what is a nervous breakdown

I had one 3 years ago and went through one again last year, would not wish it on my worst enemy.

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 characterize a wide range of mental illnesses.

                

It generally occurs 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

                   

 Diagnosing a Nervous Breakdown

   

Your doctor will perform a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions, and also ask you what symptoms you are experiencing. A course of medication may be prescribed as well

as a referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist.

           

 Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown & Early Warning Signs

                

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

          

Physical symptoms of a nervous breakdown

           

Sleep disruption - much longer periods of sleep or insomnia

                 

Diarrhea

Constipation

irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Breathing problem          

Migraine headaches

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 selfesteem

Inability to stop crying

Feelings of guilt, poor judgment

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

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 behavior such as odd body movements or undressing in public

    

              

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 behaviors as

well as extreme guilt or grandiosity.

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/labor, menopause, etc.

           

Schizophrenia

Extreme guilt or emotional problems

   

Help for Nervous Breakdowns

         

There are many treatment methods and approaches for dealing with nervous breakdowns. Choosing the right one depends on the diagnosis of the individual case, as there is no standard cure. There are ways to prevent a nervous breakdown, conventional treatments, natural remedies, nutritional supplements and many other therapies to choose from.