What's the difference between a nervous breakdown and a mental breakdown?

A nervous breakdown (also called a mental 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 “nervous breakdown” isn't a clinical one.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


What happens when you have a mental breakdown?

A “nervous breakdown” or “mental breakdown” is a term used to describe a period of intense mental distress or illness that occurs suddenly. During this period, you're unable to function in your everyday life. This term was once used to refer to a wide variety of mental health conditions, including: depression.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


Is a nervous breakdown considered mental illness?

Nervous breakdown isn't a medical term, nor does it indicate a specific mental illness. But that doesn't mean it's a normal or a healthy response to stress. What some people call a nervous breakdown may indicate an underlying mental health problem that needs attention, such as depression or anxiety.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


What is an example of a mental breakdown?

Some of these include sadness, worry, intense stress, changes in eating and sleeping habits, wanting to withdraw from friends and family, and feeling overwhelmed. It is crucial to identify and seek professional help to gain an understanding of what is causing or contributing to these feelings of mental distress.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on adventisthealth.org


What does it feel like when you have a mental breakdown?

Being Able to Identify a Nervous Breakdown

being easily fatigued/having erratic sleep schedules. changes in routines (exercise, eating habits, etc.) being paranoid. experiencing feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on delraycenter.com


What is a Nervous Breakdown? | Is it a mental disorder?



What are signs of a nervous breakdown?

However, below are 21 common features of a nervous breakdown:
  • feeling anxious, depressed, tearful, or irritable.
  • feeling emotionally and physically exhausted.
  • experiencing agitation and muscle tension.
  • sleeping too much or too little.
  • having unexplained, general aches and pains.
  • trembling and shaking.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


What triggers a nervous breakdown?

A nervous breakdown is ultimately caused by an inability to cope with large amounts of stress, but how that manifests exactly varies by individual. Work stress, mental illness, family responsibilities, and poor coping strategies are all things that can lead to a nervous breakdown and the inability to function normally.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bridgestorecovery.com


How long is a mental breakdown?

A nervous breakdown can last from a few hours to a few weeks. If your breakdown has been going on for a while, and you need some relief, the following ten tips are for you. They will help you not only survive this difficult time, but they might even help you grow from this difficult experience.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on londonmindful.com


How long does it take to recover from a nervous breakdown?

The Duration of a Nervous Breakdown Varies by Individual

A nervous breakdown is not a diagnosable mental health condition, and that means there are no official criteria to describe it, including duration. These mental health crises are highly variable, lasting a few hours for one person or weeks for another.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bridgestorecovery.com


What is another name for a nervous breakdown?

In this page you can discover 10 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for nervous-breakdown, like: emotional collapse, clinical depression, crackup, neurasthenia, nervous exhaustion, nervous prostration, collapse, shattered nerves, neurosis and burnout.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thesaurus.yourdictionary.com


What is a emotional breakdown?

Secondly, the term emotional breakdown can be used to describe a personal meltdown of an individual who just doesn't know how to cope with present circumstances. This can include episodes of uncontrollable weeping, withdrawal from loved ones and an inability to connect with everyday life.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everydayhealth.com


Can a nervous breakdown change your personality?

An injury to the brain may affect how you understand and express emotions. It could also result in a personality change due to your emotional reaction to the changes in your life brought about by the brain injury. Therapy or counseling may help you understand your personality change.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


How do you bounce back from a nervous breakdown?

Learning and Using Healthy Coping Strategies
  1. Back off from whatever is causing you too much stress. ...
  2. Get exercise and fresh air as stress builds. ...
  3. Talk to a close friend who is a good listener. ...
  4. Sit with a hot tea or coffee, not alcohol. ...
  5. Try meditation, slow breathing, or yoga.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bridgestorecovery.com


What medication is used for a nervous breakdown?

Antidepressants, particularly the SSRIs, may also be effective in treating many types of anxiety disorders. Other anti-anxiety medications include the benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


Should I go to the hospital for a mental breakdown?

“Self-harm, suicidal or homicidal thoughts are very clear-cut cases where you should go to the emergency room. And if you are experiencing severe physical manifestations of a mental health condition, anything that is a threat to bodily function or well-being, that's a good time to go, too,” he says.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on genesight.com


How do you stop a mental breakdown?

Self-Care and Lifestyle
  1. Socialize more with friends and family. ...
  2. Get more physical exercise, a great way to reduce stress.
  3. Practice relaxation techniques, like meditation, journaling, or breathing exercises.
  4. Eat a healthy diet.
  5. Get enough sleep every night.
  6. Take time to do enjoyable activities.
  7. Spend time alone if needed.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bridgestorecovery.com


Can a nervous breakdown last for months?

A breakdown can last anything from a few hours to months and even years. It is also known as a mental or nervous breakdown or reaching rock bottom.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tikvahlake.com


Does a nervous breakdown cause brain damage?

Untreated anxiety and depression can actually shrink regions of the brain, including: Hippocampus, the region of the brain primarily responsible for long-term memory. The hippocampus also plays an important role in regulating our emotional responses.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pronghornpsych.com


Can you ever recover from a mental breakdown?

It's important to remember that even if you or a loved one is having or has had a mental breakdown, it is a temporary condition. With the right treatment, you, or your loved one, can recover and begin to heal.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on futuresrecoveryhealthcare.com
Previous question
Do you eat free on Carnival cruises?