How to prevent a nervous breakdown. Nervous breakdowns: symptoms, consequences and how to protect yourself from them

Many people face moments in their lives when any action does not bring proper pleasure and joy. In such a state, a person begins to vent his accumulated emotions to the immediate environment. The state of emotional instability can be complicated by prolonged depression and disruption of the nervous system. Everyone who faces stressful situations is familiar with the symptoms of a nervous breakdown. But not every individual is aware of the danger of this condition and possible consequences for the body. In this article, we will look at how a nervous breakdown manifests itself, the symptoms and consequences of a nervous breakdown.

A nervous breakdown is a serious psychological disorder that is associated with psychological overstrain, long-term stress or trauma.

Nervous breakdowns are a kind of protective reaction of the psyche to the action of various irritating factors. In this state, a person loses the ability to adequately analyze the ongoing action, because under the pressure of circumstances, the individual loses control over his behavior. Frequent nervous tension is reflected not only in the emotional perception of a person, but also affects the physiological state. The most common consequences of a stressful situation are exhaustion of the nervous system, combined with physical fatigue.

If various stressful situations are an integral part of your life, you need to pay attention to increased attention own psycho-emotional state. In order to prevent the development mental disorders, you should visit a psychologist and use medications. However, it is important to pay attention to the fact that nervous breakdowns are a natural reaction of the body to the pressure of various stress factors.

Clinical picture

After we have dealt with the question of what a nervous breakdown is, let's look at how such disorders affect physical and mental health. According to experts in the field of psychology, the symptoms of a nervous breakdown are divided into three categories.

The physical consequences of the nervous system disorder are manifested in the form of sleep problems, diarrhea, flatulence, and migraine attacks. It is not uncommon for people who experience frequent stress to have problems at work. respiratory organs, lack of libido and chronic fatigue syndrome. This state may be aggravated by a rapid increase in body temperature, lack of appetite, impaired menstrual cycle and panic attacks.

The second group of symptoms affects the behavioral model of the individual. Under the influence of nervous tension, the patient develops unreasonable attacks of aggression and anger, as well as sudden changes in mood. In addition to the symptoms described above, inappropriate behavior and problems with concentration should be added. Symptoms of a nervous breakdown in women are most often related to the emotional sphere. Various life difficulties lead to the appearance of prolonged depression, anxious thoughts and unreasonable anxiety. Patients exhibit excessive sentimentality, paranoid tendencies and a lack of vital interest.

Many people try to get rid of this condition with the help of alcoholic beverages, strong stimulants and drugs. However, all the measures taken only exacerbate the situation and lead to the appearance of suicidal thoughts.

Causes of the development of a disorder of the nervous system

Signs of a nervous breakdown are manifested in a person under the influence of prolonged psycho-emotional stress. The constant impact of stress on the psyche leads to the launch of protective reactions, with the help of which the body tries to avoid catastrophic consequences. At the initial stages of the development of the disease, a person experiences severe anxiety, which is a kind of harbinger of a nervous system disorder. This condition manifests itself in the form of panic attacks, prolonged depression, unreasonable phobias and general anxiety disorder. In addition to stress, nervous breakdown can be caused by the following reasons:

1. Prolonged use of potent medications that affect the human psyche.
2. Abuse of sedatives and alcoholic products.
3. Psychosomatic illnesses and vivid emotional upheavals.

Causes of nervous breakdown in adults

According to statistics, the risk group of people prone to various disorders of the nervous system includes representatives of both sexes aged twenty to fifty years. This is due to the fact that most people of this age are faced with various events every day that leave a kind of imprint on the nervous system. Every person is familiar with the phrase “blockage at work”, in which nervous tension spills out in the form of a negative attitude towards others and loved ones.

According to experts, a nervous breakdown at this age can be caused by various catastrophic events that led to physical or mental injury. In addition, a nervous breakdown can be the result of parting with a spouse, as well as various domestic conflicts. Often, various professional difficulties and diseases that are difficult to treat lead to the development of the considered emotional state. Financial position and social status also play an important role in this matter. Much less often, nervous breakdowns occur when the correct daily routine is violated.

