What IS A Nervous Breakdown?
A nervous breakdown can also be referred to as a mental breakdown and is a term that expresses a time of extreme emotional or mental stress. This feeling is so great that the person isn’t capable of performing ordinary day-to-day activities.
The term isn’t a clinical one. And it isn’t a mental health disorder, either. But that doesn’t imply that a nervous breakdown is a healthy way to relieve stress. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Sometimes, it can indicate an underlying issue like anxiety or depression.
There isn’t just one particular cause of a nervous breakdown. Anything leading to excessive pressure put on you can trigger it.
Generally speaking, feeling stressed out and not being able to cope with it might lead to you feeling so overwhelmed that you can’t perform your daily duties. Some factors that could trigger a nervous breakdown are:
- A sudden tragedy
- Anxiety
- A major life change
- Financial problems
- Lack Of Sleep
- Burnout
- Depression
- Abuse
Experiencing a bit of stress is a normal part of our lives. However, when the feelings become too overwhelming, they can contribute to you breaking down mentally.
While they can be scary and debilitating, there are ways to cope with them. Identifying the signs, taking action, and getting the right treatment can help.
…Now, let’s identify the signs!
104 Responses
Good definitions of the topic and plans of treatment to consider.
do not,let a stranger say to you,are you ok?inculding MIRI”S nerology!
Mine is cleaning
Excellent article re stress and symptoms of a nervous breakdown
It’s actually waaay worse than these symptoms. These are symptoms that normal people feel from time to time and the symptoms are worse the more stressed one is. But this is not a nervous breakdown. trust me. I had one that lasted 6 mos. This article makes almost everyone feel like they might be on the verge of one.
Great Article! I enjoyed reading this. Great information
I had a peace order against me from my ex therapist after 10 years and it is affecting me in every way please answer me
PTSD, we suspect that you suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Forget whatever negative experience you had with a therapist and move on don’t look back.
Every professional makes a mistake your therapist; all therapists make mistakes these are difficult relationships to manage.
You need to make lemonade from lemons move on and create a happy life.
YOU CAN DO IT!
Anger is hard and dark, you never know where it leads, therapist do! Injury and many other side effects, even death. There are therapist specialize in fields of speciality… “anger management”, and others… peace (those of religous callings to lead out of the darkness of anger to the mirror of forgiveness, which is a breath of relief to know it was not the therapist I attacked, nor the doctor or my family or my friend. It will affect you in a diffrent way. Please smile.! A very good article , I pass it on, thanks…Jaf
This artical was very helpful. I constantly feel right at the edge. I been diagnosed with anxiety/depression disorder & PTSD. I have both a psychiatrist & therapist. I’m on multible medications prescribed by me psychiatrist. But recently feeling completely on the edge.
I’m not sure how I found myself reading your response, but I wanted to mention some thing… I have been going to see a therapist in on medication for years last September I found purely by accident an article that stated that they were doing studies on Cymbalta I had been on it for 10 +years. Apparently has something called Otto toxins in it. Not sure if I’ve got that spelled properly apparently they poison your brain. I have been off of it since November, my memory has returned. I no longer have issues with my eyes swollen shut, and feeling like they’ve been scolded with hot water and there are other things also, my point is, please read carefully the side effects of the medication’s. They have you on and work on handling situation so that you were not on the medication for long periods of time because it could be causing the problem that you are having or several problems when I started losing my memory, I was told that it was just because I had so much on my plate , no one even considered that it could be the medication. I wish you the best.
Hi!
I’m a nurse and just learned something from you about Cymbalta! Besides my mom passing before the holidays my memory has not been great. I’ve been on Cymbalta for many years now. Maybe it’s time for a change. Ty!
I’m on the generic form of Cymbalta (Duloxutine) and my memory has been decreasing. I take it for my seizures and pain. This explains a lot. Thank you
I’m a retired nurse…ALL big pharma pills are very bad for us…many toxic ingredients!! They don’t make any money off well people…think about that! I’m off all but 2 now..my Levothyroxine n 1/3 of the mgs on my BP med!!! Do your research fellow sister
Yes, I was on Cymbalta…it was bad. Off now. taking Wellbutrin, which helps some. along with Trazadone.
Be careful with Wellbutrin, I was on it and it lowers your threshold for seizures. I have never had a problem with seizures in my life; I am 54. However, last month 2/4/24 I was in icu for what appears to have been a seizure. We are still waiting for some specific results or something. So please be careful.
