A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental breakdown, is when you experience intense mental distress, making you unable to function in your daily life. This is the time when your physical and emotional stress becomes intolerable and conflicts one’s ability to function correctly. It is important that you seek medical attention if you are experiencing too many of these nervous breakdowns as it can turn out to be an undiagnosed mental illness that you may have.
How Do You Know If You Are Having a Nervous Breakdown?
Common symptoms of a nervous breakdown can mean suffering with depression in which you have suicidal thoughts or commit self-harm. You could also be experiencing anxiety where you have high blood pressure, shakiness, dizziness, or an upset stomach. Other symptoms may include hallucinations, insomnia, panic attacks, extreme mood swings, paranoia where you think someone is watching or stalking you, or having flashbacks of a traumatic event which can mean an undiagnosed PTSD. Having a nervous breakdown can also mean you are withdrawing from the people that you love as well as taking care of yourself such as not bathing, avoiding social functions, not hardly eating or sleeping well, calling in sick to avoid going to work, or living in isolation.
What Can Lead to a Nervous Breakdown?
People have nervous breakdowns when their stress levels are too big to tolerate. It can be if you are going through a lot of stress at work whether you are not satisfied with your job or having long hours. It can also be if you suffered a recent traumatic event like a death in the family or if you are having serious financial issues. Other factors can be if you have a family history of anxiety or a recent injury or illness that has made it hard for you to function.
How Do You Treat a Nervous Breakdown?
If you are experiencing a nervous breakdown, cognitive behavioral therapy can help change your negative thoughts into positive ones. You can also take medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to treat any chemical imbalances. Yoga can help you focus on your breathing and staying in the present. If this nervous breakdown is overwhelming, breathe deeply and count backwards from ten as well as cutting caffeine and alcohol from your diet. Through lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy, you will be in control in case the next one comes.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.