Nervous breakdown refers to a condition in which an individual has already reached his limit and can no longer function effectively or normally in his day-to-day life. This condition often occurs as a result of too much stress due to various factors including death of loved one, financial difficulty, unemployment, and divorce. Suffering from this condition can bring s detrimental effect on the quality of life of various individuals.
“Nervous breakdown” is not being considered as a clinical term. There is still not standard definition or an exact psychiatric diagnosis for this condition. Most health experts and medical professionals regard it as a modern mental health crisis. Nervous breakdown is a serious issue that needs to be avoided at all costs. Suffering from this condition is not a sign of weakness or insanity. However, it is imperative that individuals still learn the different warning signs of a nervous breakdown in order to deal with the condition as early as possible.
Mental and Emotional Signs of a Nervous Breakdown
Depression: This is one of the most common signs of impending breakdown. Self-mutilation, loss of hope, and suicidal thoughts are often associated with this condition. There are also instances when individuals may experience manic-depression. This is a hyper-driven condition that can lead to a complete breakdown.
Panic Attacks: Individuals suffering from depression can also experience panic attacks. Symptoms if this include breathing difficulty, self-detachment, increased blood pressure, extreme level of fear, chest pain, and feelings of unreality.
Social Withdrawal: Individuals who are suffering from a mental health crisis may isolate themselves from others. They lack the interest to socialize and choose to alienate themselves. However, isolation from family and friends can remove them from reality as well as deprive them with the support that they need.
Hallucinations and Paranoia: Experiencing a nervous breakdown may also trigger individuals to experience hallucinations especially if they are already suffering from mild schizophrenia, substance abuse, or certain type of depression. Moreover, paranoia is also one of the strong warning signs of a nervous breakdown. If you are suffering from irrational or unhealthy fear, it is important that you seek immediate professional help.
Mood Swings: Individuals who are on the verge of breaking down often have extreme mood swings. They often have irrational reactions or moods. Most of them also stop doing fun activities that they used to do in the past.
Physical Warning Signs of a Nervous Breakdown
Significant Weight Loss or Weight Gain: Individuals in a mental health crisis may experience extreme weight loss or weight. They experience sudden changes in their eating habits. One time they may experience major loss of appetite and engage in binge eating the next time.
Some individuals may also experience lost of focus, exhaustion, hypochondriac attacks, dizziness, and painful or tensed muscles as well as trembling, upset stomach, and trembling.
These warning signs of a nervous breakdown can helps individuals seek the necessary help that they need to prevent or treat the condition. Nervous breakdown is one of the conditions that should be addressed immediately to prevent more serious problems to arise.