How to Recover from a Mental Breakdown

Suffering from nervous breakdown can be a stressful experience to most people. This prevents them from having the life that they dream of and even affects their relationship with other people. Not to mention that it also have a negative effect on their social and professional relationships. It is usually being experienced by someone who suffers from a bout of severe mental illness that greatly affected their capability to function in their daily life. These conditions include bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression.

Nervous breakdown can occur when the ability of individuals to cope with mental illness or with life has been overwhelmed by the issues and stress that he is experiencing. Undergoing their mental crisis is not easy so as its treatment process. Seeking the help of medical professionals specializing in nervous breakdown or other mental illness is the best thing that individuals with this condition can do.

4 Ways to Recovery

Treating this condition requires the expertise of doctors and the support of family members and friends. Recovering from nervous breakdown can also be difficult. However this process can help improve your condition and your life as a whole. It can be a long path back to full recovery. But, but by taking it one step at a time, you will be able to improve yourself and become stronger as you move forward. Among the things that you can do to recover from nervous breakdown are:

1. Accept the Fact That You Did Have a Breakdown
A lot of people are too embarrassed to admit that they have suffered from this condition. But, the best thing that you can do to overcome nervous breakdown is to be honest with yourself, accept your situation, and take the next step to recovery.

2. Learn to Reduce Your Stress Level
Since stress plays a role in having a mental illness, you have to learn how you can manage your stress more effectively. It would help of you determine the things that make you feel stressed and make the necessary steps of have a stress-free environment. Never forget to take a break from all the things that can increase your stress level. Have a realistic daily schedule that includes enough time for sleep, work, fun, and relationship.

3. Practice Healthier Living
The beverages that you drink and the foods that you eat can have an effect on your mood. That is why it is advisable that you engage in a healthy diet and exercise regime. Foods that are rich in Vitamin C will make you more resistant to stress. Your diet may also include foods with omega 3 and rich in magnesium since they are beneficial to the nervous system.

4. Seek Support When Needed
Recovering from nervous breakdown can be a long process. When needed, you can seek the support of mental health specialists to assist you in your ongoing treatment. They have the skills and knowledge to develop a treatment method that will allow you to receive even from the most extreme cases of nervous breakdown in the shortest time possible.

Recovering from nervous breakdown is a process that needs to be taken properly and with the right attitude. With determination, help from experts, and the support of your family, there is no reason as to why you should not fully recover from this mental health crisis.

A nervous breakdown isn’t considered an official psychiatric term, which means there are no official diagnostic criteria for a nervous breakdown and everyone has different definitions. With that said, most agree a nervous breakdown usually involves some kind of intense mental distress that leads to an impairment in day-to-day functioning. The distress might be related to mental illness, but it’s also typically exacerbated by a variety of outside factors. When recovering from a mental breakdown, there are several different steps affected individuals will need to take. One is to treat any underlying mental health symptoms. Another is to make lifestyle changes to help alleviate stress and tension. Individuals might need to make more time for self-care as well.

Learn about the most popular methods of treating and recovering from a nervous breakdown now.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychological treatment that has become mainstream for the treatment of many different disorders. It is effective for a range of problems and emotional issues including alcohol and drug use, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, and relationship issues. There have been multiple studies indicating cognitive behavioral therapy increases a patient’s overall wellness and quality of life. This type of therapy is often used alongside other forms of therapy and medications. Some patients might find cognitive behavioral therapy is effective on its own without needing other types of therapy. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help patients identify and correct their faulty ways of thinking. The practice also helps individuals recognize and stop patterns of harmful behavior. By teaching individuals better coping mechanisms to use in their day-to-day life, they’re given the tools they need to prevent another nervous breakdown. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on becoming aware of one’s thoughts and behaviors, and then on taking steps to change those behaviors. It teaches a range of problem-solving and self-awareness skills.

Read more about treating a nervous breakdown now.

Meditation

Meditation can be vital in today’s busy world. Many individuals experience extreme stress because they don’t take the time to relax and get in touch with themselves. Individuals adding ten minutes of meditation to their morning or evening routine has multiple proven scientific benefits. Meditation is often recommended as a means of stress reduction. Stress is caused by cortisol, which is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. If individuals deal with chronic stress, they might end up experiencing toxic physical effects like inflammation and pain. Chronic stress also greatly increases an individual’s chances of having a nervous breakdown because it increases depression, disrupts sleep, increases anxiety, and disrupts concentration. Studies have indicated meditation can reduce the inflammatory responses caused by cortisol. Individuals with high stress levels have also been shown to benefit from meditation. Some studies have indicated meditation can help with physical conditions related to stress like post-traumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. The meditation that works best will vary, so individuals shouldn’t be afraid to try a few different methods.

Uncover more information on recovering from a nervous breakdown now.

