A “nervous breakdown” is a term often thrown around casually. People say they’re “having a nervous breakdown” when what they really mean is that they feel overwhelmed or stressed. However, a nervous breakdown is an actual mental health event that requires the support of a mental health treatment center.
A nervous breakdown is a type of mental health crisis. Knowing the signs of a nervous breakdown can help you understand when to get professional help for yourself or a loved one.
Promises Behavioral Health offers treatment programs for various mental and behavioral health conditions. Call us today at 844.875.5609 for support if you think you’re experiencing a nervous breakdown.
What Is a Nervous Breakdown?
A nervous breakdown is a term used to describe extreme mental or emotional stress. A person experiencing a nervous breakdown may not speak or behave as usual. They may fail to attend to the obligations they are typically responsible for, like going to work or school, caring for children, or going about their regular activities. Common reasons for a nervous breakdown include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Psychiatric issues
A nervous breakdown is a mental health crisis but is not a diagnostic term. When someone gets mental health support for a nervous breakdown, the treatment team will evaluate and identify the factors leading to their altered behavior. Call a mental health treatment center immediately if you notice signs of a nervous breakdown.
Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown
A nervous breakdown can take many forms. One of the most common signs is altered behavior—usually in a negative way. A person may abandon responsibilities, engage in dangerous behavior, or act impulsively in a manner counter to their best interests, such as spending large amounts of money or suddenly quitting their job. Some of the most common symptoms of a nervous breakdown include:
- Anxiety or depression
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Extreme emotional reactions
- Crying easily
- Feelings of losing control
- Feeling paranoid or delusional
- Having hallucinations
- Feeling numb or detached
- Not showing up to work or school
- Not fulfilling regular duties
How a mental health crisis manifests is unique to the individual. While a person may take drastic actions, this is not always true. Even when someone appears to be holding it together, on the inside, they may be reaching the breaking point.
Getting Mental Health Treatment for a Nervous Breakdown
Feelings of extreme stress and overwhelm aren’t normal. If life feels too hard, it’s a sign of a nervous breakdown, and you’d benefit from support. Treatment can:
- Help you learn skills for when you’re overwhelmed
- Provide training in coping strategies
- Help you understand the mental health concerns you’re struggling with
- Guide you to make changes that will better support your mental health
- Diagnose and treat cognitive and behavioral health conditions
- Provide you with the support of a community of peers
There’s no one recommended form of treatment for a nervous breakdown. One person may need help with an anxiety disorder, another might need crisis intervention for thoughts of suicide, and a third may need support overcoming a substance use disorder.
Find Mental Health Support with Promises Behavioral Health
Mental health support makes a significant difference in overall happiness and health. If you feel like you’re having a nervous breakdown, treatment can help. This is also true even if you aren’t sure exactly what mental health concerns you’re dealing with.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, ask for help before things worsen. Promises is a mental health treatment center that can connect you to the services and professionals you need to get your mental health back on track. Contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about recognizing the symptoms of a nervous breakdown and our mental health treatment programs across the United States.