Nervous breakdowns in teenagers and children

Determining a nervous breakdown in children is quite difficult, since the nervous system in childhood not yet developed enough . Often, the onset of the disease is preceded by various events of a global nature. In most cases, a psychological breakdown in a child's life is caused by a quarrel or divorce of the parents. In more early age, the disease can be caused by a strong fright, which can lead to the appearance of stuttering.

Also plays an important role social adaptation child. Problems in relationships with peers and unhappy love can negatively affect the psycho-emotional state of a teenager. In addition, the use of harsh pedagogical methods for educational purposes can only aggravate the child's condition. It is very important for parents to understand the problems that concern the child and help to overcome them. b. Otherwise, there is a possibility of developing more severe complications of nervous disorders, which may affect the health of the child.

Nervous breakdown during gestation

Let's pay attention to how a nervous breakdown manifests itself during pregnancy. The main reason for the development of a disorder of the nervous system is the colossal changes in the body and the restructuring of hormones. Every little thing can throw a pregnant woman out of emotional balance. Many women during childbearing become too sensitive to the action of various irritants. This is due to an increase in the level of hormones that are necessary for the proper development of the embryo. It is they who act as "provocateurs" of a nervous breakdown.

In the first month of gestation, the synthesis of gonadotropin increases in the woman's body, which, having reached a certain level, leads to a feeling of nausea. In addition, this irritating substance affects the central nervous system, which causes excessive aggressiveness. At a certain stage of pregnancy, the amount of progesterone in a woman's body increases. Enhanced Level This hormone causes a rapid loss of efficiency and the appearance of chronic fatigue. In addition, an increase in the level of estriol in the blood, increases emotional sensitivity and changes the psychological perception of the world around.

Possible Complications

Before we talk about how to recover from a nervous breakdown, let's look at possible complications disorders of the nervous system. Most often, problems of the psycho-emotional plan lead to the appearance of such pathologies as:

• diabetes mellitus and gastritis;
• decreased or absent libido;
• prolonged depression;
• anorexia.

One of the most terrible consequences of a nervous breakdown is the appearance of suicidal tendencies, as well as unjustified cruelty towards people around. Most often, these complications are observed in women aged thirty to forty years. According to experts, most women who have reached this age show a strong dependence on the emotions that overcome them.

Treatment of a nervous breakdown at home should be aimed at eliminating all irritating factors. In the presence of the first harbingers of a developing nervous breakdown, you should change your own life as much as possible. Most often, the provocateur of mental disorders is daily stress. That is why it is very important to try to change your own living conditions. Many experts recommend that people take short breaks from work duties to attend to their own needs.

In order to return the psycho-emotional balance to normal, you should not only take a break from work, but also sleep well. You can add positive emotions to your life by changing the type of activity or going on a trip. Many people, under the control of emotions, begin to suffer from self-pity, but do not try to change the situation. To bring positive into your own life, you should go beyond the limits that a person limits himself. Just disconnected from negative thoughts you can normalize your condition and discover the world around you in a new way.

Methods of conservative treatment

Drug treatment of nervous disorders is used only in the case of severe forms of the disease. One of the important components of treatment is the complete completion of the prescribed course and the regular use of medicines. It should be noted that the treatment process must be fully controlled by a specialist. For the treatment of nervous disorders, various antidepressants are used to help get out of a state of depression. It should be mentioned that not all types of depressive syndrome are amenable to drug therapy Therefore, it is very important to get expert advice.

In addition, as part of complex treatment, antipsychotic drugs are used, which are prescribed only after diagnostic examination. To eliminate anxiety, patients are prescribed anxiolytics. In order to restore the functionality of the nervous system, stimulants and vitamin complexes are used.

Alternative treatment methods

Remember! Any folk methods in the treatment of nervous breakdowns should be used only after consultation with a specialist.

Let's look at how to treat a nervous breakdown folk methods. For this purpose, there are many medicinal herbs from which you can prepare sedative infusions and decoctions. One of the best folk recipes for the treatment of nervous disorders - motherwort infusion. To prepare it, you will need a small amount of dried grass, which must be poured with several glasses of boiling water. Take a decoction should be three times a day, one tablespoon.