Physical Exercise

Physical exercise is hugely beneficial when recovering from a nervous breakdown, especially if the affected individual lived a sedentary lifestyle before. Even individuals with physical disabilities can benefit from certain levels of physical exercise, provided they don’t experience exercise intolerance. Those concerned about the effect of exercise on their health should talk to a doctor before picking up a new exercise regimen. Humans aren’t built to sit at a desk all day without stretching, especially if they also drive to work and sit on the couch when they get home. Physical activity is necessary to stimulate both brain and body. Studies have shown regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of a heart attack, lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, lowers fall risk, and increases overall bone strength. In addition, physical exercise helps release endorphins that make individuals feel good. Moving the body is a great way to release stress, and it can also help with sleep quality.

Uncover information on more options for treating a nervous breakdown now.

Talking To Loved Ones

If an individual has been under so much stress that it’s caused a nervous breakdown, one of the best treatment methods is talking to loved ones. Everyone needs to have a support network behind them when recovering from any kind of mental health issue. There are several things loved ones can do to help someone dealing with a nervous breakdown or another mental health issue. One is to be a listening ear when they’re stressed, so they have a place to vent and get emotional support. Another is to take on some of the tasks that are leaving them feeling overwhelmed. For example, if an individual is too exhausted to cook and clean when they get home from work, they can ask a family member or roommate to take on some of their responsibilities. Telling loved ones about stress can often take a lot of the burdened feeling away, since it reminds individuals they have people who love them. It’s okay for everyone to let others take care of them when they’re having a hard time. Humans need connection to thrive, and trying to recover alone will just make stress worse.

Learn more about recovering from a nervous breakdown now.

Maintaining A Healthy Sleep Schedule

Another one of the most important things individuals can do when recovering from a nervous breakdown is to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Sleep issues contribute hugely to stress. When individuals don’t get enough sleep, they have a reduced ability to function, are more likely to experience physical pain, and have a decreased ability for emotional regulation. If an individual has been dealing with chronic stress, they might find sleeping regularly is difficult. Individuals should try other lifestyle changes to see if they help with regulating their sleep schedule. If someone still has trouble drifting off, they should talk to a doctor. They should also make sure to keep their room cool and sleep underneath blankets for the best rest. Other sleep hygiene practices include keeping the room dark, using a white noise machine in noisy environments, and avoiding screens and caffeine for a few hours before bed.

It is important to understand what is a mental breakdown and what causes the condition. Information and awareness are the keys to helping someone having a breakdown.

It is important to understand what is a mental breakdown and what causes the condition. Information and awareness are the keys to helping someone having a breakdown…

The term mental breakdown is usually used to describe someone experiencing high distress and anxiety. This, however, is not a clinical term and doesn’t encompass the wide range of psychological and physical changes a person undergoes when having an episode. Mental health professionals believe that making a few lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping people who suffer from mental breakdowns. People who have undergone a traumatic emotional event like the passing away of a family member are overly susceptible to mental breakdowns.

Psychiatrists say that a mental breakdown is a symptom of some underlying psychological condition like stress or depression. Some people who undergo a nervous breakdown sometimes don’t show any outward signs of distress, while others are visibly upset and at times can display violent behavior. If you are trying to help someone deal with their emotional breakdown, it is also important to understand your limitations.

Would you like to write for us? Well, we’re looking for good writers who want to spread the word. Get in touch with us and we’ll talk.

The term mental breakdown or nervous breakdown is used very callously today for describing anyone who panics. In reality, however, a mental breakdown is when a person slowly or suddenly stops participating in day-to-day activities of life. People having a mental breakdown often entertain ideas of self harm and attempt suicide. Sometimes the breakdown can be of a violent nature and the violence can be directed towards society or people they know. People who have undergone a mental breakdown reveal that they get overwhelmed with a feeling of helplessness. They also say that they lose the will to live and feel let down by their friends and family. They cut themselves off from people and this adds to the feeling of isolation. Some of the other symptoms of emotional breakdown are exhaustion, crying, and headaches.

Causes

Healthcare professionals say that it is mostly caused due underlying psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, etc. However, one of the most common cause of a mental breakdown is stress. A mental breakdown may also be triggered by tragic events in the life of the person, like separation from a spouse or partner. Sudden death of a family member is also one of the common causes of a breakdown. Financial problem is another major cause of breakdowns in many adults. Office work related stress is another common cause of breakdowns.

Helping People with Mental Breakdown

If you see someone in high emotional distress it is advisable that you create a safe surrounding for them. The safety is not restricted to physical safety but also emotional safety as the individual is going through turbulent emotions. If you feel that you will not be able to control or maintain a safe space, it is advisable to call for professional help.

A person who undergoes a breakdown will benefit if you listen to them in a non-judgmental and non advisory way. This will give them an opportunity to open up and feel that they are being really heard. If at any point you feel that you cannot handle them you should get them to consult a healthcare professional. It is also advisable to get them to a mental health clinic for some expert care.

If you know someone who is going through situations like losing a job, failing in school, or dealing with long-term illness, talk to them let them know support is available. There are support groups for such problems; get the person connected to one of these groups. Meditation and other stress busting activities like yoga have been known to be helpful for people susceptible to mental breakdown.

Another tip is to get them involved in physical activity like exercise and sports. These activities are known to release endorphins in the brain which have analgesic properties. However, the most useful thing that you could do to help someone having a mental breakdown is to show that you care.

