A nervous breakdown is a term that describes a period of extreme mental or emotional stress. The stress is so great that the person is unable to perform normal day-to-day activities. The term is not a clinical one nor a mental health disorder. It is used to describe many different mental health conditions, but it is no longer used by professionals today.
In general, feeling stress and being unable to cope with it may lead to feeling so overwhelmed that you can’t perform your normal daily functions. When a nervous breakdown happens, you may feel like you lose control of your feelings and give in to stress, anxiety, or worry. For those who are not familiar, these are 5 signs of a nervous breakdown.
1) Extreme Exhaustion
Too much stress may leave you feeling extreme exhaustion. You may feel tired because you’re not sleeping enough, or you may even feel tired because you’re sleeping too much. Over time, extreme exhaustion along with stress can lead to a nervous breakdown. Stress can bring about changes in your appetite.
2) Hallucinations
If you are stressed and starting to notice any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you are on your way to a nervous breakdown. In some instances, extreme stress can even cause hallucinations. You might hear or see things that are not really there.
3) Panic Attacks
Multiple panic attacks may lead to a diagnosis of panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. Some people may have just one panic attack, and this is not considered a diagnosable anxiety disorder.
4) Symptoms Of Anxiety
The underline of a nervous breakdown is an anxiety disorder. Anxiety stands from low self-esteem, withdrawal from friends and families, and feelings of helplessness. While anyone could feel anxious, severe anxiety can cause us to do things like avoiding friends or engaging in constant self-loathing. These could increase your stress level and lead to a nervous breakdown.
5) Unbearable Mood Swings
Rapid and regular shifts in your mood can be a sign of a nervous breakdown or an underlying medical condition. While other changes like hormones, substances abuse, and other health conditions can pose even greater issues. Unexplainable outbursts can also be a sign of a nervous breakdown.
Sources: YouTube Psych2Go.