Mental Health

What is a Nervous Breakdown?

A nervous breakdown can be described as an acute emotional or psychological collapse. The term nervous breakdown is not a medical term, but rather a colloquial term used by the general public to refer to and characterise a wide range of mental illnesses.

It can occur when a person is unable to function in social roles anymore, experiencing severe depression or feelings of being out of touch with reality. This often occurs after a long period of stress which has not been adequately dealt with.

This inability to function can occur in both work and personal arenas, resulting in difficulty in fulfilling obligations. It also causes the individual to develop physical, mental and emotional symptoms. A person experiencing symptoms of a nervous breakdown may feel extreme tiredness, weakness, episodes of uncontrollable crying, confusion, disorientation and feelings of worthlessness.

There may also be a loss of self-esteem and confidence, extreme weight loss or weight gain, disrupted sleep patterns and feelings of guilt and despair. In severe cases, an inability to move, called catatonic posturing, may result. This is a serious psychiatric condition and should not be taken lightly.

Other Disorders Associated with a Nervous Breakdown

• Depression

• Panic disorder

• Panic attacks

• Anxiety disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Acute stress disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Trauma disorders

• Schizophrenia

• Psychotic disorders

• Mood (affective) disorders

• Bi-polar disorder

Learning to manage stress and identify the early symptoms of a nervous breakdown such as anxiety, depression and panic disorders can help to prevent its onset. Many people have experienced being on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and it is this feeling of overwhelming helplessness that has forced them to consider their position.

Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown & Early Warning Signs

There are physical, emotional and behavioural warning signs and symptoms of a nervous breakdown. They include:

Physical symptoms of a nervous breakdown

• Different sleep patterns - much longer periods of sleep or insomnia

• Muscular tension

• Spinal/back complaints

• Breathing problems

• Chest tension

• Language irregularities (mixing up words, hesitancy)

• Migraine headaches

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Low libido

• Memory loss

• Disrupted menstrual cycle

• Extreme exhaustion/fatigue

• Feelings of persistent anxiety or panic attacks

• Significant changes in appetite, such as eating too little or too much (‘comfort eating’)

• Visual/eye disturbances

Emotional symptoms

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Agitation and restlessness

• Indecision

• Loss of confidence and self-esteem

• Reluctance to mix socially

• Fears about health (concerns around heart attacks)

• Inability to stop crying

• Feelings of guilt, poor judgment

• Disinterest in social life and work or alienation from previously close friends and family

• Feelings of overwhelm

• Fear of crowds, social situations

• Hearing voices

• Inability to pursue a normal life, normal activities or normal relationships

• Increasing dependence on alcohol or drugs

• Paranoid thoughts, such as the thought people are trying to harm you

• Seeing people who are not there

• Thoughts of dying or wish to die

• Thoughts of grandeur or invincibility

• Having flashbacks to a prior traumatic event

• Hearing voices

Behavioural symptoms

• Mood swings

• Strange behaviour such as odd body movements

• Exhibiting strong or violent anger

• Reclusiveness

In more extreme cases, psychosis can occur where the person will experience complete loss of contact with reality. The symptoms may include hallucinations or visions, feelings of victimization or persecution, strange speech patterns and behaviours as well as extreme guilt or grandiosity. As feelings of anxiety and depression develop, some people find their daily lives are severely disrupted, e.g. they may feel tired and de-motivated, unable to go to work, get out of bed, or complete the simplest of domestic tasks. This loss of engagement with people and activities can result in the person withdrawing, making the breakdown/mental illness a very isolating experience.

What Causes a Nervous Breakdown?

There is always a trigger or catalyst that sparks a nervous breakdown. Breakdowns usually stem from a change in a major life event such as a broken relationship, death of a loved one, a demanding job or financial difficulties. Factors that may contribute to a breakdown include:

• Stress

• Depression

• Alcohol and drug abuse, particularly cocaine

• Genetics (family history)

• Coexisting medical conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, movement disorders, skin and limb problems, etc.

• Anxiety surrounding major life changes or disorders, such as pregnancy/after birth/labour, menopause, etc.

• Schizophrenia

• Extreme guilt or emotional problems

• Spiritual/belief contradictions

Solutions?

It isn't always possible to change the circumstances that have brought on the condition however it is possible to change how an individual responds to those circumstances. It is possible to identify the detrimental cyclic or learnt reactions and to put in place alternatives. It is possible to provide supportive, accountability that with professional  stewardship can forge a phased nervous breakdown recovery.