What is a Nervous Breakdown?

[INTJMom]

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

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Panic attacks
• Anxiety disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Acute stress disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Trauma disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Psychotic disorders
• Mood (affective) disorders
• Biopolar disorder

Learning to manage stress and identify the early symptoms of a nervous breakdown such as anxiety, depression and panic disorders can help to prevent its onset. Many people have experienced being on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and it is this feeling of overwhelming helplessness that has forced them to revamp their lifestyles and has offered them the opportunity for growth and enlightenment.
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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 problems
  
• 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 self-esteem
  
• 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

Behavioral symptoms

• Mood swings
  
• Strange behavior such as odd body movements or undressing in public
  
• Exhibiting strong or violent anger

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
http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/symptoms-of-a-nervous-breakdown-info.html







I guess I'm not having a nervous breakdown. I'm feeling more like... "Stop the merry-go-round! I want to get off! It's going too fast for me! I can't keep up!"

 

[INTJMom]

I am definitely beside myself. My Tertiary Fi has me totally in the grip.

 

[Biaxident]

 

[Tallulah]

You would know if you were having a nervous breakdown, even if you didn't know what to call it. It would stop you in your tracks; you wouldn't be able to function normally.

It's possible you need some grief counseling, though. Is there a place where you live that offers it? Maybe through your church?

 

[INTJMom]

Yeah. I totally lost control. It scared my kids. They were worried about me. My grief is only a part of what is stressing me out... and maybe even a small part at this point. It's the rest of my LIFE that scares me to death.

I'm too stingy to pay for counseling. I don't know what I would say. I don't think I need someone to tell me what to do. I just need someone to help me get in touch with my feelings. Once I do that, I know what to do from then on.

 

[WoodsWoman]

Huge hug!!!
There are grief support groups through most Hospice House's. Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice would be able to guide you to the closest group. I worked with one through the Hospice House in Auburn and it was very helpful. ---There IS support available.

Even if you don't work with a formal group be aware that you can stop at these places and there will be someone you can talk to who has a clue about the process and what you are facing. I found that the people who chose to work in these places do so with a sense of calling and are truly healing people.

PM, email or call me absolutely anytime.

 

[INTJMom]

I've been attending a bereavement group at Hospice but I don't find it helpful.

 

[WoodsWoman]

Sometimes a particular group doesn't mesh...

 

[INTJMom]

I guess...
another thing is there are only as couple of regulars
and there's a fistful of newcomers every week
and one of the facilitators goes on and on when telling his own story... and his loss happened 20 years ago!

 

[Windigo]

"Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every morning... breath in and out all day long. Then, after a while I won't have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breath in and out... and, then after a while, I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while."
(Tom Hanks character from Sleepless in Seattle)