The goal of CBT is to manage your intense stress and anxiety by changing the way you think, feel and behave. A commonly used form of psychotherapy is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The main treatment of psychological or behavioral stress is psychotherapy (talk therapy).
How is a “nervous breakdown” (mental health crisis) treated? There’s no limit to the possible causes or combination of causes that might lead to a “nervous breakdown” or mental health crisis. Loss of sleep and/or the inability to relax.Įach person is unique, with their own “set point” for a breakdown.Chronic medical condition or the worsening of a medical condition.Ongoing work stress (burnout) or other work- or school-related problems.Family turmoil or trouble in love relationships.Recent severe personal tragedy, like the death of a loved one, divorce, foreclosure on a home or other severe financial strain.Some causes of stress that can become too intense and overwhelming to handle include: Flashbacks of a traumatic event (undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder).Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.Being irritated, frustrated or having outbursts.Feeling very sad, hopeless, helpless or worried.Not wanting to leave your home or be with others.Losing interest in activities or hobbies or things that brought you joy.Slipping into poor lifestyle habits like unhealthy eating, not getting enough sleep or can’t sleep, poor hygiene and not exercising.Missing scheduled appointments or social events.Not showing up for work for one or more days or calling in sick.Signs and symptoms of a mental or emotional health crisis vary from person to person, depending on the underlying cause.Ĭommon signs and symptoms include: Symptoms of withdrawal What are the symptoms of a “nervous breakdown” or mental health crisis? Call 911, go to the emergency room or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800.273.8255. Some individuals may have thoughts of harming themselves.
However, when you can no longer do everyday tasks - like getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or going to work - it’s time to seek professional help. Some people are better able to cope with stress than others.
What happens when you have a mental health crisis (“nervous breakdown”)? The condition is brought on by a reaction to a stressful or traumatic event. This is defined as psychiatric symptoms associated with a stressful situation. Some of the medical conditions you and your healthcare provider will explore as contributing to your mental distress include: With a mental health crisis, your intense reaction to stress shares many features of other medical conditions. It’s the feeling of being physically, mentally and emotionally overwhelmed by the stress of life. Instead, a mental health crisis or a breakdown of your mental health is a situation that happens when you have intense physical and emotional stress, have difficulty coping and aren’t able to function effectively. It’s not a term your healthcare provider is going to use. “Nervous breakdown” isn’t a medical diagnosis. It’s fallen out of favor because it isn’t a medical term and - over time - it’s taken on a negative meaning. But exactly what is a “nervous breakdown”? What does this truly mean?Ī “nervous breakdown” is a vague term sometimes used by the public or the press. We’ve all heard someone say, “I think I’m having a nervous breakdown.” You may have said this yourself. A “nervous breakdown” or mental health crisis refers to the feeling of being physically, mentally and emotionally overwhelmed by the stress of life.