What is Mental Breakdown?
Mental breakdown relates to stress that makes a person feel unable to perform on a day-to-day basis.
This word was originally used to a wide range of mental diseases, such as:
-Anxiety depression Acute stress disorder
-Despite the fact that the word "mental breakdown" is no longer regarded as a medical word, many people nevertheless use it to describe: An inability to cope with life's obstacles is one of the most severe signs of stress.
In any given year, an estimated 26% of individuals in the United States (about 1 in every 4 persons) suffers from a diagnosable mental disease.
By the age of 14, half of all mental problems have developed, and three-quarters have developed by the age of 24. Only 41% of persons in the United States who suffered a mental illness in the previous year obtained professional health treatment or other treatments.
What are the signs of a mental breakdown?
When you have a breakdown, you may experience physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. The symptoms of a mental breakdown differ from one individual to the next. What symptoms you get might also be influenced by the underlying reason.
A mental breakdown has been characterized using a number of symptoms because the phrase is no longer accepted in the medical world. These are some of them:
- Tight muscles, clammy hands, dizziness, upset stomach, and trembling or shaking
- Insomnia hallucinations depressive symptoms, such as loss of hope and thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Anxiety with high blood pressure and tense muscles
- Panic attacks, which include chest discomfort, disconnection from reality and self, great anxiety, and difficulty breathing
- Paranoia, which includes the belief that someone is monitoring or stalking you flashbacks to a terrible incident, which might indicate untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Causes of Mental breakdowns
When stress becomes too great to handle, a person may experience a nervous breakdown. External factors might contribute to stress.
Among them are the following:
- A big life change such as a divorce
- A recent traumatic occurrence such as a death in the family
- Substantial financial troubles such as going into foreclosure
- Work-related stress
- Chronic medical issues that cause poor sleep
- Incapacity to relax
- Terrible experiences and events
- an abusive relationship in which the victim identifies as LGBTQIA and does not have the support of family or community
- Trauma caused by race
- As in combat, there is a lot of tension.
Factors that may contribute to a mental breakdown
A person's risk of having a nervous breakdown may be increased by several existing conditions. These are some of them:
Previous Medical Experience
An individual suffering from anxiety disorders or depression is more likely to experience a mental collapse.
History of the Family
If one or more members of your family suffer from depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness, you're more likely to experience a mental breakdown.
Experiencing a recent illness or injury
If you've recently suffered an accident or fallen ill, your body's stress levels may rise as well. An elevated degree of stress can raise the likelihood of a mental breakdown.
Treatment and prevention
There are various methods for reducing stress's mental and physical impacts.
The following are examples of common strategies:
- Undergoing psychotherapy — most often, cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT
- Antidepressant, antianxiety, and antipsychotic drugs are discussed with a doctor
- Taking measures to lessen or eliminate sources of stress, such as family problems or job expectations
- Deep breathing and meditation activities can help you relax mentally and physically
- Yoga and tai chi are examples of practices that emphasize gentle movement, stretching, and regulated breathing
- Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week, divided up into 20-minute bouts throughout the week
- Spending time in nature, walking, or engaging in a hobby
- Discussing troubling sentiments with friends, family, partners, and housemates
- A regular regimen for getting up, eating, and exercising
- Looking for individuals who have had similar experiences in a local or online support group
Diagnosis
There is no method to identify a nervous breakdown because it is not a recognized medical term.
A person who is overwhelmed by stress or worry, or who is unable to go on with their everyday activities, should seek medical care.
Any causes or medical issues that may be causing or contributing to the problem will be investigated by the doctor.
They will do this by:
- Enquiring about symptoms and things that affect one's lifestyle
- Carrying out a physical examination
- Examining the patient's medical history
They could also do tests to rule out a medical ailment.
How to manage your symptoms
You can interrupt the cycle of psychological or behavioral discomfort by doing the following:
- Arranging an appointment with your primary care provider for a comprehensive physical checkup to check that your general health is not contributing to your symptoms
- Using talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy to treat symptoms
- Taking prescription drugs to address symptoms, such as antidepressants or anti anxiety medication
- Acupuncture, massage therapy, or yoga are examples of alternative therapies.
Consider these tactics for controlling your symptoms if you're feeling overwhelmed and on the edge of a breakdown:
- When you're feeling nervous or agitated, take a deep breath and count backwards from ten.
- Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided in your diet
- Create a sleep regimen and routine that will allow you to get a good night's sleep. This may include taking a warm bath before night, turning off technological gadgets, or reading a book.
When to see a doctor
It's not unusual to feel helpless in the face of life's challenges at some point. However, if you're having trouble accomplishing your regular duties, you're not coping with stress in a healthy way.
A nervous breakdown might indicate the presence of a mental health problem. It's critical that you consult a doctor as soon as you see symptoms of a breakdown.
Physical symptoms can be treated with the aid of your doctor. They can also recommend a psychologist or psychiatrist for you. Your emotional, mental, and behavioral issues can be treated by these mental health providers.
If you don't currently have a mental health care provider, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find one in your region.
If a caregiver is concerned about a loved one's behavior or mental condition, they should call a doctor as soon as possible.
Tips for self-care
Changes in your lifestyle might help you avoid a nervous breakdown. They can also assist to reduce their intensity and frequency. These are some of them:
- going to a therapist or attending therapy sessions at least three times a week
- Strolling around your neighborhood for 30 minutes to manage stress
- Avoiding stress-inducing substances such as drugs, alcohol, coffee, and other stimulants
- Incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing into your everyday routine obtaining consistent sleep and sleeping for at least six hours a night
- Pacing yourself, taking mini-breaks, better arranging your environment and daily activities, and keeping a daily to-do list are all ways to reduce stress.
You can make these changes on your own, but it may be more helpful to work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that best meets your healthcare needs.
Conclusion
A mental breakdown is a broad word that refers to a state in which you are unable to carry out daily tasks. This disease is exceedingly inconvenient and can prevent you from achieving your full potential.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental breakdown, seek assistance right now. To lessen your stress levels, either contact a doctor or begin practicing home treatments.
REFERENCES
5 Surprising Mental Health Statistics - Mental Health First Aid
What Are the Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown? (healthline.com)
Nervous breakdown: Signs, symptoms, and treatment (medicalnewstoday.com)
What is a Mental Breakdown: Signs and Symptoms to Identify the Problem - Healthquotesabc.com