Having experienced depression several times before I got on the right medication, I don’t like the term nervous breakdown. I think that term misrepresents what is going on in the mind, body, and spirit. I think it’s such a negative phrase that people are confused and bothered instead of learning more about it and trying to help and pray for one another.
I have the same issues with welbutrin. Cost me a job.
Wellbutrin I had been taking for 3 years I was HUGE and eating next to nothing finally I stope the Wellbutrin and it took nearly 6 months to lose all the weight I had gained.
Wellbutrin I never felt gr4at I had a metal taste in my mouth
Wow
Reading the comments about Cymbalta…I was put on it by Dr who felt my previous medication wasn’t working properly. I was on it for 1 week…1 week of he’ll. I became more anxious, started hallucinating and having the sensation of the room distorting and moving. From Friday to the following Thursday…I called and had to beg the Dr to see me. He took me off it and put me on effexor..which worked for a while. When Dr wanted to change that, I had to be hospitalized for withdrawal symptoms..which I never got. Then I was put on wellbutrin. That was the last change. It has worked extremely well. Been about 14 years and still doing well. I now have Cymbalta on the list of allergy and adverse reactions list in my medical records. Comments have been made by Dr’s over the years and they have mentioned that it has severe reactions and won’t order it (not just mental health Dr, but other Dr too)
Because of the side effects of medications in the past, I won’t start any medication without knowing the reason for prescribing, what it is expected to do, good side effects, bad side effects. And now that we can look them up and read for ourselves, I do that. I encourage everyone to advocate for yourselves and research each thing any Dr wants to put into your body. It is YOUR body. Also research interactions between what you already take and the new medication wanting to be given. You’d be surprised how much Dr doesn’t know interactions. If you do that, you can take better care of yourself and stay healthier.
Omg! Thank you. Memory problems. On Cymbalta for yrs. And it doesn’t even help depression, fybromyalgia much. Just got tired of trying different medications.
All pills have poison in them…big pharma wants you to be sick..they make big money off us…I’m down to 2 meds now..a thyroid pill and just 1/3 of the mgs on my blood pressure med…get off of your meds!!!
Just read your reply. Very sweet of you to let others know that it could be the medications side effects.
Unfortunately, the medications can be bad for you or very helpful. The paperwork that comes with prescribed meds should be read and understood. Sometimes those meds can be very bad for some people, and you have to be aware.
I have tardive dyskinesia because I didn’t read the boxed warning on my meds. I am angry at myself for believing that they were safe.
I would be careful. Tardive dyskinesia is more prevalent now. Doctors do not warn you of these terrible side effects.
Thank you fo for sharing your experience, it’s very important for people to know about the medication they take and researching medications before starting to take them. There might be other options to consider, but, of course, talk to your Doctor first.
How do you go off cymbalta? It was given to me for nerve pain
You are victorious in every way. Believe it. Claim it.
Ohhh so sorry
Wish you get well soon and without medication
I feel the same way- on the edge. I’m so nervous
I know it’s sad to say, but you can’t always rely on your doctor. Frankly, I sometimes believe that we ourselves are our best doctor.
I feel a lot of these ways, and would like help.
Please tell your doctor and if they don’t listen find a new one. Your response broke my heart.
I’m sorry that you feel this way I too have days where I feel as if I have the world on my shoulders. Just can’t shake it off. I will say a prayer for you, I have found that giving it all to God it lessened my load.
Have a wonderful day. Hope you feel better soon.
This article gave me some very helpful information. I have been edgy and snapping at everyone, including my loved pets. Cotton balls could set me off.
I do try to relieve stress but for me unfortunately will be there til the day I die. (My husband, is a big trigger
Maybe time to lose the husband. 🤔
Get rid of the problem ! My dads favorite saying “Get rid of the problem”
Trigger
I had most of these symptoms recurring for years. I say recurring because medication and therapy helped for awhile, then a new medication would work for a while until the cycle repeated over and over. I thought I was doomed to lifelong suffering. I learned about TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation, which turned my depressive episodes around. It’s been nothing short of miraculous. It’s rarely mentioned as an option in these types of articles but it should be. I recommend everyone who suffers repeated episodes of depression to ask their doctors about it
I tried TMS, did nothing for me, that isn’t to say that I think no one should try it though, no therapies helped me, not even electric shock therapy. I tried Ketamine, nothing, special tea drink’s, nothing. So I found myself a good therapist and psychiatrist, finally am coming around. I had PTSD as a result of being sent to an awful mental health facility. I’m working on myself and am getting better slowly. Several thing’s in a row happened that affected me terribly. Therefore, causing a mental breakdown my brain wasn’t able to handle. I’m glad you’re feeling better Mona.
