What to Do If Someone Is Having a Mental Breakdown?

What would you do if someone you know was having a mental breakdown? Do you know how to help them? There are multiple ways to assist a friend, family member, or coworker experiencing a mental breakdown. And to do that, you must know the indicators of a mental breakdown and how to aid someone experiencing it.

What Is a Mental Breakdown?

Let’s start by defining a mental breakdown. A mental breakdown, also known as a nervous breakdown, is a mental health crisis marked by a period of acute emotional distress that prevents an individual from functioning normally. A mental breakdown is not a medical term or a mental health diagnosis since it does not describe a specific condition. Rather, it’s a term used conversationally to describe a situation of intense physical and emotional stress that someone cannot cope with temporarily. 

What Causes a Mental Breakdown?

The cause of a mental health breakdown can differ from person to person. While not all mental breakdowns have clear triggers, a traumatic or stressful event can often trigger a breakdown. Other possible reasons for a mental breakdown include:

• Death of a family member
• A separation or divorce
• A major life change
• Financial problems
• Work-related stress
• A physical assault
• Mass shootings
• Parental burnout
• Natural disasters such as wildfire, floods, and COVID-19
• Social and political unrest
• Planning an important event such as a wedding, graduation, or vacation
• A recent diagnosis of illness or injury
• An underlying and undiagnosed mental health disorder

A mental breakdown can last a few hours or several weeks; the longer it lasts, the more detrimental it can be to a person’s health. Similarly, when stress symptoms persist over an extended length of time, they can interfere with both job and personal relationships.

Recognizing the Signs of a Mental Breakdown

Although certain symptoms are associated with specific mental health conditions, no two people behave similarly during a nervous breakdown. And the signs and symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that indicate a nervous breakdown: 

Symptoms of withdrawal:

• Losing interest in activities or hobbies, they used to enjoy 
• Not showing up for work or calling in sick
• Missing scheduled appointments or social events
• Not wanting to leave home or be with others

Symptoms of depression:

• Feeling very sad, hopeless, or worried
• Being irritated, frustrated, or having emotional outbursts
• Having trouble concentrating
• Mood swings
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Physical symptoms:

• Feeling pain and uneasiness
• Unable to remain still and calm
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Heart palpitations
• Cold or sweaty hands
• Dizziness
• Having nightmares
• Trouble breathing
• Trembling or shaking

Other mental health symptoms:

• Paranoia
• Panic attack
• Hallucinations
• Flashbacks of a traumatic event (post-traumatic stress disorder)

These signs and symptoms are usually progressive, which means they will not go away unless they are addressed, appropriate coping strategies are adopted, and positive lifestyle changes are made.

How Is a Mental Breakdown Treated?

One of the key therapeutic choices for patients suffering from psychological stress is psychotherapy (talk therapy), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular type of psychotherapy. CBT aims to change irrational thought patterns based on emotional beliefs. It’s an effective, goal-oriented, short-term treatment and straightforward approach to therapy to reduce stress and feelings of anxiety. 

CBT involves the following process:

• Discussing your symptoms and feelings
• Examining your stress to acquire insight into how to respond
• Understanding, re-evaluating, and changing thoughts and behaviors
• Learning how to cope by using problem-solving skills
• Learning how to maintain a tranquil mind and body

Your mental health provider may also prescribe medications to help you manage your anxiety, depression, or poor sleep habits.  

In addition to psychotherapy and medications, patients can also benefit from participating in support groups and making healthy lifestyle changes. Participating in support groups or self-help groups can provide individuals undergoing a mental breakdown with numerous benefits by bringing together individuals who are experiencing or have experienced similar situations. A support group provides a safe environment where you can obtain practical, constructive advice and beneficial information. When searching for a local support group, your primary care physician, mental health professional, or local religious institution are often the best places to start. You can also search for a local meeting on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and Mental Health America (MHA) websites.

How to Help Someone During a Mental Breakdown?

The main symptom of a mental breakdown is the inability to function normally, which may include the inability to ask for help. So when someone is experiencing a nervous breakdown, it’s important to ensure that help is available. 

Following are some general strategies for helping someone through a mental breakdown:

• Create a safe environment – Make them feel physically and emotionally safe. Remove all distractions and people that may trigger their stress.
• Listen without judgment – A person experiencing a mental breakdown will be more likely to listen to you if you approach them with a non-judgmental attitude.
• Encourage treatment – Since the cause and severity of a mental breakdown vary from person to person, receiving a diagnosis from a mental health professional is crucial for effective treatment.
• Help them make lifestyle changes – This can include practicing self-care activities, exercise, and alternative therapies like meditation and yoga.

If the person refuses to accept help, try to figure out why and make them feel better about seeking help. They may have misconceived notions about getting help or their treatment options. However, it’s important to respect their right not to seek help unless you believe they are putting themselves or others in danger. 

How Do I Respond if Someone Is Suicidal?

There may be instances when a person requires immediate assistance, especially if you are concerned about their safety. If you or someone you care about is experiencing a nervous breakdown, believes they may harm themselves, or are contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988. The new three-digit dialing code, 988, will direct calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Beginning July 16, 2022, this dialing code will be available to everyone in the United States. Even after 988 is deployed nationally, the present Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will remain available to those in mental distress or suicidal crisis. Talking can be highly therapeutic to someone who is suicidal. This service connects people to the nearest Lifeline crisis center in their area and provides crisis counseling and referrals to mental health services.

If someone tells you they are suicidal, it’s important to encourage them to seek help from friends, family, or mental health services, but it’s also critical for you to seek counseling after such a traumatic experience.

Can a Mental Breakdown Be Prevented?

Situations that could lead to a mental health crisis cannot always be avoided. However, we can assist our loved ones in becoming better prepared to deal with such occurrences. Many of the most effective self-help tips entail lifestyle adjustments. Although these strategies may not completely eliminate episodes of unmanageable stress, anxiety, or depression, they may minimize their intensity and frequency. 

• Learn relaxation strategies – Try breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and relaxing muscle groups) in addition to other relaxation techniques. Visualize and concentrate on something that calms you down.
• Practice self-care – Eat a well-balanced diet, observe healthy sleeping patterns, and exercise at least five days per week for at least 30 minutes. Avoid recreational substances, alcoholic beverages, and excessive caffeine (coffee, teas, colas, and chocolates) as they can increase physical stress.
• Get organized and take breaks – Regain some control over your life. Set priorities. Take frequent mini-breaks. Review accomplishments at the close of each day. Do not punish yourself if you do not complete everything on your list. Update your list of tasks. Each day presents a fresh start and a new opportunity.
• Receive treatment – Make an appointment with a mental health professional to learn appropriate coping strategies, receive support, and diagnose and treat any mental illness or undiagnosed medical conditions. Receiving the right treatment can help you bounce back from a mental health crisis much faster. 

People who have overcome a mental breakdown often state that it forced them to confront their problems, seek help, and build stronger coping mechanisms. It also meant individuals could be diagnosed with untreated mental illness and receive treatment. People who have received treatment and therapy following a mental breakdown are typically more resilient and able to manage daily life much better.

The Mental Health Program at Futures Recovery Healthcare works tirelessly to assist individuals and families in obtaining treatment and support for various mental health disorders in a judgment-free environment. 

We treat depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and other related conditions using clinical, psychiatric, medication, medical, and wellness interventions and support. To learn more about our mental health care services, contact us online or call 866-804-2098.