In a similar way, you can prepare an infusion of valerian root. However, in this case, vodka is used instead of boiling water. In order for the infusion to gain the necessary strength, it must be infused for two weeks in a dark and cool place. Drink tincture should be in the evening. The maximum daily dose should not exceed one hundred grams.

You can get rid of a psychological breakdown through hardening. Cold water has a positive effect on muscle tissue, strengthening their tone. Under influence cold water blood circulation in the body increases, which contributes to an increase in the quality of the metabolism.

Content

An emotional breakdown is a peak of prolonged nervous tension in women and men caused by different reasons- from the death of loved ones to problems at work and exacerbations of mental illness. The consequences of neurosis interfere with life normal life so intensive recovery is needed. Depending on the cause, there are several ways to return to normal.

Reasons for the development of neurosis

Any emotional or physical stress leads to nervous breakdown and diseases of the nervous system. The main reasons for the development of neurosis and exhaustion are:

• severe grief, grief in the family, loss of loved ones;
• traumatic emotional experience;
• violence;
• loss of interest in life;
• high mental stress emotional burnout, overload at work;
• mental illness;
• personal isolation;
• military experience;
• social conflict;
• heavy chronic diseases or injury.

A nervous breakdown is a partial loss of a person's control over feelings, actions. During it, the will weakens, the patient is under the influence of stress, anxiety, anxiety. Pathology is characterized by maximum emotional stress, exceptional concentration, the inability to switch to something else. Decrease in working capacity, unpredictability of consequences is characteristic. To eliminate them, an appeal to a neurologist or psychotherapist is required.

How to deal with the effects of a nervous breakdown

To restore nervous system, you must first recognize the cause of the breakdown, eliminate it, enlist the psychological support of loved ones. Helpful hints:

1. If the breakdown is caused by an event, it is necessary to be distracted and not constantly repeat the experiences of the recent past. This will help the support of loved ones, who should unobtrusively influence a person, interrupting isolation and withstanding aggression.
2. Mild forms of a nervous breakdown can be overcome on their own, but it is recommended to contact a psychotherapist to determine the cause of the pathology. Also, the doctor will prescribe an individual treatment with the help of physiotherapy or medication. The goal of therapy is to regain control over the emotional and physical state.
3. It is important to undergo a course of treatment for systems and organs affected by a breakdown. With frequent headaches, it is necessary to do magnetic resonance imaging, for pain in the heart - to make an electrocardiogram.
4. To prevent relapse, it is recommended to adhere to healthy lifestyle life, eliminate stress, establish social contacts, actively relax, change activities.

Priority measures

To quickly calm down, you need to enlist the help and support of others, because a person cannot cope on his own. Helpful Hints:

1. In an attack of aggression, let the patient shout or let off steam, offer physical activity- run, squat.

   It is necessary to create a trusting relationship, a calm environment, not to be led to aggression, not to swear and reproach a person.

   Give the patient water, tincture of motherwort or valerian, wash his face, hug him tightly.

2. With nervous trembling, it is necessary to hold the victim by the shoulders, talking during this, so that he does not perceive this as aggression. After that, you need to convince him to rest, put him to bed.
3. When hysterical, it is important to stop it abruptly - shout loudly, pour water over it, slap it in the face or drop some object. After you need to give water, smell essential oil lavender, help a person sleep.
4. Emotionally, you can’t get involved in a tantrum, you need to step back slightly, speak calmly and evenly, move slowly and smoothly. You can take a person by the hand, hug, advice will not be useful, but physical activity - a walk - will help relieve stress.

