Nervous Breakdown Symptoms and Treatment

Imagine a situation where a person sitting next to you is behaving in a normal way. Suddenly, his mobile phone rings, he listens nervously and is frozen in his position. He may have received news that gave him the shock of his life. You try to jolt him back from this state and he breaks down into uncontrollable sobs. Well, as a layman, one would call this as a nervous breakdown. This usually occurs when a person breaks down under pressure. It is like all the circuits going haywire causing physical, mental and emotional overload. The person suffering from nervous breakdown finds it difficult to work at a normal level temporarily. It is not a healthy way for a normal person to react in such a way to any given stressful situation. This condition in fact occurs, when the person is suffering from an underlying mental health problem that requires doctor's attention. In this article, we shall discuss some of the nervous breakdown symptoms and treatment.

One may say that the reaction explained in the beginning of this Buzzle article is misleading. Such reactions are seen under normal circumstances as a part of normal human behavior. But, there is a thin line between normal emotional upset and a nervous breakdown. Each individual has a threshold limit, under which s/he breakdowns or just 'snaps'. Even though one may be one the verge of nervous breakdown, it does not necessarily imply, s/he may have a complete nervous breakdown.

What is Nervous Breakdown?
Nervous breakdown is not a medical term. It is not a disease by itself. It is just a figurative expression used by a common person to explain a larger problem. The major depressive episode can have similar symptoms of the characteristics of a breakdown. You will be surprised to know that the diagnostic system such as the DSM-IV (psychiatric classification system) or ICD-10 have terms like a psychiatric break, post-traumatic stress disorder, maniac break, panic attack, etc. have particular clinical diagnosis. However, the term nervous breakdown is absent from any scientific literature related to a mental illnesses.

So, what is a nervous breakdown exactly? It can be called a symptom of a particular psychiatric condition mentioned in the paragraph above. It is a state, where there is a mental short-circuit. This condition is seen as an acute emotional or psychological collapse of a person. The individual develops loss of interest in all activities. He suffers from confusion, disorientation, uncontrollable crying. The person may also lose his self-confidence and self-esteem. In extreme cases, catatonic posturing is seen. In this condition, the person is unable to move. Nervous breakdown is a term that we tend to use loosely in our daily lives. For example, you may hear a student say, 'I almost had a nervous breakdown the minute I heard I may not be able to get into the school's basketball team!. This statement implies a state of 'anxiety' or 'sudden panic' one experiences.

Symptoms of Nervous Breakdown
There are different symptoms of nervous breakdown. Some suffer from insomnia and appetite loss. Breakdown makes the person emotionally drained and he becomes mentally unstable. This may lead to anxiety attacks or depression. Individuals may also show the signs of delirium, amnesia and may have frequent nightmares. They might also show a state of narcissism, that is, extreme self-adoration and vanity. Other symptoms include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, shortness of breath, etc. The person may start worrying, feel nervous, scared, anxious or even get under stress. These symptoms are covered in the table to give you a better idea:

Physical Symptoms	Emotional Symptoms	Behavioral Symptoms
Anxiety or panic attacks Appetite Changes that causes one to eat a lot or less Change in menstrual cycle Diarrhea/Constipation Constant exhaustion/fatigue Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Loss of memory or weakened memory power Low libido Migraine headaches Problems with breathing Problems with vision Sleep disruption (insomnia or sleeping for long hours)	Alcoholism or drug addiction Anxiety Depression Episodes of uncontrollable crying Feelings of suicide or invincibility Guilty feelings Hallucinations Inability to carry out normal functions and maintain relationships Lack of social life and alienation from friends and family Loss of decision-making ability Loss self-esteem and confidence Paranoia Recollection of traumatic event(s) again and again	Agitated behavior Begins to think life is meaningless Depression Development of strange behavior Extreme mood swings Loss of spirit of life Narcissism Phobias Self-vanity Talks less or stops talking completely Tries to harm others or self Violent anger

Causes of Nervous Breakdown
The main factor that contributes to a nervous breakdown is stress. Unlike a panic disorder that can occur suddenly without any specific trigger or causes, nervous breakdown generally occurs due to stress. It is usually caused by the factors that affect an individual's life dramatically. For example, death of a loved one, loss of job, severe debt, broken relationships, demanding job and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some other factors that contribute to the onset of breakdown include drugs, alcohol and a family history of psychological disorders. In certain people, Schizophrenia and bipolar episodes also trigger a nervous breakdown.

Treatment for Nervous Breakdown
The most difficult part in treating nervous breakdown is getting the individual to visit the doctor. People who have suffered silently for years find themselves getting better after speaking to psychotherapists. Depression is generally the main symptoms of a nervous breakdown. People tend to think the sufferer is either tired or exhausted due to work or some other stress. But, it is very important to recognize the nervous breakdown symptoms. The person begins to alienate her/himself. They will call in sick for days together from work, start missing their social appointments, will not be able to carry out their daily tasks like eating properly, sleeplessness and even fail to maintain hygiene. Thus, if you suspect someone you know suffering from such symptoms, better seek medical help. To treat a nervous breakdown, psychotropic medications, psychotherapy and counseling is used. Antidepressants and tranquilizers may also be advised by the doctor. There is no standard cure, but these measures are effective enough in treating majority of the people and getting them back on the normal track.

One can always prevent nervous breakdown by recognizing the signs of breakdown and seeking professional psychological help at the earliest. When stress levels increase and mood dips are frequent, it is the time to be on a high alert. One can take a vacation and spend more time in various recreational activities with family and friends. Exercise, meditation, maintaining proper sleep hours and a healthy diet will help you to stay away from breakdown. Also, cutting down on smoking, alcohol and drugs will decrease the chances of a nervous breakdown. Aromatherapy is also an effective method to curb nervous breakdown. Aromatherapy is soothing and relaxing, thus helps the person unwind their nerves.

Though nervous breakdown is inevitable in certain situations, you can always make sure that you stay healthy to cope with the ups and downs of life. One can overcome nervous breakdown with the help and support of their loved ones, family, friends as well as medical help. Do not wait till you reach the point of total breakdown. If you find your moods drop too quickly and refuse to rise again, seek medical help. It is better to take a break once in a while from work and go on a short vacation or pursue a hobby. Try yoga to calm your nerves and eat healthy. There should be more time for laughs to keep stress levels as low as possible. Make sure you spot the signs as early as possible, before you are trapped with a nervous breakdown.