Oh, emotional breakdowns… what heavenly experience. Have you ever had a nervous breakdown before? I know I have. Multiple times.

Here’s my story on my last traumatic (exaggerating) nervous breakdown. It was during my final exam weeks. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has emotional breakdowns during exam weeks. It’s stressful, ok?

I was stressing out and overwhelmed by how much information I had to learn and remember before the exam. I studied between 8 pm – 11 pm every night.

Of course, I had to take breaks in between the 30 minutes of studying. As I was nearer to the exam, it was at that moment I went mental!

I ended up feeling “dead inside” (insert Goofy singing a cover to Evanescence – Bring Me To Life).

So grab your mug of coffee or tea and let’s get right into it!

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Table of Contents

Backstory

Exhausted and mentally drained out of my mind. My mind was at its state where I wanted to cut all my hair off as if I’m having an identity crisis. I was easily irritated at friends and family for no reason. Even their existence had me going mad.

One of my best friends didn’t know what to do with me because I kept dropping in and out of our conversation. But he stuck with me till the end (you know who you are).

The only thing that helped me steady my mental state was playing League of Legends. Every time I wanted to pull my hair out during study time, I would quit and go play that game.

It was until after the exams that I ended up bursting into tears and binge eating. I didn’t know what to do with myself. All that was left was “am I glad it’s over?” or “my score is going to be terrible” (spoiler alert: it was bad).

So here are 4 ways on how I dealt with my mental breakdowns and how you could too if you think you’re going to shatter into pieces.

Take full deep breaths (x3)

Before you start bursting into a fit of rage and crying on the floor like Trisha Paytas on the kitchen floor, take 3 deep breathes to calm yourself down.

It’s a good technic used in meditation, yoga, and exercise. But mostly for letting out stress and anxiety.

Get more in-depth about helpful breathing techniques by checking out Groom and Style’s post.

Whenever I get mad, I would take deep breaths and calm myself down. For me, it took more than three deep breaths. Continue as you wish until you finally get back into reality.

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Write in a journal

Jot down everything that is on your mind. And I mean EVERYTHING. Just let everything down on paper and let your mind go to ace.

Even the reason why you’re having a mental crisis or the emotions that you’re feeling.

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• 10 Things You Should Add To Your Self Care Bucket List
• Small Stuff? No Sweat! Getting Rid Of Those Little Anxieties
• Feeling Stressed from Work? These Tips Might Help!

Once you can’t write anymore, then stop and take a look at the problem of why you’re having a crisis.

What I noticed for me is that I’m less likely to stress when I keep a daily journal that I write in every day. I stopped journaling through my exams and that’s why I started to get overwhelmed with my thoughts.

Take a break

You don’t have to feel ashamed for stepping out of your work or study sessions. Only when you procrastinate is what you should start being aware of.

Like me, I play LoL as a simple reward, stress management and break time. So does going outside, hanging out with friends or family and even stress shopping (don’t stress shop please).

Related Posts

• 7 Reasons Why It Is Important To Take Breaks From Work
• 20 Adaptable Things To Do During Quarantine
• Feeling Stressed from Work? These Tips Might Help!

Yours could be different. You could hang out with classmates or employees. The more you work, the more you’re going to get overwhelmed and end up having triple the mental breakdowns.

Talk to someone or a therapist

At the end of the day, talking about your feelings really helped. With my best friend being there for me, it made me release my emotions and feel a little bit better knowing that someone was there for me.

If you go to therapy, then that’s more than the help that you need to get through with nervous breakdowns.

If you have no one to talk to, you could always try being anonymous and tweeting out your feelings or use an app called Youper which works the same way.

Conclusion

When you start having a mental breakdown, remember these tips and try them out to see which one calms you down. Or better, try them all out!

You can also check out Simple Truths for more books and videos on how to find ways to keep a balance between work, life and relationships.

If you love new posts about self-care, productivity, blogging tips, and other lifestyle posts, then don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter where you can get notified in your email inbox on Fridays (Aussie time). Follow my social media accounts if you haven’t already!

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How AA Helped Me Recover From a Mental Breakdown — Even Though I’m Not an Alcoholic

My name is Heather, and I am not an alcoholic.

That may sound like the punch line to a hackneyed joke mocking 12-step groups and the people who attend them, but it’s actually the introduction I made with all seriousness — and initially with more than a little trepidation — at the Alcoholic Anonymous meetings I attended shortly after my discharge from a psychiatric facility. I didn’t have a drinking problem but I did need a place where I could go for an hour or more a day and not feel judged or pitied, one where I was free to talk or to remain silent, one where I didn’t have to put on a performance that I was doing better.

The psychiatric facility, which I admitted myself to in December 2017 following four months of deepening, unrelenting depression, offered groups whose connection to therapy were in name only: Recreation therapy consisted of the therapist sticking a DVD of The Bucket List or Miracles From Heaven in the player and then leaving the room. In a skills group, the therapist showed us Melody Beattie VHS tapes from the 1980s. But it was at that facility that I discovered I liked group therapy. I liked hearing other patients’ stories. I liked that the therapist didn’t dominate the session and lecture us instead of listening.

