The term nervous breakdown is used colloquially to describe a situation that is extremely stressful psychologically. It is most closely equated with an acute stress reaction. A nervous breakdown can be characterized by symptoms such as heavy crying and trembling, but also by absence and apathy. We provide information on how to treat a nervous breakdown and what options are available for prevention.
What is a nervous breakdown?
A nervous breakdown can be triggered by an extremely stressful psychological situation for which the affected person has no suitable coping strategy. As a result, the body is overloaded and a breakdown occurs. This can also be accompanied by other mental illnesses such as burnout or an anxiety disorder. In the case of stress reactions, which are often triggered by terrible events, a distinction is made between acute and post-traumatic stress disorder. While an acute stress reaction usually does not need to be treated, a medical consultation is definitely necessary for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Finding inner peace: 9 tips for more serenity
Stress as a cause
In the case of a nervous breakdown, the body is previously severely stressed by high psychological stress. Possible triggers are for example:
- An accident
- A violent crime
- The loss of a loved one
- A professionally or privately particularly stressful phase of life
Especially if psychological pressure over a long period of time continues to increase, a nervous breakdown can occur as a result. Incorrectly, it is often assumed that a nervous breakdown causes damage to the nerves. However, this is not the case; no physical damage occurs. Physical symptoms can certainly occur in the context of a nervous breakdown, however.
Symptoms of a nervous breakdown
Typical signs of a nervous breakdown include trembling as well as heavy crying or crying spasms. These symptoms may appear at the onset of the breakdown – but they do not have to. Often these symptoms are accompanied by vegetative reactions such as sweating, nausea and palpitations or heart palpitations. Headaches, nervousness and restlessness may also occur. Individuals who experience a nervous breakdown often feel depressed and powerless. In addition, depressive moods may occur. If the nervous breakdown occurs after a bad experience, emotions such as sadness or anger can also be observed in the affected person. Often, a nervous breakdown is also accompanied by a feeling of helplessness and emptiness. Those affected believe they can no longer cope with their daily lives. They react to this situation as if numb and perform seemingly senseless actions. Often they also have the feeling that they are no longer themselves or that they experience life through a filter. This is often accompanied by avoidance behavior, for example in the form of social isolation. Other symptoms that may occur in the context of a nervous breakdown are:
- Sleep problems
- Dizziness
- Muscle tension
- Respiratory problems
- Feeling of lump
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
Nervous breakdown – what to do?
A stress reaction such as a nervous breakdown can last from a few hours to a few days. However, it is also possible that the condition lasts for a few weeks – but from a period of four weeks, it should be checked whether there is a post-traumatic stress disorder. It is more common, for example, in soldiers involved in combat missions in war. How and whether a nervous breakdown needs to be treated should be decided either by yourself or, if necessary, together with your family doctor. It is important that you allow yourself sufficient rest and avoid further stressful situations for the time being. If the nervous breakdown was triggered by permanent private or professional stress, you should reconsider your life circumstances. This is the only way to prevent further health problems.
Treating a nervous breakdown
To calm their nerves somewhat, you can reach for herbal sedatives from the pharmacy. Among other things, remedies with valerian or hops are well suited. But also sufficient sleep can be helpful.Before bedtime, a sleep or nerve tea can provide additional relaxation. In very severe cases, a doctor may prescribe tranquilizers. These are usually active ingredients from the benzodiazepine group, such as diazepam, alprazolam or lorazepam. They have an anxiety-relieving and calming effect and also cause the muscles to relax. However, these active ingredients can be addictive – in some cases this side effect can occur even when taken for a short time. That is why you should only take such medications when absolutely necessary.
Seek medical help
If the symptoms persist in you for a longer period of time, a visit to the doctor is recommended in any case. The doctor can rule out the possibility that your symptoms are based on a physical illness. To do this, he will probably do some standard tests such as a blood count or an ECG and measure your blood pressure. If everything is fine physically, you should think about whether a visit to a psychologist might be useful. This is especially recommended if you have been suffering from symptoms such as exhaustion and depressed mood for some time. A psychologist can help you get to the bottom of the causes of your stress reaction and counteract the symptoms, for example, in the form of behavioral therapy.
3 Tips for preventing a nervous breakdown
A nervous breakdown cannot be prevented in every case. After all, bad events that cause a great deal of psychological stress usually cannot be predicted. However, if the stress is the result of continuous stress, you should consider the following tips:
- Take a shorter professional or private break: reduce your workload significantly, at least for a short time, in order to recharge your batteries. Also in the long term, you should reconsider your lifestyle habits.
- Allow yourself more relaxation: Build targeted relaxation phases in your everyday life, in which you pursue things that give you pleasure.
- Move: Sports are not only healthy, but can also make you happy: When jogging, for example, endorphins, also known as happiness hormones, are released. It’s best to move outside in the fresh air when the weather is nice, that makes you doubly happy.