Restoring emotional balance

An important point of recovery after a breakdown is the return of the previous emotional balance. This will help:

1. A change of scenery - when overtired at work, you need to take a vacation, get rid of your usual environment for at least a week. It is advisable not to travel far, as acclimatization is also stressful, which leads to aggravation of the condition.
2. New hobbies and hobbies - it is advisable to choose active actions: biking, walking, running, gardening, dancing.
3. Course of psychotherapy - conversational method. The cognitive-behavioral direction, interpersonal approach proved to be good.
4. Reducing work - remove unnecessary responsibilities, do not overload yourself.
5. Creativity - you can try to draw, write poetry or stories, take pictures.
6. Reducing the level of stress - you need to learn breathing exercises, yoga, normalize sleep patterns.
7. Proper distribution of time and responsibilities to avoid overexertion.
8. The practice of keeping a diary to analyze your condition. It is important to meet friends, go to the cinema, create occasions for positive emotions. Volunteering is useful - helping homeless animals, children from the shelter, the elderly, the disabled.
9. Physical exercise is effective in reducing stress.

Return of appetite

The state of the nervous system directly depends on nutrition. Vitamins and minerals from food contribute to the normal functioning of the brain, prevent exhaustion. To recover from a nervous breakdown, you need to restore your appetite:

• start eating right - in small portions, but often;
• include more vegetables, fruits, protein in the diet;
• give up fast food a large number sweets, strong coffee, fatty foods, processed foods;
• drink at least 2 liters of water a day to avoid dehydration;
• to eat delicious, varied, if possible, learn how to cook - these are new emotions that overshadow the effects of stress.

Normalization of sleep

Sleep is important for the recovery of the body and immunity,

at this time, the brain is engaged in ordering information, memory improves, the nervous system is restored.

To reduce the effects of stress, you need to follow the rules:

1. Sleep at least 8 hours a day, start getting ready for bed from 21.00. At this time, the hormone melatonin is produced in the brain.
2. Before going to bed, you need to exclude phone calls, correspondence in social networks, watching news, movies, and refuse any sources of information. If this is not possible, you can read a light book.
3. You need to go to bed before 24.00 in order to restore the psyche and body as much as possible.
4. Relaxation techniques will help you from insomnia: lie down in bed, completely relax, feel warm, drive away unnecessary thoughts and emotions, breathe deeply. Before going to bed, it is advisable to ventilate the room.

Medicines for restoring the nervous system

If the breakdown was of strong intensity, they will help to cope with it. medications. They are prescribed by a doctor from the following groups of tablets and syrups:

1. With a partial sedative effect (Valocordin, Corvalol) - relieve anxiety, stress on the heart, eliminate the effects of adrenaline rush.
2. vitamins, biologically active additives, homeopathy (Tenoten, Stress-gran, Asparkam, Magnelis) - saturate tissues and cells with vitamins B, C, E, potassium, magnesium, calcium. It helps to generate energy, increase concentration, and normalize brain function.
3. Herbal preparations (Novo-Passit, Persen) - soothe, fight stress. The composition includes herbs of chamomile, St. John's wort, valerian, motherwort, passionflower.
4. Tranquilizers and antidepressants (Phenazepam, Tazepam, Desipramine, Amitriptyline) - are prescribed in severe cases, are dispensed by prescription. They are addictive and have side effects.
5. Over-the-counter complex drugs (Afobazol) - reduce the level of anxiety, irritability, tension, eliminate the effects of stress, slightly stimulate the nervous system, improve mood.

Nervous breakdowns: symptoms, consequences and how to protect yourself from them

Any mechanism has its own tensile strength, and the nervous system is no exception. Even the strongest in spirit sometimes can not withstand the constant pressure of stress. When tension becomes unbearable, the body defends itself: this condition is called a nervous breakdown.

What causes a nervous breakdown

Oddly enough, a nervous breakdown is a defensive reaction to emotional or mental overload. However, a nervous breakdown is a colloquial designation for a phenomenon that doctors call an exacerbation of neurosis.

The causes of a nervous breakdown are different. It can be caused by both long-term exposure to a stressful situation, and some unexpected traumatic event. Most often, a nervous breakdown is caused by:

• Constant mental or physical overwork - at work or while studying.
• Loss of loved ones.
• Failures in personal life, long-term traumatic relationships, quarrels in the family.
• The rupture of friendship, family or love relationships.
• Unfavorable psychological situation in the house or team.
• Serious financial problems.
• Dismissal.
• Unbearable responsibility.