I liked group therapy. I liked hearing other patients’ stories. I liked that the therapist didn’t dominate the session and lecture us instead of listening.

I went to my first AA meeting at that facility. I went to every group offered there, regardless whether or not it was required. A group meant I wouldn’t be alone with the terror and despair that gripped me. And it was at AA that I finally found an organization with meetings I wanted to attend, with people whom I wanted to listen to and who at least attempted to look like they were listening to me.

After I was discharged and returned to New Orleans, I tried every mental health group meeting offered in the city (there weren’t many). I went to a National Alliance on Mental Illness meeting but knew immediately that I needed a group with higher-functioning members. Even though my brain still glitched continually, I was too snobbish to see myself in any of the people gathered in the small room, no matter how welcoming and nonjudgmental they might be. At the AA meetings I went to there were usually people at all levels of functioning, from the high, which I used to be at and now aspired to, to the mid-level to the barely making it.

I also tried a Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance meeting but being in a hospital cafeteria with people who introduced themselves with a precise classification of their disorder (“I’m Jack and I’ve been diagnosed with complex PTSD”; “I’m Alice and I’m bipolar II”) made me want to flee. Their despair was too present, too close to my own, and their seeming pride in their diagnoses — the more complicated, the more unique — infuriated me. I didn’t want my mental illness to become my identity; it would be part of me for life, yes, but it wasn’t me . At AA, no one engages in a lengthy introduction about their diagnosis — after all, everyone there is an alcoholic unless they ID themselves as otherwise.

I didn’t want my mental illness to become my identity; it would be part of me for life, yes, but it wasn’t me. At AA, no one engages in a lengthy introduction about their diagnosis.

The time limit for speaking, or sharing, in a 12-step group helps keep any one person from monopolizing the conversation. In a women’s therapy group I attended for 10 weeks, every 90-minute session was inevitably hijacked by one woman who tearfully, insistently returned to her obsession with having a second child. The social worker moderating the group did little to redirect the monologue so that it became a dialogue instead and, despite every other member of the group suggesting to the woman that she examine why having a second child was so vital to her happiness, she returned to the topic week after week with no sign of having heard what we said.

That women’s group cost $750 for 10 weeks and the facility didn’t accept insurance. The bill for my five-day inpatient stay at a psychiatric facility was $900 (I would have owed $8,500 if I hadn’t met my $5,000 deductible); eight days as an outpatient at another facility cost $900. Donations are recommended at AA meetings but not required. It’s basically free talk therapy, which, yes, sounds like an oxymoron.

And while the women’s group met only once a week, AA meetings take place throughout the day, seven days a week. At some locations, back-to-back meetings are an option: Come for the 6 p.m. Overeaters Anonymous meeting, stay for the 7:15 Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

I introduced myself and spoke about my mental breakdown, preceding my share with the “confession” that I wasn’t an alcoholic. Afterward, people came up to me and offered a hug, a handshake, phone numbers, and the assurance that I wasn’t alone.

Perhaps even more important to me at the time, anyone at an AA meeting could leave whenever they wanted to. Not only could they leave the room, but they could also leave the building. In the psychiatric facility, leaving the room was possible, though discouraged. Leaving was also a potential obstacle to being released — the more group activities you participated in, the better your chances of being discharged. And although you could leave the room, leaving the building wasn’t even a possibility. I entered the facility voluntarily but because I had mentioned suicidal thoughts, I was automatically required to stay for at least 72 hours.

Every person at a 12-step meeting is all too familiar with struggling and suffering. I attended several meetings before I shared. Even though I only went to “open” meetings — i.e., meetings that were open to people who didn’t identify as an alcoholic — I was still nervous about sharing. After five or six meetings, I finally spoke up: I introduced myself and spoke about my mental breakdown, preceding my share with the “confession” that I wasn’t an alcoholic. Afterward, people came up to me and offered a hug, a handshake, phone numbers, and the assurance that I wasn’t alone. Some of them had come through the other side of despair; they weren’t still trembling on the precipice. They’d survived, even thrived, and their hard-won peace gave me a small measure of hope for my own recovery.

My name is Heather and I am not an alcoholic. But I am a human being who struggles with illness, with managing it, and not identifying with it or being identified by it. For those like me, AA can help.

“Nervous breakdown” and “mental breakdown” are dated terms. They refer to stress temporarily preventing a person from feeling that they can function day to day.

People once used the term “nervous breakdown” to describe a wide range of mental illnesses.

The medical community no longer uses the term, but a so-called nervous breakdown remains a sign of an underlying mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The exact features of what people might call a nervous breakdown vary from person to person, depending on the underlying health issue responsible.

A nervous or mental breakdown does not have any defined symptoms, aside from difficulty or inability to function “normally.”

But what qualifies as functioning normally or being “fully functioning” differs among people from different regions, cultures, and even families.

