In today’s modern era, the prominence of mental health challenges such as experiencing mental breakdowns is becoming more evident. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 8.5 million Australians experience a mental disorder at some point in their life. In a world where our minds often feel like traffic crossroads during rush hour, mental breakdowns have become the unfortunate road craters on our journey. To navigate this complex terrain, recognising the warning signs, understanding the curves and bends along its path, and deploying effective solutions become our mental GPS, steering us back to smoother roads of well-being.
What is mental breakdown?
A mental breakdown, also referred to as a nervous breakdown, is a colloquial term used to describe a period of intense emotional or psychological distress that hinders an individual’s ability to cope with life’s demands and function effectively in everyday life. It is not a medical term recognised by mental health professionals but is often used to reflect a condition of overwhelming stress, depression, anxiety, or emotional turmoil. It can be sparked by various factors such as chronic tension, lingering stress, traumatic events, or underlying mental health conditions. Seeking professional help from a therapist or a psychiatrist is necessary for managing and recovering from a mental breakdown.Stages of mental or nervous breakdown
The stages of mental breakdown may vary from person to person, but some of the most common stages are listed below:- Provoking event: An important stress factor or a series of stressors provokes overwhelming emotional or psychological distress.
- Escalation: Manifestations of distress intensify, leading to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, or inability to cope with day-to-day life.
- Crisis point: Individuals may experience a crisis point where they feel totally submerged, unable to function, or even have self-harm thoughts.
- Physical symptoms: Physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, persistent headaches, or insomnia may accompany psychological distress.
- Loss of functioning: Daily functioning is significantly debilitated, making it extremely difficult to perform tasks at work or home.
- Isolation: Individuals start withdrawing from social interactions and isolate themselves from family, friends and colleagues.
- Seeking help: Eventually, individuals may understand the need for help and seek support from mental healthcare providers, family or friends.
- Recovery: With appropriate treatment, guidance, and coping strategies, individuals can gradually recover and regain their ability to function successfully.
Signs and symptoms of mental breakdown
Signs and symptoms of a mental breakdown can vary among individuals and depend on the root cause of the breakdown. Here are some common signs and symptoms categorized by physical, emotional, and behavioural indicators:Physical symptoms:
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Stomach-aches
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or other sleep issues
- Changes in appetite
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Trembling or shaking
- Frequent illness due to a weakened immune system
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Uncontrollable crying
- Sweaty palms
- Digestive issues or other stomach problems
Emotional symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Feeling detached
- Fearfulness
- Hopelessness
- Intense feelings of overwhelm
- Guilt or shame
Behavioural symptoms:
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding responsibilities
- Forgetfulness
- Changes in communication such as talking faster or slower than usual
- Self-harming behaviours
- Loss of interest in favourite activities
- Increased usage of substances such as alcohol or drugs
- Restlessness
- Unable to distinguish between the real and the imaginary
- Paranoia or believing someone is constantly watching or stalking
Causes
The causes of a mental breakdown can be multifaceted and varied. Some common contributing factors include- Prolonged stress: Chronic stress from work, financial difficulties, relationships, or other life circumstances can profoundly affect an individual's coping mechanisms and increase the risk of a breakdown.
- Trauma: Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as violence, accidents, or natural disasters can serve as triggers for a mental breakdown.
- Underlying mental health conditions: Pre-existing conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety can elevate the vulnerability to a breakdown, particularly during periods of prolonged stress impacting mental health.
- Major life changes: Significant life events like divorce, relocation, loss of a loved one, or chronic illness can disrupt an individual's sense of stability and precipitate a breakdown.
- Genetic factors: Individuals with a family history of mental illness may be more susceptible to experiencing a breakdown.
- Substance abuse: Misuse of alcohol or drugs can exacerbate symptoms of mental health disorders and serve as triggers for a breakdown.
- Perfectionism: Unrealistic expectations or high levels of perfectionism can lead to chronic stress and elevate the risk of a breakdown.
- Unresolved emotional problems: Suppressed emotions or unresolved grief can accumulate over time and ultimately culminate in a breakdown if not addressed.
How to protect against mental breakdowns?
Here are some methods you can adopt to destress yourself and prevent mental breakdowns when feeling overwhelmed:- Limit alcohol and caffeine: These substances can disrupt sleep and exacerbate mental health symptoms.
- Regular physical activity: Regularly exercise to alleviate mental distress and maintain physical fitness.
- Healthy diet: Consume a healthy lifestyle and diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
- Establish a bedtime routine: Create a routine that supports healthy sleep habits, such as turning off electronics an hour before bed, reading, or taking a warm bath.
- Stress-relieving activities: Practice stress-relieving activities like yoga, breathing exercises, and massage therapy.
- Psychotherapy: Consider psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, to address and manage mental health concerns.
- Practice gratitude: Recognize your blessings and foster a sense of gratitude.
- Prioritise relationships and hobbies: Make time for the people and activities you care about.
- Take regular breaks: Incorporate small breaks into your workday to reduce stress. Taking stress leave from work or mental health day is recommended by many professionals.
When to seek help?
It's normal to occasionally feel overwhelmed by life's demands, but persistent stress can become a health risk. If you anticipate a nervous breakdown or notice symptoms interfering with your daily activities, it's essential to consult a medical professional. Your doctor can assist in managing physical symptoms and may refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another mental health specialist to address behavioural, mental, and emotional issues. If you're concerned about a loved one's behaviour or mental health, encourage them to seek help from a doctor promptly. Mental breakdowns are complex phenomena marked by emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. By understanding the signs, stages, and solutions, individuals can navigate difficult times with resilience and support to address this urgent issue effectively.
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Reference
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