All of these reasons are negative, but a nervous breakdown can also be the result of such changes that, it seems, should please - a wedding or the birth of a child, a long-awaited promotion, a move.

Of course, everyone has a different level of stress tolerance. Some endure the collapse of life plans easily, while others are literally knocked down by failures. This is no coincidence and, as a rule, has nothing to do with willpower or the ability to think positively. There are risk factors:

• Cases of mental illness in the family (especially schizophrenia).
• Previously diagnosed depression.
• Anxious personality type.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Cardiovascular diseases, including VSD.
• Use of alcohol or drugs.
• Lack of certain vitamins and minerals - primarily vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and some amino acids.

Most often, people suffer from nervous breakdowns between the ages of 30 and 40 - this is the most intense and productive period of life.

When the secret becomes clear: signs of an approaching exacerbation

For others, a nervous breakdown often seems sudden and unexpected. However, in fact, it does not arise “out of the blue”. There are signs that suggest the approach of a nervous breakdown.

A nervous breakdown is not a moment, but a process that is divided into several stages.

First stage characterized by some feverish revival - a person suddenly becomes optimistic (sometimes unreasonably), working capacity and endurance increase, but at the same time anxiety and anxiety do not disappear anywhere - on the contrary, they also increase. Sometimes this condition is accompanied by insomnia, a slight increase in body temperature, and a slight tremor.

Second stage- this is the expected nervous and physical exhaustion, which leads to violent activity in the first stage. If at first it seemed to a person that one had only to try - and all problems would be solved, now disappointment and irritation come. A person breaks down over trifles, suffers from sleep disorders (insomnia or frequent nocturnal awakenings), the second stage of a breakdown is characterized by attacks of accelerated heartbeat, headaches, nervousness, spleen and melancholy, memory impairment, panic attacks are possible.

Third stage- this is the peak of experiences. The person comes to the conclusion that all efforts are useless. Self-esteem falls, the ability to enjoy life is lost, apathy and depression are possible. For the third stage, cardiovascular symptoms are typical - dizziness, heart palpitations, increased pressure, as well as gastrointestinal disorders - loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Sexual desire disappears, women lose their menstrual cycle.

If you listen to yourself, it is quite possible to "catch" a nervous breakdown long before it happens and take action. It is necessary to do this, since a nervous breakdown never goes unnoticed.

Consequences are more dangerous than you think

The whole development process nervous exhaustion may take several weeks or months. However, its consequences make themselves felt much longer - full rehabilitation sometimes stretches for years.

People who have experienced at least one nervous breakdown are more likely to suffer from panic attacks, phobias, intrusive thoughts. Suffering and physical state: developing hypertension, persistent headaches, chronic insomnia, heart rate and metabolism.

A nervous breakdown is a severe test not only for the one on whom he fell, but also for his loved ones. In a state of breakdown, people often commit rash and unreasonable actions. A nervous breakdown has destroyed many careers and families, it can scare away friends and acquaintances - after all, relatives do not always understand why a calm and friendly person suddenly became aggressive, picky and indifferent to everything, they tend to take it personally.

Can breakdowns be avoided?

Since a nervous breakdown is the result of a long stay in a stressful situation, in order to avoid it, you need to get out of this situation. Of course, it is easier to give such advice than to follow it, but this is the only guaranteed way to avoid a breakdown. If you feel that tension is steadily growing, do not put off a visit to a specialist - a course of psychotherapy will help you tune in to changes and start transforming your life.

Lifestyle also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of a nervous breakdown. To avoid this situation, try:

• Stick to the regime - eat small meals several times a day and go to bed at the same time.
• Do not drink alcohol, do not take drugs and do not smoke, drink less coffee and energy drinks.
• Take anti-stress vitamin complexes that contain all the substances necessary for the functioning of the nervous system.
• Learn to relax. Set aside at least an hour of rest a day and do only what brings you pleasure - turn off your phone and lie in the bath, go for a walk, watch your favorite movie, do yoga.
• Listen to yourself. Don't confuse this with introspection. To prevent a breakdown, you need to be aware of your feelings, do not convince yourself that everything is in order if you understand that the atmosphere is heating up, and do not delay to the last with the treatment of nervous strain.