The characteristics of a breakdown depend on the underlying health issue and how the person generally experiences stress. However, below are 21 common features of a nervous breakdown:

• feeling anxious, depressed, tearful, or irritable
• feeling emotionally and physically exhausted
• experiencing agitation and muscle tension
• sleeping too much or too little
• having unexplained, general aches and pains
• trembling and shaking
• feeling helpless, hopeless, and having low self-esteem
• moving or speaking more slowly than usual
• withdrawing, or avoiding routine social situations
• frequently calling in sick to work or missing appointments
• neglecting or forgetting to eat or wash
• lacking motivation and interest
• having difficulty getting along with or tolerating other people
• losing interest in sex
• having difficulty thinking, focusing, or remembering
• having physical indications of a fight-or-flight response — such as dry mouth and sweating — when there is no threat
• having cardiovascular symptoms, such as a racing or irregular heartbeat
• experiencing more frequent infections, as stress can affect the immune system
• experiencing changes in appetite and weight
• having gastrointestinal symptoms
• having suicidal thoughts or thinking about harming oneself

Also, some people experience psychosis, which may involve hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and a lack of insight.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours per day at 800-273-8255. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can call 800-799-4889.

There are several ways to reduce the emotional and physical effects of stress.

Common strategies include:

• receiving counseling — usually cognitive behavioral therapy, which is often called CBT
• talking to a doctor about antidepressant, antianxiety, or antipsychotic medications
• taking steps to reduce or resolve sources of stress, such as conflicts at home or workplace demands
• practicing deep breathing and meditation exercises to support mental and physical relaxation
• doing activities, such as yoga and tai chi, that promote gentle movement or stretching and controlled breathing
• getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, broken up into sessions of around 20 minutes a day
• spending time outdoors, walking or doing a hobby
• talking with friends, family, partners, and roommates about troublesome feelings
• waking up, eating, and exercising on a consistent schedule
• seeking out local or online support groups for people with similar experiences
• creating a comfortable home environment that encourages quality sleep
• limiting the intake of caffeine and alcohol
• avoiding tobacco and recreational drugs
• seeking treatment for any mental or physical health conditions

Anything that causes more stress than the body can handle may lead to a nervous breakdown or trigger symptoms of an underlying mental health condition.

Some common causes and risk factors include:

• conflict at work and in the home
• grief and bereavement
• the loss of a home, a source of income, or a relationship
• a job that involves high-stress situations
• a family history of mental health conditions
• severe or chronic medical conditions or injuries
• traumatic events and experiences
• an abusive relationship
• identifying as LGBTQIA and not having family or community support
• race-based trauma
• persistent stress, as in war

One mental health issue that may be involved is acute stress disorder (ASD). According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, ASD is a reaction to stress that occurs 3 days to 1 month after a traumatic event. If it lasts longer than 1 month, a doctor may diagnose PTSD.

A nervous breakdown is not a recognized medical term, so technically, there is no way to diagnose it.

A person who feels overwhelmed by stress or feelings of anxiety or who feels unable to carry on their daily life should see a doctor, who can help.

The doctor will try to identify any factors or medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to the problem.

They will do this by:

• asking about symptoms and lifestyle factors
• performing a physical exam
• reviewing the person’s medical history

They may also perform tests to rule out a physical condition.

Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to diagnose mental health conditions, including various types of anxiety. These criteria help them identify the cause of the problem and a suitable approach to treatment.

When a person’s stress rises to a level they cannot endure, they may begin to experience sudden changes in their mental and emotional composure. They may even begin to experience symptoms of psychosis. When your loved one is experiencing a sudden mental health crisis, it is less important that you can tell the difference between a psychotic break vs. a mental breakdown and more important that you help them to access the urgent clinical help they need.

Quick Links

• What Is a Mental Breakdown?
• What Is a Psychotic Break?
• Treatment for a Psychotic Break vs. a Mental Breakdown

When stress continues to accumulate in a person’s life and they don’t have the skills and resources to cope with it, eventually something will have to give. Unfortunately, it is often a person’s mental or emotional health that breaks before the external pressures are relieved. But it is a mistake to assume that the only real problem is those outside pressures. There is an important reason why they lack the ability to cope, and it’s important to get to the bottom of that reason and to uncover the treatment options and support systems that can prevent another episode of distress like this one—or worse.

If someone you care about is experiencing distressing symptoms that seem to have come on suddenly, you can help by observing those changes and reaching out for help. It isn’t as important that you can distinguish exactly what they’re going through—for example, a psychotic break vs. a mental breakdown —because only a psychiatric specialist can recognize the precise diagnosis. But you are your loved one’s initial source of compassion and support.

What Is a Mental Breakdown?

The term mental breakdown refers to a perceived crisis in someone’s mental or emotional health. In and of itself, mental breakdown is not a diagnosis, but it is a signal that professional attention and evaluation are critical to initiate steps toward stabilization and recovery.

Very often, a mental breakdown occurs in someone’s life when the stress and pressure they experience has increased to an extent that they can no longer cope. While it may seem to come on suddenly, chances are good that this crisis has been building for some time, and the healing process will, likewise, be gradual and extensive. It is important to seek a professional diagnosis as quickly as possible after distressing symptoms appear. Only then, can treatment begin. And treatment options will be unique whether the underlying mental issue is related to a mood disorder , trauma disorder , anxiety disorder , psychotic disorder , or other acute or chronic mental health condition.

