Show A nervous breakdown is often triggered by intense stress and can cause both psychological and physical symptoms. A doctor may recommend a combination of treatment options, which could include talk therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. A “nervous breakdown” or “mental breakdown” is a term used to describe a period of intense mental distress or illness that occurs suddenly. During this period, you may be unable to function in your everyday life. A nervous breakdown can be caused by several triggers, including: This term was once used to refer to a wide variety of mental health conditions, including:
“Nervous breakdown” is not a medical term or official diagnosis of a specific condition. It doesn’t have one agreed-upon definition but is instead used by many people to describe intense symptoms of stress and an inability to cope with life’s challenges. What others see as a nervous breakdown can also be an undiagnosed mental health condition. The signs of a nervous breakdown vary from person to person. The underlying cause can also affect the types of symptoms you experience. You may experience symptoms that are:
Since the term “nervous breakdown” is not used in the medical community, this mental state been described with a wide variety of symptoms that tend to appear suddenly. Symptoms of depression or anxietySome people may experience symptoms of depression or anxiety as a result of prolonged stress. Possible symptoms of depression include:
Meanwhile, symptoms of anxiety may include:
Changes in appetiteStress often leads to changes in appetite. While some people may experience a loss of appetite in response to stress, others may cope with stressful situations by overeating. Poor sleepHigh levels of stress can cause difficulties falling or staying asleep. Sleep disorders also often occur alongside certain mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Additionally, poor sleep quality and insomnia can interfere with your ability to function and may contribute to or exacerbate symptoms of mental health conditions. Panic attacksSome people may experience panic attacks in response to extreme stress. This can cause symptoms such as:
FatigueHigh amounts of stress can cause feelings of tiredness and fatigue. Not only that, but certain issues associated with stress, such as poor sleep, can also contribute to low energy levels and exhaustion. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomsPTSD is a condition that can occur after exposure to a traumatic event. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
Difficulty concentratingSome research suggests that stress can cause changes to the function and structure of the brain, which could affect memory and concentration. High levels of stress may also negatively affect learning, making it more difficult to perform at work or school. WithdrawalPeople experiencing a nervous breakdown may also withdraw from family, friends, and coworkers. Signs of withdrawal may include:
A person may report having a nervous breakdown when stress is too much for them to bear. That stress can be caused by external influences. Potential causes and triggers of a nervous breakdown include:
A personal or family history of mental health conditions can increase a person’s risk of experiencing a nervous breakdown. A lack of strong social support may also contribute. If you think you or someone you love might be experiencing a nervous breakdown, make an appointment with a primary care physician or a mental health professional. Seeing a healthcare professional is especially critical if you’re at risk of hurting yourself or others. A doctor will give you a complete physical exam and discuss any medications you’re currently taking to ensure other factors are not contributing to your symptoms. They may then refer you to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatments, which could include:
Talk therapyA doctor may recommend talk therapy to treat your symptoms. One common type of psychotherapy that’s commonly used is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has been proven effective at treating anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health conditions. It involves identifying problematic thought patterns and learning coping skills to better navigate challenging situations. MedicationsIn addition to talk therapy, a doctor may recommend prescription medications to treat symptoms or other diagnosed mental health conditions. This may include an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. Lifestyle changesIf you’re feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of a breakdown, consider these strategies for managing your symptoms:
It’s not uncommon to feel unable to cope with life’s stresses at one time or another. But stress can become a health concern if it begins to interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks. A nervous breakdown could be a sign of a mental health condition. It’s important for you to see a doctor as soon as you notice signs of a breakdown. A primary care doctor can help you treat the physical symptoms. They can also refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional who can treat your emotional, mental, and behavioral symptoms. Caregivers should also contact a doctor as soon as possible if they’re worried about a loved one’s behavior or mental state. Lifestyle modifications can help you prevent a nervous breakdown. They can also help lessen the severity and frequency of them. These include:
You can make these changes on your own, but it may be more helpful to work with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan that best meets your needs. A nervous breakdown is also known as a mental breakdown. The term is not an official diagnosis and is not used by the medical community. However, it is sometimes used to describe when mental distress suddenly becomes so overwhelming that a person can’t function in their day-to-day life. A nervous breakdown may also be a sign of another underlying mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. If you think you’re having a nervous breakdown, it’s important to see a primary care doctor or mental healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can help diagnose any mental or physical health conditions and determine underlying causes for a breakdown. A doctor may refer you to another healthcare professional. They may also provide therapy, medications, or lifestyle recommendations to treat mental health conditions and help you find a healthier way to cope with stress. Last medically reviewed on September 22, 2022 Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Sep 23, 2022 Medically Reviewed By Nicole Washington, DO, MPH Copy Edited By Megan McMorris Dec 3, 2021 Edited By Colleen de Bellefonds Medically Reviewed By Lori Lawrenz, PsyD |