Mental collapse: Indications, manifestations, and remedies

The concept of a "mental meltdown" or "emotional collapse" occurs when pressure temporarily impedes an individual from performing their daily tasks. Yet, these phrases are outdated and no longer widely used in the medical community.

Previously, people would often refer to this condition as a "nervous breakdown," encompassing a broad range of mental illnesses. However, the medical field has abandoned this terminology. Regardless, indications of such a state are often indicative of underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The manifestation of a supposed "nervous breakdown" can vary considerably from person to person, depending on the specific mental health concern and the way that individual responds to stress.

Signs of an emotional collapse

A mental or "nervous breakdown" does not provide a specific set of symptoms beyond difficulty or inability to function as usual.

What constitutes daily functioning can differ from person to person, based on cultural, geographical, and even familial norms.

The symptoms of a breakdown are dependent on the underlying mental health issue and the individual's response to stress. However, some common symptoms include:

feeling restless, anxious, or irritable
experiencing physical and emotional exhaustion
displaying agitation and muscle tension
having disturbed sleep patterns, either sleeping too much or too little
experiencing unexplained body aches and pains
trembling and shaking
feeling helpless and hopeless with low self-esteem
moving or speaking more quickly than usual
isolating oneself or avoiding social situations
frequently calling in sick to work or missing appointments
neglecting personal hygiene or forgetting to eat
losing interest in activities and lack of motivation
experiencing interpersonal difficulties
losing interest in sexual activity
having trouble focusing or remembering
displaying signs of a fight-or-flight response – such as dry mouth and sweating - in the absence of a perceived threat
experiencing heart-related symptoms, such as an irregular or accelerated heartbeat
developing more frequent infections
experiencing changes in appetite and weight
experiencing gastrointestinal issues
having suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies

In some cases, individuals may experience psychosis, which can manifest as hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and lack of self-awareness.

Help is available

If you or someone you know is in a crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek assistance:

Contact or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7 by caring counselors.
Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to link up with a volunteer crisis counselor for free, confidential support 24/7.
Can't call from the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
Dial 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you're reaching out on behalf of someone else, stay with them until support arrives. You may remove objects or substances that could cause harm if it's safe to do so.

If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Treatment and prevention

There are several methods to reduce the emotional and physical impact of stress.

Common approaches include:

participating in therapy – often cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
discussing medication options, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or antipsychotic medications, with a doctor
addressing or resolving stress sources, like family or work conflicts
practicing breathing exercises and meditation to facilitate mental and physical relaxation
engaging in activities, like yoga and tai chi, that involve gentle stretching and controlled breathing
incorporating at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, divided into daily sessions
spending time outdoors or participating in hobbies
discussing troublesome feelings with loved ones, partners, and roommates
maintaining a consistent sleep, eating, and exercise schedule
seeking out local or online support groups for individuals with similar experiences
creating a comfortable living environment that encourages restful sleep
limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption
avoiding tobacco and recreational drugs
seeking treatment for any existing mental or physical health conditions

Possible causes and risk factors

Any stressor exceeding the body's coping abilities may result in an emotional collapse or trigger symptoms associated with an underlying mental health condition.

Common triggers and risk factors for mental health concerns include:

work and family disputes
loss of a loved one or significant relationship
job-related high-stress situations
a family history of mental health issues
chronic medical issues or injuries
traumatic events or experiences
abusive relationships
stigma experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community
race-based trauma
continuous stress, as in war situations

One mental health issue that could be a factor is acute stress disorder (ASD). According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, ASD is a reaction to stress that occurs within 3 days to 1 month following a traumatic event. If it continues beyond 1 month, a doctor may diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Explore more about anxiety in Black communities.

Diagnosis

Since the term "nervous breakdown" is not recognized in medical circles, there's no way to officially diagnose it.

Someone who feels overwhelmed by stress or emotions and is unable to carry out their daily duties should consult a doctor to help identify the underlying factors or contributing conditions.

They'll approach this by:

Inquiring about symptoms and daily habits
Conducting a bodily assessment
Examining the individual's medical background

They might additionally execute tests to dismiss a bodily affliction.

Physicians employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) to diagnose mental health concerns, including numerous sorts of anxiety. These standards aid them in pinpointing the issue's origin and selecting a proper treatment method.

When to reach out to a physician

It's wise to visit a doctor if stress impairs any day-to-day duties or activities.

Various treatments can aid people in overcoming the psychological and physical effects of stress, anxiety, and similar issues.

However, individuals frequently hesitate to request professional assistance. They might not perceive their ailment, question the effectiveness of treatment, or be discouraged by presumed stigma.

If someone exhibits indications of extreme stress, friends and family can motivate them to pursue professional aid and support their endeavors in doing so.

Health complications liable for symptoms frequently related to mental breakdowns include:

depression
anxiety disorders
PTSD
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia
chronic pain and chronic inflammatory ailments

Conclusion

The majority of individuals encounter episodes of stress, anxiety, and despair from time to time, particularly following extremely stressful incidents.

However, if symptoms hamper the capacity to accomplish routine tasks or if the person begins to isolate socially, it's advisable to obtain professional care. This is particularly crucial if the individual is contemplating self-harm.

Medication, counseling, and other treatments can manage, and resolve what individuals refer to as a mental breakdown.

Individuals experiencing a "nervous breakdown" might also show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a mental health issue that can be caused by traumatic events.
The diagnostic and statistical manual used by physicians, the DSM-5-TR, includes categories for various anxiety disorders, including acute stress disorder (ASD), which is a potential precursor to PTSD.
Alzheimers disease and other neurological disorders can sometimes present with symptoms that resemble a mental breakdown, such as memory loss and confusion.
Asthma patients may also experience mental health issues, as chronic illnesses like asthma can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression due to the constant stress and fear of asthma attacks.

Mental collapse: Indications, manifestations, and remedies