Treatment for a nervous breakdown
Depending on associated factors such as the risk of self-harm or hurting others, substance use or any medications one experiencing a mental breakdown may be under, a combination of treatment methods can be used.
Most commonly for a mental breakdown Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Talk Therapy, medications and social support programs are recommended. Further, stress management, breathing, mindfulness and meditation activities and lifestyle changes are suggested as well.
While you can offer support, assistance, advice and reduce the burden when helping someone who is experiencing a mental breakdown, do remember that they are at risk and under extreme distress. A mental health professional’s treatment and support is irreplaceable as they can provide appropriate and relevant intervention to the individual in need of care post an assessment and evaluation. Here is where we come in and can help you connect to a professional.
At North America Behavioral Health Services, we help you get the support you need when going through a mental breakdown!
Reach out to us today to know more.