How to reduce the risk of exacerbation of stressful conditions and nervous disorders

The good news is that overstretched nerves can be treated, and the sooner you start therapy, the lower the risk of a breakdown. Therapy includes both medications and lifestyle measures, and these approaches are not interchangeable - you will need a comprehensive treatment, the only way to be sure of its success.

Non-drug approach

Physical exercise. They improve performance of cardio-vascular system, saturate the muscles and the brain with oxygen, as a result, cognitive functions improve - memory, performance, ability to concentrate. Sports or fitness activities relieve muscle tension that always accompanies nervous overload, and contribute to the production of neurotransmitters responsible for a good mood.

Relaxation. With the help of relaxation techniques, you can switch attention, get rid of obsessive thoughts and anxieties. These techniques include yoga and meditation, aromatherapy, massage, color therapy. Warm relaxing baths can also help.

Psychotherapy. Perhaps the most effective non-drug method of dealing with stress. Contrary to a common misconception, the psychotherapist does not tell the patient what to do - he only helps to discover hidden resources, get rid of fears and doubts, determine his true attitude to the problem and change it.

Pharmacological approach

Symptomatic drugs with mild sedation. To improve concentration and memory, it is recommended to take glycine - this amino acid is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Heart attacks are well relieved by Corvalol, which also has a slight sedative effect.

Herbal anti-stress preparations. Soothing herbal extracts act gently but reliably. Therefore, in difficult periods of life, it is worth keeping on hand valerian or medicines that contain motherwort, lemon balm, chamomile or sage. It is also useful to drink a soothing herbal tea in the evenings instead of the classic tea with tonins.

Vitamins and minerals. There are many vitamin complexes specifically for such cases. They contain high doses of B vitamins, as well as vitamin E, calcium, potassium and magnesium. All these substances increase stress resistance and the functioning of the nervous system. In addition, plant extracts with a sedative effect are sometimes added to such complexes.

Homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements. Efficiency homeopathic medicines- a moot point, but even opponents of this method admit that they can help with nervous disorders. Perhaps there is a placebo effect here, but any doctor will confirm: if the patient believes in the effectiveness of the pill, the effect is actually more pronounced.

Prescription drugs. If the situation is neglected and a nervous breakdown has already occurred, the doctor may prescribe potent drugs - antidepressants, antipsychotics and tranquilizers. They are not for nothing you can not buy in a pharmacy without a prescription. Such funds have a lot of unpleasant side effects and strict contraindications, and they can be taken only under the supervision of a doctor who, based on the results of the tests, will adjust the dose. Such drugs are prescribed only when it comes to a direct danger to the psyche, for example, in severe depression with suicide attempts.

OTC drugs with complex therapeutic effect . An alternative to prescription drugs are products designed specifically to relieve stress and improve mood. They are more efficient herbal remedies, but do not have those side effects and contraindications that are typical for heavy drugs. They have a complex effect - they improve sleep, memory, performance and mood, relieve anxiety. These drugs include "Afobazol" and some other drugs.

Expert opinion: a specialist from the manufacturer of the drug talks about the action of Afobazol

A frivolous attitude to one's health is unacceptable, everyone understands this. We go to the doctor if we have a tingling in our side, but at the same time we believe that such stress symptoms as irritability, tearfulness, constant fatigue, insomnia and anxiety will “dissolve” by themselves. At best, people drink painkillers for migraines, sleeping pills for insomnia, and alcohol for blues. Meanwhile, there have long been drugs for a comprehensive fight against all manifestations of stress - they not only relieve symptoms, but also “repair” the affected nerve endings, normalize the functioning of the nervous system and prevent the occurrence of nervous breakdowns in the future.
These drugs include, in particular, a medicine for the normalization of the nervous system. "Afobazol" helps not only those who suffer from nervous breakdowns. It is indicated for sleep disorders, irritability, anxiety, low mood, irritability. "Afobazole" facilitates the course of menopause and PMS (reduces psychological symptoms), supports physical and nervous overload, is used in complex treatment neurosis and depression. The effectiveness of Afobazol has been confirmed by more than 80 studies involving about 4,500 patients.
Being an anti-anxiety drug, "Afobazole" does not cause drowsiness and lethargy, it can be taken even if you drive a car or work with complex equipment. To achieve a lasting effect, it is recommended to take Afobazole in courses of 2-4 weeks. Before starting the course, you should consult with your doctor.

