[elnarco]

What type of behavior would you expect to see?

[eeyorestail]

Hi elnarco--

This is a tough question to answer because "mental breakdown" means different things to different people. It's not a technical term. Maybe if you described some of your symptoms people could give you advice on how to manage.

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[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by elnarco

What type of behavior would you expect to see?

most of the time it depends upon what your mental disorder is...

example someone with depression would have depression symptoms, someone with schizophrenia would have schizophrenia symptoms..

a more general definition for those without mental disorders is....

another name for mental breakdown is a nervous breakdown which is short term (can last minutes to just a few days) stress induced anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, ...in short everything you would see in a mental disorder except does not fit the diagnostic criteria of mental disorders for duration of having the symptoms long term (30 days to years)

in other words its a temporary condition that usually takes care of itself with things like good diet, exercise, limiting stress, getting enough sleep and sometimes short term medications and other short term treatment options.

[*Laurie*]

Excellent question, elnarco!

For me, breakdowns involved severe depression, unbearable anxiety, a very noisy mind (music, loud noises, repetitive words, talking), agonizing insomnia, delusional thinking, constant extreme fear of terrible things happening, feeling that loved ones don't care about me and barely tolerate me/are angry at me, sensing my beloved pets who have died around me, sensing the presence of people who (I don't think, at least not on this earth) are really in the room as being near me, suicidal ideation, a manicky kind of creativity, nausea and stomach issues, headache...that's about all I can think of right now, but you get the general idea.

I would like to read replies from more people on this thread.

You also want to look at your Activities of Daily Living (ADL). This would include (but not limited to) changes in sleep, new problems in paying bills, new problems in hygiene (showering, deodorant, shaving, combing hair, changing clothes, etc.), and isolating.

Please do not use advice from this website in lieu of professional advice.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by kindness

You also want to look at your Activities of Daily Living (ADL). This would include (but not limited to) changes in sleep, new problems in paying bills, new problems in hygiene (showering, deodorant, shaving, combing hair, changing clothes, etc.), and isolating.

Please do not use advice from this website in lieu of professional advice.

I would be cautious with the self-care stuff, because that's where the finalities of diagnosis can become very important. Many of us who have had severe breakdowns are so anxious that we tend to put on an even 'prettier' face when at our worst - or, yes, isolate.

[*Laurie*]

I posted the word 'finalities' ^^^ - I meant the fineness of diagnosis.

I'd sure like to read some more replies on this interesting & informative thread.

[Fuzzybear]

[HD7970GHZ]

I like to isolate. That's the first sign but now it's become such a regular aspect of my life I don't really see it as a sign of a breakdown...

I get anxious, start getting moody and I am stuck in ruminative thoughts and unable to do anything. I feel incapacitated, meaning I cannot do the simplest of tasks without feeling overburdened or feeling the need to crawl back into bed and hide under the covers. I avoid responsibility and try to relax. I sleep way more or less. I have nightmares. I get very edgy around people and feel like they are a nuisance at times. I feel scared and alone and tend to get very clingy and needy and reach out to friends and family. I don't eat, I don't shower, I don't think about exercising.

Basically me entire life is being stuck in my head - like some kind of dream like state. It's very taxing. It's been like this for close to two years. I have so many fears I don't really know if I ever have a moment without crisis.

Thanks,
HD

[*Laurie*]

HD, To me, you're description of a breakdown is perfect. Spot on.

[elnarco]

Originally Posted by HD7970GHZ

I like to isolate. That's the first sign but now it's become such a regular aspect of my life I don't really see it as a sign of a breakdown...

I get anxious, start getting moody and I am stuck in ruminative thoughts and unable to do anything. I feel incapacitated, meaning I cannot do the simplest of tasks without feeling overburdened or feeling the need to crawl back into bed and hide under the covers. I avoid responsibility and try to relax. I sleep way more or less. I have nightmares. I get very edgy around people and feel like they are a nuisance at times. I feel scared and alone and tend to get very clingy and needy and reach out to friends and family. I don't eat, I don't shower, I don't think about exercising.

Basically me entire life is being stuck in my head - like some kind of dream like state. It's very taxing. It's been like this for close to two years. I have so many fears I don't really know if I ever have a moment without crisis.

Thanks,
HD

This describes my situation now

[emwell]

Originally Posted by LauraBeth

I posted the word 'finalities' ^^^ - I meant the fineness of diagnosis.

I'd sure like to read some more replies on this interesting & informative thread.

Here you go. I had what I call "my mental breakdown crap".(haha my therapist is trying to get me to stop using that word)
Two of the Doctors I saw called it conversion disorder.
It is a fairly long, yet interesting read. (I wrote it I can say whatever I want)
It was one of the scariest experiences of my life.
I have had what could be called "other mental breakdowns", but nothing like this.
Since this experience, I have become very aware of everything going on in my body at all times.
If I have the slightest indication that this is happening again, I stop and use every tool I have to help me chill out.

[*Laurie*]

Thanks, emwell - I found your blog enlightening.