Because the underlying causes of this crisis can be diverse, the symptoms of a mental breakdown can also vary widely:

• Depressed mood, including sadness, hopelessness, and guilt
• Lack of motivation
• Loss of interest in activities and other things
• Mood swings and outbursts
• Emotional numbness
• Significant changes in daily patterns, such as sleep, appetite and eating, or self-care
• Physical illness
• Aches and pains
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Fatigue
• Thoughts or acts involving self-harm or suicide
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Difficulty with focus, concentration, and clear thinking
• Worries and anxiety that don’t go away
• Paranoia
• Flashbacks to traumatic experiences
• Hallucinations
• Delusional thinking
• Feeling detached from oneself or one’s environment

What Is a Psychotic Break?

A mental breakdown does not exclude the possibility of psychosis, but a psychotic break refers specifically to an episode of psychosis. Typically, a psychotic break indicates the first onset of psychotic symptoms for a person or the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms after a period of remission. Symptoms may include delusional thoughts and beliefs, auditory and visual hallucinations, and paranoia.

While psychotic episodes are often rooted in an original psychotic disorder, it’s also possible for severe cases of depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other conditions to result in psychosis. It is incredibly difficult to accurately diagnose a psychotic break on the surface, but an experienced clinician can get to the bottom of what is causing someone’s symptoms, whether there are any additional mental or emotional concerns to be aware of, and the best way to move forward with treatment.

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today.

Treatment for a Psychotic Break vs. a Mental Breakdown

Any sudden change in a person’s mental or emotional well-being is cause for concern. When you notice unusual signs or symptoms in a loved one, take them seriously and seek help. A sudden crisis can be confusing and scary, but it’s important to know that treatment and recovery are possible. Most often, the sooner a person can get clinical help, the better their prognosis will be.

As we’ve determined, an accurate diagnosis is the vital first step for anyone experiencing a mental health episode. Symptomatology is complicated, and it’s possible for the side effects of various disorders to overlap. So, it’s dangerous to make assumptions about what someone is experiencing. In fact, it’s better to assume that what they are going through can get worse at any moment. And professional attention should be an urgent priority.

In a comprehensive treatment environment , a personal life assessment accompanies the clinical diagnosis. Experienced clinicians understand that someone’s mental and emotional health is closely integrated with all areas of their life . Recovery after a mental breakdown or a psychotic break is as much about stabilizing the stressors and triggers in a person’s life as it is about treating the symptoms. And, even beyond stabilization, integrative treatment aims to prepare clients for healthier, more empowered long-range futures. It is entirely possible for someone to gain positive new coping skills and prevent another distressing episode that they are helpless to endure.

If you’re concerned about a loved one and believe they may need residential care, we can help. BrightQuest offers long-term treatment for people struggling with complex mental health illnesses and co-occurring disorders. Contact us to learn more about our renowned program and how we can help you or your loved one start the journey toward recovery.

What really helps us reduce our sadness, anxiety, and other emotional distress?

Posted Sep 16, 2013

THE BASICS

• What Is Anxiety?
• Find a therapist to overcome anxiety

We experience emotional distress in all sorts of ways—as sadness, anxiety, addictions, unproductive obsessions, unwanted compulsions, repetitive self-sabotaging behaviors, physical ailments, boredom, and various angry, bleak, and agitated moods.

What helps relieve this distress? What helps a person to heal? The mental health system as currently constituted says that the following two things help the most: drugs and talk therapy. Setting those two aside, what else helps? Here are 10 tips for emotional healing:

You must be yourself. This means asking for what you want, setting boundaries, having your own beliefs and opinions, standing up for your values, wearing the clothes you want to wear, eating the food you want to eat, saying the things you want to say, and in a hundred other ways being you and not somebody small or false.

2. Invent yourself

You come with attributes, capacities and proclivities and you are molded in a certain environment. But at some point you must say, “Okay, this is what is original to me and this is how I have been formed but now who do I want to be?” You reduce your emotional distress by deciding to become a person who will experience less emotional distress: a calmer person, a less critical person, a less egoistic person, a more productive person, a less self-abusive person, and so on.

3. Love and be loved

Part of our nature requires solitude, alone time, and a substantial rugged individualism. But this isn’t the whole story of our nature. We feel happier, warmer and better, live longer, and experience life as more meaningful if we love and let ourselves be loved. We must be individuals (see tips 1 and 2) but we must also relate. To do both, to both be ourselves and relate, requires that we acknowledge the reality of others, include others in our plans, not only speak but listen, and makes ourselves fit by eliminating our more egregious faults and by growing up.

4. Get a grip on your mind

Nothing causes more emotional distress than the thoughts we think. We must do a better job than we usually do of identifying the thoughts that don’t serve us, disputing them and demanding that they go away, and substituting more useful thoughts. Thinking thoughts that do not serve you is the equivalent of serving yourself up emotional distress. Only you can get a grip on your own mind; if you won’t do that work, you will live in distress.