Scheme of dealing with disruptions

At the very first stage of a nervous breakdown, you can do with small measures - try to establish a daily routine, give yourself time for relaxation, start taking herbal sedatives - valerian, motherwort, hawthorn, as well as vitamins.

At the second stage, over-the-counter anti-stress drugs and glycine should be added to these funds to support the nervous system. It would be useful to make an appointment with a psychotherapist or psychologist.

At the third stage, psychotherapy is no longer just desirable, but necessary. You may need more serious prescription drugs.

Undoubtedly, in order to develop a treatment regimen, you need to consult a doctor - a psychiatrist, neurologist or psychoneurologist. However, most people believe that stress is a common thing, and you should not go to the clinic with such problems. Such an approach is a direct road to a nervous breakdown and long, difficult and expensive treatment.

A nervous breakdown (also known as a nervous breakdown) is a temporary condition characterized by reduced functioning, usually as a result of stress. A nervous breakdown can occur when stress and life circumstances overwhelm a person's ability to deal with them. There are many symptoms that will help you determine if you are suffering from a nervous breakdown or not. If you suspect that you are on the verge of a nervous breakdown, it is very important to seek help in time.

Steps

Definition of mental symptoms

Consider whether you have experienced any emotional trauma or loss of a loved one recently. A nervous breakdown can happen as a result of shock or the death of someone dear. It can also be the result of a gradual build-up of stress, such as work pressure or financial obligations. Recall a recent or unexpected source of stress that has thrown you off the rails. Any sudden event can deplete all available resources, forcing you to completely give up.

• This may include someone's recent death, relationship breakup, or divorce.
• Emotional shock or trauma can occur if you have experienced a natural disaster, been the victim of robbery, abuse, or domestic violence.

1. Consider if you are having difficulty achieving a sense of satisfaction or happiness. When a person experiences a nervous breakdown, they may lose the ability to experience pleasure. You may feel lethargic, empty, or apathetic. You may feel that nothing matters around you, or that you are just going with the flow. Apathy and devastation are syndromes of depression. Deep depression can be a consequence of a nervous breakdown or, conversely, lead to it.

   • Maybe you want to feel normal and happy, but just can't enjoy the things you love anymore.

2. Pay attention to any mood swings. Mood swings are usually signs of an upcoming nervous breakdown, as they serve as indicators of emotional exhaustion and that the body is making feeble attempts to cope. Mood swings may include:

   • Irritation
   • Anger combined with guilt and grief
   • Frequent bouts of sobbing
   • Phases of excessive calm
   • Phases of depression

3. Pay attention if you constantly take time off from work for health reasons. It's one thing if you take a day off to recover mentally, emotionally and physically, however, if you constantly refer to bad feeling, it can serve as a signal for a nervous breakdown. You may lack the motivation to go to work or be physically unable to get your body to pack up and go to work.

   • Pay attention if you start to work poorly. Even if you are on workplace, evaluate your productivity and compare if there are any significant differences with the results of the previous month.

4. Beware of any manifestation of feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. These are the two most common symptoms of a nervous breakdown or its onset. It may seem to you that you have no internal resources left to cope with all the problems, from which helplessness follows. You may feel hopeless and unable to control the situation you find yourself in, or see no way out of your predicament. These signs of depression can lead to a nervous breakdown. Other symptoms that may lead to a nervous breakdown may include:

   • lack of energy
   • Fatigue
   • Lack of concentration
   • Scattered attention
   • isolation

5. Consider if you are exhausted by negative thoughts. With a nervous breakdown, you may constantly think about something bad and even view positive thoughts or feelings as negative. Usually this is the following:

   • Seeing everything in a bad light
   • Set a negative filter in your mind that only allows bad thoughts to pass through.
   • To think that the situation will never improve, and the nervous breakdown will not go away, and that you will always be in this state.

