Signs Of Nervous Breakdown Meaning

A nervous breakdown describes a period of extreme emotional distress. The stress is so overpowering that the affected person is unable to undertake their regular activities. The nervous breakdown clinical term is not a medical term in the true sense. It implies an unhealthy response to stress and is indicative of an underlying issue such as anxiety or depression. No single factor can be attributed to nervous breakdown causes, but anything that leads to stress can trigger it. Managing factors that cause pressure can help in nervous breakdown recovery. Making lifestyle changes and speaking to someone like an online neurologist about stress-causing issues can help identify solutions and aid as a nervous breakdown cure.

 Nervous Breakdown Is It Real?

The condition is real as it affects the quality of life. Being unable to manage stress may create a feeling of being overwhelmed that hinders your daily routine. In some people, a nervous breakdown may also cause complex PTSD and sleep disorder. One or more of the following factors can trigger a nervous breakdown:

  • Traumatic experience
  • Unstable work-life balance
  • Family history of mental health conditions
  • Chronic medical conditions
  • Abusive relationships
  • Grief and loss of loved one
  • Persistent stress at work or burnout
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Abuse
  • A tragic event
  • Financial problems like loss of income

Nervous Breakdown Symptoms

A nervous breakdown is a temporary inability to function normally. It is one of the prime reasons to see a neurologist. A person experiencing a nervous breakdown or feeling overwhelmed may show a few or more of the following nervous breakdown signs and symptoms. 

Here are  the top 6 signs of nervous breakdown: 

  • Depression or Anxiety: It includes responses like low self-esteem, feeling irritated, worried, or getting angered on every pretext. It also means feeling helpless or crying uncontrollably. You may also feel like withdrawing from family, friends, and social activities, losing interest in otherwise favourite activities. The affected person may be having thoughts of suicide or try to inflict self-harm.
  • Concentration problems: Long-lasting stress can cause structural changes to the brain, affecting memory and making concentration difficult.
  • Insomnia: Stress most often makes people worried, full of anxiety and either unable to fall asleep or stay asleep. When you cannot sleep, the brain and body do not rest and cannot recover from stress, leading to worsened anxiety and stress. Sleep deficiency affects both physical output and mental performance. Some people may also oversleep as a response to stress which also is equally unhealthy.
  • Fatigue: You may feel tired if you are either not getting enough sleep or are sleeping too much. The long-term exhaustion coupled with stress can cause a nervous breakdown.
  • Changes in Appetite: Some people cope with stress by overeating which leads to excess weight gain. But for some other people, it may also lead to appetite loss. The twin problems of stress and anxiety can cause stomach problems like constipation, bloating, diarrhoea. Stress can aggravate irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Hallucinations: In extreme stress, you may hear or see things that are not present.

Nervous Breakdown Diagnosis

As the term is not clinical, there is no way to diagnose a nervous breakdown. If you or someone you know feels distressed and overcome by feelings of stress or anxiety, they need to contact a neurologist doctor in Jaipur or a  migraine doctor in Jaipur. The doctor will help to identify the factors that may be contributing to the problem.

Nervous Breakdown Treatment

Often life can be overwhelming. It may feel like it is getting out of hand or challenging to manage everything. But if it becomes a frequent occurrence, then you need to consult the best neurologist in Faridabad. Your mind doctor in Agra may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The top neurosurgeon in Patna may advise a treatment plan according to the cause of a nervous breakdown and your emotional, behavioural, and psychological conditions. Some common treatments that may prove beneficial are:

  • Lifestyle changes: Adding some form of exercise to daily activities to take the mind away from stressors. Make healthy and mindful eating a part of the diet, practising meditation, and taking a break from work or other things that cause stress. You can make it a point to spend some time in nature and reduce your obligations to make them manageable to finish.
  • Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medicines like antidepressants to help control and manage anxiety levels. The doctor may also advise on medicines or aids to help you sleep better. It can help in inducing sleep, breaking out of the sleeplessness cycle and reducing stress.
  • Psychotherapy: A session with a psychotherapist or a mind doctor in Delhi can help you process your thoughts and figure out solutions to reduce stress. Speaking about your worries and concerns often helps in relaxing and making sense of everything.

Feeling overwhelmed and experiencing emotions is a part of the ups and downs of life. But if they frequently hamper the daily activities, the stress can become unmanageable and lead to a nervous breakdown. It would be best if you altered your lifestyle to manage it and get back to normal. Consulting a doctor or a psychologist can help you in this process. 

FAQs

How can I know if I am having a nervous breakdown?

To assess if you have a nervous breakdown, look for symptoms like are you constantly worried, do you get easily irritated or angered, or feel helpless? You may also have lost interest in your favourite activities and not interested in meeting family and friends.

How do I manage my nervous breakdown?

To manage a nervous breakdown, you need to care more for yourself and bring out specific changes to your lifestyle. Make an effort to make friends and socialise with family, learn, and practise relaxation techniques like meditation. Aim to sleep at least eight hours a night. Spend some time alone to process your thoughts.

Is it possible to recover from a nervous breakdown?

Yes, a full recovery is possible from a nervous breakdown. It is not a disease in the medical sense but is indicative of underlying concerns like depression. Treatment may involve counseling sessions and medicines.

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