5. Forget the past

We are not so completely in control of our being that we can prevent past sore points from returning. They have a way of pestering us as anxious sweats, nightmares, sudden sadness, and waves of anger or defeat. But we can nevertheless try to exorcise the past by not playing along with our human tendency to wallow there. We must tell ourselves to move on and mean it. If you have a secret attachment to misery, you will feel miserable. As best you can, imperfectly but with real energy, let go of the past and forget the past.

6. Flip the anxiety switch off

Rampant anxiety ruins our equilibrium, colors our mood, and makes all the already hard tasks of living that much harder. There are many anxiety management strategies you might want to try—breathing techniques, cognitive techniques, relaxation techniques, and so on—but what will make all the difference is if you can locate that “inner switch” that controls your anxious nature and, deciding that you prefer to live more calmly, flip it to the off position. With one gesture you announce that you will no longer over-dramatize, that you will no longer catastrophize, that you will no longer live a fearful life or create unnecessary anxiety for yourself.

Meaning is nothing more arcane than a certain sort of subjective psychological experience. We can have much more meaning in our life if we stop looking for it, as if it were lost or as if someone else knew more about it than we did, and realize that it is in our power to influence meaning and even make it. By making daily meaning investments and by seizing daily meaning opportunities we hold meaning crises at bay and experience life as meaningful. Meaning problems produce severe emotional distress and learning the art of value-based meaning-making dramatically reduces that distress.

8. Let meaning trump mood

You can decide that the meaning you make is more important to you than the mood you find yourself in. Rather than saying “I’m blue today” you instead say, “I have my business to build” or “I have my novel to write.” You start each day by announcing to yourself exactly how you intend to make meaning on that day, how you intend to deal with routine chores and tasks, how you intend to relax—how, in short, you mean to spend your day—and you consider all of that, the rich and the mundane alike, as the project of your life, one that you are living with grace and in good spirits. You reduce your emotional distress by checking in more on your intentions and less on your mood.

You may not be the person you would like to be. You may be angrier than you would like to be, more impulsive, more scattered, more self-sabotaging, more undisciplined, more frightened. If so, you require a personality upgrade, which of course only you can supply. You choose a feature of your personality you would like to upgrade and then you ask yourself, what thoughts align with this intention and what actions align with this intention? Then you think the appropriate thoughts and take the necessary action. In this way you become the person capable of reducing your emotional distress.

10. Deal with circumstances

Would you experience more distress sunning yourself at the beach or facing a long jail sentence? Circumstances matter. Our economic circumstances matter; our relationships matter; our work conditions matter; our health matters; whether our nation is at peace or occupied by invaders matters. Many circumstances are completely out of our control and many are within our control. We can change jobs or careers, we can divorce, we can reduce our calorie intake, we can stand up or keep quiet, we can do exactly as much as we can do to improve our circumstances. As a result of those improvements, we feel emotionally better. Emotional healing requires that you take real action in the real world.

Who knows if we are in the throes of a “new depression epidemic” or a “new anxiety epidemic” or whether keen emotional distress has been a significant feature of human existence from the beginning. What is different now is that the paradigm of self-help is completely available to anyone who would like to reduce his or her emotional distress. You can understand yourself; you can form intentions and carry them out; you can learn from experience; you can grow and heal. Naturally, none of this is true if you are unwilling to do the work required. But if you are, you have an excellent chance of reducing your emotional distress and experiencing genuine emotional health.

(Image: Lindsey Boggs, Design: Nick DeSantis)

There’s an age-old quote that says “your illness does not define you; your strength and courage does.” I like to believe that in my case of overcoming a nervous breakdown in December 2016.

After sharing a very personal story with the world earlier this year about my mental breakdown, I was overwhelmed with how much support I was receiving. I couldn’t believe how many people struggled with mental illness and were too afraid to talk about it. It’s a very taboo topic, and it’s unfortunate. I struggled with wanting to respond to people, but didn’t want to get caught up in the digital space like I had before. It was a double-edged sword.

Shortly after revealing to the world my mental illness, I began seeing a therapist and a psychologist. In the beginning, I was nervous about what they’d think and say, and nervous I wasn’t going to get anything out of it. Boy, was I wrong. Originally, I was seeing my therapist twice a week, and now we are down to once a week. Being able to verbally express my challenges with my therapist has been key and I owe a lot of my recovery to my therapist. Medicine has helped as well; I won’t be on it forever, but medication definitely changed the way I feel and I no longer think ill thoughts like I did before.

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Lindsey and Shaquille O’Neal at LinkedIn’s Sales Connect conference in February 2016. (Photo . [+] courtesy: Lindsey Boggs)

My sister’s death fueled my nervous breakdown. I was already headed in an unhealthy spiral and her death just exacerbated everything. A whole year has passed (she passed away on September 29), and my emotions are still raw. I don’t think you ever get over someone’s death, you just learn how to deal with it.

I’ve done several digital detoxes since my breakdown. Every night when my family (husband and two kids) gets home from work and school, we put all of our digital devices in a basket from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. No technology for anyone. It forces my husband and I to have uninterrupted one-on-one time with our kids, and helps us become more of a family unit. I highly recommend people try this tactic—it’s worked wonders for our family.