Good to know! Thank you for posting this!
Does TMS work for chronic anxiety panic attacks?
I suffer with those like you suffered chronically and constantly with depression. I would LOVE to find something to get rid of this chronic panic attacks and generalized anxiety forever.
Thank you.
Excellent 👌👍
What if you already had a nervous break…I’ve tried and tried to dig myself out and I just can’t find the desire to do anything. I don’t go anywhere, I don’t socialize with other people. I cry over everything and get mad so easy. So if anybody out there would know what I should do, by all means please don’t hesitate.
Praying for you 🙏🏾❣️ have you tried the med Trintellix ? It may be helpful. I hope you feel better and are doing better real soon 🙏🏾🙏🏾✨
I’m having the exact feelings I’ve attempted suicide3 times now it’s worse because I’m homeless the added stress
I would say seek Christ. Please find a church to attend.9
Exercise daily, just walk, deep breaths, date yourself, get out more, join groups, journal, pray, get jazzy, go do your hair, nails, get a massage, read, start school, …
Tammy you sound like me.. I don’t know how old you are but I’m 79.. I’m on Effexor…
Have you tried cognitive behavioral therapy. A book called the Good Mood Handbook is good. Please see my comments above about supplements and things that are great.
yoga might help you
Tammy I hope you’re in a better state of mind now. It sounds like you could use some of the remedies in this article, and you also deserve a supportive community. Please reach out and find help. You could always start with a support group. Look on NAMI website for an online group if you’re not ready to leave the house. Also talk to your doctor about this. They might prescribe medication which could help you get out of this depression. Please know that people care about you and you will find the resources and love you need to get through this.
I didn’t have anyone to talk to during my time of need. I dug myself a six foot hole a few years back. What got me out was Martina McBrides music, constantly reading positive quotes. It was not easy, but it can be done. I did lose my memory of being home for Christmas. It took about a year to make the climb, but it was worth it. You have to have a breakdown, to have a break through. You can do it!!!
Try to find something, anything. I was in the same boat as you are.
A friend talked me into joining her singing group.
It is not professional at all and I always liked singing. It has helped. Try to find something to do that you enjoyed in your life before.
Anything. I was parallyzed with inactivity, up at night, crying and so depressed.
I did also have some therapy for awhile. It helps to talk about emotions and what triggers them.
I hope this helps a little.
Ohh…I’m just finding your note …
I’m so sorry you are navigating rough waters…Our only Hope is each other, and if you would ever benefit from talking with someone else, trying to walk a road that disappears into the fog…please don’t hesitate writing me. Would love to compare notes. Take extra good care of you…
Michael
Tammy please hang in there. Find a good and positive reason (something or someone) to wake up and look forward to doing, being with, seeing, doing something for or talking to each day to help you smile (put a smile on your face).
Remember God’s gift to you each day is to allow you to wake up breathing because he isn’t ready to take you home yet. Be thankful you are chosen to be blessed with that gift. Many others were not. 🤗🥰🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽🥰🤗
Tammy, im just reading this comment of yours. Let me know if you are still looking for suggs. Because im pretty much recovered now.
Hi Tammy, have you tried a tricyclic antidepressant? It is an older generation medication. It is magic for me. I take imipramine, 125mg. 100 mostly helped but I need a little more. I tried desipramine first, and that didn’t work as well.
Been there… done that and now know for sure that we cannot do this on our own. Our first desire comes to live and not die in what becomes a comfortable place of all alone and fearful, short and defensive, and other stuff we can’t agree on… anyway, I tell you today, I feel better! It’s a journey… Who you mad at? I wanna know? Jaf
Get a referral from your doctor to see a psychiatrist or psychologist so they can assist as professionals and maybe start you on some medication or therapy. Don’t isolate, get out to a doctor at least until you are ready for more… I hope this helps!
Where can I read the article about à nervpus breakdown please ?
