A Mental Breakdown – also known as a Nervous Breakdown, is used to describe a situation where an individual temporarily stops functioning due to intense emotional or physical distress.
The breakdown will typically leave an individual unable to function, and may require immediate treatment. A mental breakdown is naturally associated with numerous mental health conditions.
The conditions that mental breakdowns are associated with include, but are not limited to, Depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Anxiety and Eating Disorders. In this article, we take a look at them.
Background
The terms “mental breakdown” and “nervous breakdown” were once used as a one-size fits all approach to mental disorders.
However, due to the diverse range of differences between different mental conditions, the term “Nervous breakdown” no longer describes a specific condition.
However, it is now referred to as a time-bound episode of intense emotional or physical distress. As mentioned above, a breakdown is a very distressful event for someone to live through.
It is possible for a mental breakdown to appear prior to any diagnosis of a psychiatric condition. However, it is often seen as an event after a diagnosis has been made.
In many cases, there will be a certain trigger that will lead to an individual having a breakdown. Think of it as the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back. After all, the human mind can take only so much torment and distress.
What are the signs of a mental breakdown?
Typical signs of a mental breakdown include:
- Being depressed to the point of catatonia (awake but unresponsive to their environment)
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Total withdrawal from social events
- Endless crying
- Being devoid of motivation
- Being unable to enjoy anything
- Poor hygiene
- Panic attack
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- In some cases, symptoms of psychosis e.g. paranoia
What causes a mental breakdown?
A mental breakdown is caused when the body or mind cannot handle an event or certain distressful happening. It may be a minor event that is simply an accumulating factor that results in a breakdown.
Often, it is caused by a traumatic event. Can be anything that triggers the breakdown, however includes:
- Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event
- Having a pre-existing or underlying mental health condition
- Family history of mental health disorders
- Bereavement
- Taking part in a highly stressful event
- Loneliness
How is a mental breakdown treated?
The thing that is most important in a mental breakdown is to provide the affected individual with support. If they are struggling to function, seeing a Doctor is very important.
In the short-term, it is possible that a benzodiazepine will be prescribed, as this can provide someone with a push.
In the long-term, it is important an individual receives some form of talking therapy, and if necessary, medication like antidepressants (or antipsychotics if needed).
Summary
A mental breakdown can happen to anyone. While it is normal for anyone who has experienced a traumatic or stressful event to feel hopeless and exhibit low mood for a few days, for some, a total breakdown can occur.
It is very important to receive treatment in the short-term first of all. This should achieve the aim of getting an individual functioning again. In the long-term, efforts will be made towards treating the underlying condition that is associated with the breakdown.
Ultimately, a mental breakdown may be a short-term pain, which results in long-term gain.
See Also
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Helplines
If you are struggling with your mental health, help is available. With the right support and treatment, you can make a recovery. For information on helplines, or if you are in a state of crisis, please visit our crisis page by clicking on the relevant link for your geographical location (United Kingdom), (United States), (International). You can also see how to get mental health treatment and the process involved by clicking this link.