I’ve made my Facebook life match my real life. That’s something that I was terrible at before—only posting the happy or perfect times on Facebook to make my life look picture perfect. Now I’m posting way less, spending less time on Facebook and posting real-life content, not my whimsical Facebook life.

Lindsey and Gary Vaynerchuk at a DailyVee taping in July 2016. (Photo courtesy: Lindsey Boggs)

In addition to a digital detox, every night before my kids go to bed, we sit on the carpet and tell each other what our favorite and least favorite things were that day, and why. This helps my kids open up significantly, and it’s something they look forward to every night.

I quit my job. I was traveling at least two to three times per month and missing things at home. My marriage was in a rough spot because I was never home. My kids never saw me and when they did see me, I was usually working late or unavailable to them. It wasn’t worth it to me to be away for so much time, so I found another company where I’ll be traveling a lot less.

The biggest thing I’ve learned in reflecting since my article is that everyone has their own struggles in life. People either choose to mask them or talk about them. Talking about my mental illness has helped me tremendously, and more people need to be more vocal about it. I wish more people would talk about mental illness; it would certainly help our community.

Overall, I’m recovering quite well. I certainly have my days when I struggle, but those are now few and far between. Thank you to everyone who has shown support for me this last year. I value every single one of you, and can’t thank you enough.

Bankable shares fresh perspectives on money, career and balance from guest contributors.

A nervous breakdown isn’t considered an official psychiatric term, which means there are no official diagnostic criteria for a nervous breakdown and everyone has different definitions. With that said, most agree a nervous breakdown usually involves some kind of intense mental distress that leads to an impairment in day-to-day functioning. The distress might be related to mental illness, but it’s also typically exacerbated by a variety of outside factors. When recovering from a mental breakdown, there are several different steps affected individuals will need to take. One is to treat any underlying mental health symptoms. Another is to make lifestyle changes to help alleviate stress and tension. Individuals might need to make more time for self-care as well.

Learn about the most popular methods of treating and recovering from a nervous breakdown now.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychological treatment that has become mainstream for the treatment of many different disorders. It is effective for a range of problems and emotional issues including alcohol and drug use, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, and relationship issues. There have been multiple studies indicating cognitive behavioral therapy increases a patient’s overall wellness and quality of life. This type of therapy is often used alongside other forms of therapy and medications. Some patients might find cognitive behavioral therapy is effective on its own without needing other types of therapy. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help patients identify and correct their faulty ways of thinking. The practice also helps individuals recognize and stop patterns of harmful behavior. By teaching individuals better coping mechanisms to use in their day-to-day life, they’re given the tools they need to prevent another nervous breakdown. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on becoming aware of one’s thoughts and behaviors, and then on taking steps to change those behaviors. It teaches a range of problem-solving and self-awareness skills.

Read more about treating a nervous breakdown now.

Experiencing a mental health episode like mania, psychosis, a suicide attempt, or any other crisis that causes you to act in ways you wouldn’t normally act, or say things you wouldn’t normally say, can be embarrassing and shame inducing once the episode or crisis is over.

I know it is easy for people to say not to feel shame because 1 in 4 Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime, but just because the statistics prove that you are not alone, your self-esteem can still take a beating once the recovery process begins.

Here are 5 tips to help recover your self-esteem along with your overall mental wellness.

1. Recovery can be all about small steps. Those small steps can include taking care of your personal needs and hygiene. Make a list of things to do every day like take a shower, brush your teeth, floss your teeth, brush your hair, shave, and any other personal things you did every day before the episode or crisis began. Make sure to mark items completed off of your list.

1. After you accomplished taking care of your hygiene, make a list of small tasks you can do every day to keep up your house, like make the bed, do the dishes, take out the trash, etc. By marking these daily things off your list, you will have a sense of accomplishment and of progress.

1. Try to get some exercise. Even twenty minutes of exercise a day is going to help you feel better about yourself, and again, it will give you a sense of normalcy. If you didn’t exercise before the episode or crisis, now is a good time to introduce walking into your day (if you are able). If you are not able to walk, you could find a few gentle stretches or exercises you are able to do, and incorporate those into your day.

1. Try to get out of the house and out of your head. Staying indoors all day can increase feelings of depression. I know it is difficult to find the motivation to get out, but if you can, try to volunteer an hour or two a week at an animal shelter or a place that serves food to the homeless and low income. For those that have social anxiety, being out can be extremely stressful, but if you start in short increments you may be able to gradually increase your time around people and continue to build your self-esteem.

1. Start a creative project that you can work on (and finish). If you like to write try writing for fifteen minutes to twenty minutes a day. If you like to knit, or sew, or cook, or play music, try spending some time being creative and working toward a goal you can mark your progress on.

The most important thing to remember after an episode or crisis is that you survived – that is by far the most important detail. Taking small steps toward a more productive and social life will help you rebuild your self-esteem and life. You never know, you may build it up to be much better than it was before – it is possible, believe it, it can happen.