Nervous Breakdown Signs - What to Watch Out For

This content was reviewed and approved by Angela Nicole Gilbert, APRN, PMHNP-BC.

What Is a Nervous Breakdown?

People commonly use the term “nervous breakdown” (or mental breakdown) broadly to refer to their state of mind in high-stress situations. However, it isn’t a clinical term or a specific mental health disorder. Healthcare professionals use it a little more conservatively for a specific set of symptoms.

This article answers the question, “What’s a mental breakdown?” It also addresses others, like “What does a nervous breakdown feel like?” and “What does a nervous breakdown look like in others?”

To answer the first of these important questions, the definition of a nervous breakdown is a mental health crisis where a person is overwhelmed by extreme mental or emotional stress, has trouble coping and, as a result, struggles to perform day-to-day activities.

What Can Trigger a Nervous Breakdown?

Many types of stressful situations can trigger a nervous breakdown, including:

• Tragic events like the death of a loved one
• Major life changes
• Extreme or continual stress at home, school or work
• Persistent sleep problems
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Financial problems

In some people, mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can contribute to or amplify a nervous breakdown.

Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown

Each person experiences this type of mental health crisis in their own way. However, for many, a nervous breakdown causes some or all of the following mental and emotional symptoms:

• Withdrawing, including skipping work, missing appointments, avoiding favorite activities and not wanting to leave home
• Trouble concentrating
• Sadness, hopelessness or worry
• Frustration, irritability or angry outbursts
• Self-harm or suicide
• Nightmares
• Fear or uneasiness
• Restlessness
• Panic attacks
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Flashbacks of traumatic events

Nervous breakdown physical symptoms can include:

• Cold or sweaty hands
• Trembling or shaking
• Heart palpitations
• Trouble breathing
• Dizziness
• Nausea or upset stomach

Treatment Options for a Nervous Breakdown

The most effective treatment for a nervous breakdown depends on what caused the episode. Underlying mental health conditions can also be a factor.

Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes focused on lowering a patient’s stress level. This can include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, spending time in nature and meditating.

Talk therapy (a type of psychotherapy) can also help patients identify the sources of their stress and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. In some cases, doctors provide antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or sleep aids to reduce symptoms or help prevent a recurrence.

How Serious Is a Nervous Breakdown?

A nervous breakdown is a severe mental health issue, especially since people experiencing one can’t perform everyday activities. As a result, they might jeopardize the health and safety of others, suffer financial consequences and face other repercussions.

Some people also have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which require immediate medical intervention.

When To Seek Medical Attention

If you feel overwhelmed by stress and find yourself thinking, “I’m having a nervous breakdown. What do I do?” you should seek help. The same is true if the stress in your life feels unbearable and you start having thoughts of harming yourself.

How To Manage and Prevent Nervous Breakdowns?

Knowing how to stop having a nervous breakdown if you feel one is occurring is crucial. However, so is learning to prevent episodes in the first place.

Nervous breakdown prevention focuses on learning to manage your stress more effectively. Here are some actions you can take to reduce your risk:

• Learn relaxation strategies
• Pay attention to your physical health
• Get organized
• Seek help

FAQs Regarding Nervous Breakdowns

Is a Nervous Breakdown the Same as a Mental Health Crisis?

A nervous breakdown is one type of mental health crisis. While it isn’t technically a mental health disorder, it’s important to get treatment.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Nervous Breakdown?

The recovery time after a nervous breakdown will depend on the severity of the episode. It can range from a few days to several weeks. It might even take months to recover fully from a severe nervous breakdown.

What’s the Difference Between a Psychotic Break and a Nervous Breakdown?

In a psychotic break, the person loses touch with reality, often experiencing hallucinations, delusions and intense paranoia. Typically, a person having a nervous breakdown doesn’t lose touch with reality.

Talk With Your Doctor About Nervous Breakdowns

If you feel overwhelmed by life events, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you find ways to reduce your stress. You can find a Baptist Health provider in our online provider directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Behavioral Care at Baptist Health
Telemedicine for Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Programs
Inpatient Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit
Psychiatry Programs