I can’t see the 14 signs
I had a nervous breakdown when my son, as a toddler was diagnosed with Autism. I was also working full time in an ICU. I became burned out. Then started with anxiety attacks. I stopped eating and sleeping. My hubby was a buyer for a retail company working 6-7 days a week…. We were just trying to make it in the state of California. …. Now I know what the warning signs are. If it starts I know how to back off… Hang in there Y’all!
Where is the article
There is an even newer treatment called, Spravato. It is really Esketamine, which is an upper that is or was used in dance clubs, but it is a controlled substance. It has now been approved by the FDA, but I don’t know if Medicare or Medicaid will pay for it, or other insurance! I have read that for some people, it is a life saver after decades of being on antidepressants, and still being depressed, and anxious. I have read that Spravato has to be given in the doctor’s office, and the patient has to wait two or three hours, because they might have a out of body effect. Everyone is different with their reaction or side effect. Only the private clinics will prescribe and administer Spravato, because the county or city clinics will not prescribe or administer any controlled substances.
Sign up with Jewell (the singer) never broken she has a website that is for everyone struggling with all types of mental health disorders with therapy and study programs reading information and group therapy video webinairs. Its amazing!
Look it up. It’s great information and it has so many connections and different things for everyone. Pass it on.
C- Florida
All of the medical treatments in the world, would not and did not help with my breakdown. Money to hire a lawyer to stop the people that were causing my nervous breakdown would have. Mine brought on seizures of all kinds. I’m not epileptic, no one in my blood line has epilepsy. I’m no longer having seizures but I’m only living to help the others that were damaged by the people that caused my seizures
Big pharma want to get everyone on a prescription permanently. Don’t be a fool. Take a needed vacation and pray.
I am depressed about the treatment I am receiving from my family members.
Nonsense. First Yoga as a therapy is outright spiritually dangerous.
Vague definitions.
What about the problem of spirituality and sun in a person’s life?
Most of this advice is feel good unproven psychological generalizations. Period.
See a therapist and try natural supplements that can help. Many prescriptions are more harmful than helpful. Don’t give up. Eat well also. By all means see a specialist.
I could not get into the article on 8 warning signs of a nervous breakdown. Was very disappointed.
Diagnosis is a good idea and then God can cure
Really? Ppl come here for Real help not religious crap. God is the worst human creation to ever be imagined. And I’m really tired of you religious fanactics shoving your beliefs down everybody’s throat. Ppl need talk therapy,Dr, meditation, medication and REAL help! Not religious BS
Diagnosis is a good idea and then God can cure
Thanks for all your insight. I want to be able to talk with someone, but I DO NOT want to take any meds.
I always wonder what kinds of medications the mass shooters are on…they never tell us. I feel if they do, we will realize that maybe some of these medications are causing it. But Big Pharma would never allow that. So sad. In the meantime, we will just keep being fed bad medications. 😢😢😢
These are signs that you’re ABOUT to have a nervous breakdown. How can you tell if you have had one or not? What does a nervous breakdown look like, examples? Are the treatments the same whether you have a breakdown or just symptoms?
Do you believe in signs? I’ve been feeling sad and angry for weeks and reading this has made me see I’m headed for a breakdown. I don’t know where to turn. I dislike my job but have financial problems so time off is not really an option. My daughter recently moved out so I’m alone. My granddaughter was recently hospitalized for mental health too. It’s just all too much.
I Am Against Drugs For A Cure and the Next Year A Commercial If You Have Taken Drugs are Drugs and Every Drug Is Not For Everyone If A Timely Study Is Not Done On The Patient With The Verbal Feelings from their Symptoms. Some Drugs Give A Person Chemical Embalances If The Study Of Their Symptoms aren’t Observed Examples My Head Hurt Is It A Throbbing or Crunchy Headache Or A Lying Stressful Hidden Feeling of Fear and Anxiety 😬 Fear Of Prison Will Give Any Person Serious Mental Health Problems
Love the:
“THEN GOD CAN CURE.”!!!
Heck with the way the current administration treats the citizens, with open borders for criminals, and sky high inflation, and the destruction of American society! We should all be having a nervous breakdown any day now!
Have all causes and all symptoms, seeing dr and have a long way to go to recovery. To all suffering with this. Keep your head up and seek your positives. Those positive things no matter how small can help you through the worst moments. Seek the professionals and stick to the plan they give. You got this!
I have suffered with depression on and off since the birth of my first child 65 years ago . I am now on pristique and lexapro. Mornings are still bad for me. I’m 85 so I just try and do my best
wish i had this a long time ago ! says everything that is important to know !!!
