A nervous breakdown refers to a mainstream and often-used term to generically describe someone who experiences a bout of mental illness that is so severe, it directly impacts their ability to function in everyday life. The specific mental illness can be anything — depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or something else. But the reference to a “nervous breakdown” usually refers to the fact that the person has basically stopped their daily routines — going to work, interacting with loved ones or friends, even just getting out of bed to eat or shower.
A nervous breakdown can be seen as a sign that one’s ability to cope with life or a mental illness has been overwhelmed by stress, life events, work or relationship issues. By disconnecting from their regular responsibilities and routines, an individual’s nervous breakdown may allow them to try and regroup their coping skills and temporarily relieve the stress in their life.
Someone with a nervous breakdown may be seen as having “checked out” from society temporarily. They no longer maintain their social relationships with others, and find it difficult or impossible to go to work and may call in sick multiple days in a row. People with a nervous breakdown often don’t even have the coping resources available to take care of themselves, or do much more than rudimentary self-care and maintaining. They may over-eat (if it provides them comfort) or simply fail to eat altogether, not feeling the need or energy to do so.
Since a nervous breakdown is not a clinical or scientific term, it’s meaning can also vary in terms of its length and severity, as well as outcomes. Many people who suffer from a nervous breakdown usually seek out treatment (or have treatment sought out on their behalf by a loved one), and treatment is usually on the serious end of the spectrum of all the interventions available. Inpatient hospitalization for a serious nervous breakdown would not be unusual, to help a person become stabilized and find an effective treatment strategy for the mental disorder they’re affected by.
People who suffer from a nervous breakdown and seek out treatment for it will usually recover from the most extreme depths of the “breakdown” within a few weeks’ time (which may be quickened with inpatient psychiatric treatment). Longer-term recovery usually takes months of ongoing outpatient treatment with mental health specialists, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
A nervous breakdown is not a condition to be afraid of, as it is simply an indication of overhwelming stress and mental illness in a person’s life. Loved ones and friends of someone who is suffering from a nervous breakdown should be supportive of the individual’s efforts in seeking help for it.
How Can You Cope with a Nervous Breakdown?
A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental or emotional breakdown, is a serious and overwhelming reaction to stress that can leave a person feeling out of control and unable to function normally. Coping with a nervous breakdown requires careful and thoughtful attention to one’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are five different ways a person can cope with a nervous breakdown:
- Seek professional help: The first and most important step in coping with a nervous breakdown is to seek professional help. A mental health professional such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor can provide a safe and supportive environment where the person can explore their feelings and develop coping strategies. They can also recommend appropriate medication if necessary.
- Practice self-care: Practicing self-care is essential for coping with a nervous breakdown. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise or physical activity. Other self-care practices may include taking time for hobbies or activities that bring joy, meditating, or journaling.
- Connect with loved ones: Support from loved ones can help a person cope with a nervous breakdown. This may involve talking to a close friend or family member, joining a support group, or seeking out community resources. It is important to surround oneself with positive and supportive people who can offer encouragement and understanding.
- Reduce stress: Nervous breakdowns are often triggered by high levels of stress. To cope, it is important to identify and reduce sources of stress in one’s life. This may involve adjusting work responsibilities, setting boundaries with others, or taking time off to focus on healing.
- Focus on the present: Nervous breakdowns can be overwhelming and cause a person to feel out of control. To cope, it can be helpful to focus on the present moment and take things one step at a time. This may involve mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, yoga, or guided imagery. By focusing on the present moment, a person can reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, and gradually work towards feeling more in control of their life.