6. Pay attention if you isolate yourself from society. You may find yourself withdrawing from friends and family and spending most of your time alone. Friends invite you to see you, but you refuse, and even the very thought of meeting already sounds tiring for you. If you are under stress, it may be easier to step back and put all your energy into dealing with it.

   Notice feelings of numbness and withdrawal. A nervous breakdown can make you feel like you're out of touch with the outside world. You may even think that everything that happens to you is not real. Simply put, you will feel that you can no longer rely on the environment and the people around you.

   Pay attention to increased anxiety. The physical symptoms of intense exertion can lead to and persist during a nervous breakdown. If you already tend to feel anxiety and then something serious happens to you, it can exacerbate anxiety attacks that seem unbearable. Signs of anxiety include the following:

   • Cramps, muscle tension
   • Sweaty palms
   • Dizziness
   • Seizures panic attack

7. Pay attention to feelings of exhaustion. You may feel like you have completely run out of energy. Feeling constantly tired and exhausted is another most common symptom as all of your energy is spent fighting a life crisis. Even minor, everyday activities can seem like an unbearable burden for you.

   • You may find that even normal daily activities, such as washing in the shower, eating, or just getting out of bed, take up too much energy from you.

8. Notice the rapid heartbeat. When experiencing severe stress as a result of a nervous breakdown, you may feel an accelerated heartbeat, tightness in chest or a lump in your throat. However, despite this, medical research shows that no heart problems can be caused by pure stress.

   Consider if you have any digestive problems. Indigestion and other digestive problems are common problems caused by stress or anxiety. This is because when you're under a lot of stress, your body goes into survival mode and digestion isn't on its priority list.

   Notice if your body is trembling or if your hands are shaking. Shaking hands or shaking in the body are some of the most obvious physical symptoms of a nervous breakdown, as well as some of the most embarrassing. Unfortunately, embarrassment as a result of these symptoms only increases stress levels.

   • Trembling and shaking hands can act as physical indicators that your entire body and mind are under stress.

Fighting a nervous breakdown

1. Talk to someone you trust. If you have experienced symptoms of a nervous breakdown, it is very important to discuss this with someone. Silence and the accumulation of stress in yourself will only aggravate the situation. One way to relieve stress and get rid of negative thoughts is to reduce your level of social isolation and increase communication with friends. It may seem to you that you do not have the strength to meet with friends, but you must overcome yourself and find time for them. This will help you heal.

   • Isolation can both lead to stress and exacerbate it, so constantly make efforts on yourself to meet up with friends regularly.
   • Talk to your best friend or family member. By sharing your problems or worries with someone else, you will lighten your burden a little and also feel less lonely.

2. Seek help from a neurologist or psychotherapist. If you've already had a nervous breakdown or feel like you can't handle the situation on your own, make an appointment with your doctor. A therapist can help you cope with your current challenges, as well as tell you about healthy ways to deal with stress. It can also help you overcome feelings of depression, anxiety or negative thoughts.

   • If you need help choosing good doctor, ask friends for advice, or search the Internet for information.

3. Stick to a healthy diet. Feeling constantly stressed or anxious raises cortisol levels in your body, which negatively affects your appetite. However, if you are not eating well, you will feel even more tired and exhausted than before. It is very important to saturate the body with nutritious food and create a healing environment for your body.

   Go in for sports. Sports are one of better ways reduce levels of anxiety and stress. However, as a result of a nervous breakdown, you may feel neither the strength nor the desire to do fitness, so it is very important to start this step by step. Playing sports will help you get out of the house and change the environment.

   • Start with short daily walks, even if it's just walking around the house. Over time, you can build up the intensity and frequency of your exercise.
   • Once you feel ready, sign up for a gym or join a local sports team to increase your social activity as well. You can choose from dancing, swimming, cycling or kickboxing classes.

4. Learn to relax. Rest is a key element in recovering from a nervous breakdown. You need to learn to let go of your problems that are causing you constant feeling anxiety and find time for yourself.