“at the brink of a breakdown, not caring about much of anything. overwhelmed by even small events. Also have experienced a Transient Global Amnesia episode in 2014 for prescribed Lamotrigine which I have been on Lamotrigine for the past 9 years. what should I do. to get out of this FUNK?
I stumbled across this article this morning and found the information quite enlightening.
I too feel so much like Tammy. All of those things, feelings, and you know what, the isolation of/after Covid has been the absolute worst thing anyone should ever experience!!!
I had a work injury 23 years ago and was forced to retire at 50. My dream career that I chose and prepared for since age 13. It has been a real struggle getting proper care in a timely manner. I have great providers who evaluate, treat, and refer me to great specialists. However the insurance system frequently denies referrals to specialist for additional evaluation and treatment, also denies meds, screening tests, surgery and other treatments requested that my primary physician feel are necessary in order for improvement of my health. This situation leaves me feeling so helpless in trying to manage the constant pain so that exercise, meditation and prayer are what I’ve been left with as my only salvation. I pick my battles carefully and let God and my attorney fight them for me as I no longer have energy for that. Talk therapy and meds have been quite helpful and I do have a lot of living left to do. My precious 7 year old grandson’s high school and college graduations are coming up and I plan to be there celebrating them with him and the rest of my family!!!!!
sad you believe big pharma they have25 differant DRUGS for every little cold you have WAKE UP PEOPLE
Useless
What article? There were 2 sentences, a bunch of ads then a closing sentence. No link, no re-direct
The 8 Warning Signs of a Nervous Breakdown, are part of our human life condition even you are working at shore.
Daily we experienced one or two negative symptoms, Experiencing a bit of stress is a normal part of our lives. However, when the feelings become too overwhelming, they can contribute to you breaking down mentally.
On board this symptoms are more intense because of private life separation.
Mood Swings is frequently present after 3 month of contract.
The stress are present in our mind and body, and with intelligence and calm you can manage to minimize de effect from the Hight scale to Low scale.
Many factors are good influence on this condition, like: sport, reading books.
On board the ship, gymnastic room facility is very poor, and adaptation is the rule no. 1.
The sport is benefic for the healthy of the body and mind at any moment.
A Constant State Of Physical Exhaustion- Irritability And Restlessness.
This condition appear usually at Hight rank, management conduct.
The barging contract should be respected by the both sides ,period.
Social Isolation, under severe stress, your first instinct would probably be to self-isolate, and is not recomandated, you should continue to be part of the crew by socializing and discussing, be connected, refill your batterie being/thing positive.
Lack of Motivation,
the lack of inner resources you possess are the main root of your the motivation.
Motivation , defined as family, friends, children, house, holidays, but not at the least healthy.
All this are depending the economical resources
Motivation is the job achievement, repairing, controlling, managing on safety and good manner.
Panic Attacks, Muscle Pains, if you are seaman you know what means those condition.
The be a seaman means, strongly/ healthy mind.
The physic condition is definitory to achieved goals and finished your contract.
Feelings Of Worry And Fear,
On board unpleasant emotions become increasingly challenging to manage different situations.
WE are humans and the negative felling’s are reals, AUTOCONTROL is the major key.
Be positive, be ambitious and confident.
Available Treatments,… healthy family waiting for you at home, kids, nephews, the loving wife, the noisy dog, the secondary treatments are up to you, holidays, sauna, swimming, ridding bicycled, mountain trips, sport , etc.
Good and healthy meals, all kind of fruits, etc.
Great article, I feel overwhelmed. So I am slitting my time all day every day seven days a week. I have no sleep, the least little thing sets me off, like that comment about the driver in front of you driving slow and you just want to get passed them, that is how I feel. So talking to a therapist could help.
Where’s the damn article!!!
Amen! God, through man, praise Jesus!, hallelujah I’m free! I hope you smile! Jaf
WHERE is the actual ARTICLE????
After years of various health issues I found out I have been misdiagnosed many times by many doctors. I have suffered a traumatic brain injury in my past, probably as a child. I was used as a human punching bag by my parents. As an adult my youngest son, who also has a tbi from being by a car at age 4, got extremely violent. He attacked me for years. A year ago, he hit me by surprise in the back of the head and I am pretty sure I was injured in my brain again. Now I just want everything to end. I have lost hope. It has been awful. I wish that all of you find something to be hopeful about.