When Too Much is Too Much: Is it a Nervous Breakdown?

Maria walked into work with her head held high. It was another Monday morning, and she’d had a horrible weekend. Her husband had stumbled in the door at 4 AM this morning, waking her and their two small children.

Her marriage was falling apart, and they were struggling financially, so leaving him and filing for divorce was not an option for her right now. She lifted her head a little higher as she approached her desk and plastered on a smile for her coworkers.

But when Maria’s boss began to question her about a client, suddenly a gate opened. Maria found herself bursting into tears in front of her boss and everyone in the room. Horrified, she left her desk and ran to the restroom.

Her hands were trembling, and she tried to catch her breath as she wiped away the tears. Looking at herself in the mirror, she noticed how sallow her skin looked. She’d lost at least twenty pounds in the last few weeks, and she wasn’t sleeping well at all.

The last thing she wanted to do was face an office full of people and try to explain her behavior.

Although Maria is a made-up name, the example is a common one. Circumstances and stress can combine into an explosive swirl of anxiety and depression symptoms, leading to a body and mind that force a person to take a step back.

What is a nervous breakdown?

A “nervous breakdown” is not an official term, but most people recognize it. It is a temporary condition in which stress and anxiety reach an all-time high, possibly due to an event or compounded responsibilities, that leave a person unable to function. This “mental breakdown” affects the person emotionally and physically.

The brain controls our physical responses, and when the mind is overwhelmed, the brain signals that it is time to take a break. This can show up in tearful outbursts, isolation, irrational fear, or fatigue. Physical symptoms, such as weight changes, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath, can develop.

The mental distress caused by a situation, event, or illness is real. Many times, the nervous breakdown is the culmination of mental conditions. Anxiety and depression are common underlying mental health disorders with a nervous breakdown.

How Anxiety and Depression Play a Role

Anxiety and depression are two different mental disorders, yet they can coexist. Many people suffer from both. Stress or trauma can lead to anxiety. This anxiety can bring worrisome thoughts that drive someone into depression.

On the other hand, someone who is depressed and isolated will have problems at work and school and in their relationships. This can bring about anxiety as they worry about employment, overdue bills, bad grades, and family arguments.

This cycle drives the anxiety-depression relationship. The culmination of the two mental conditions, mental distress and time, can lead to a breakdown of mental and physical functions.

Signs of a Nervous Breakdown

The symptoms of a nervous breakdown are commonly seen with anxiety and depression, but appear at a much higher level as the stress becomes too much.

Overemotional or tearful Keeping your emotions inside and not confronting a situation only wreaks havoc internally. You might experience crying outbursts at odd times, such as standing in a grocery store line, driving the car, or sitting in a meeting at work.

Angry outbursts Little things can set us off when we hold these emotions inside. This can lead to sudden angry outbursts or, in extreme cases, violent acts. Anger is destructive. The Book of Ephesians states, “Be angry, and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” (Ephesians 4.26 NKJV) It is crucial to gain control of anger and find a way to manage it.

Fear. Irrational fears can result from anxiety when too much pressure is placed on one person. The mind is a creative blessing, but left to its own devices, it can create imaginary scenarios that seem real. Fear is paralyzing. The Bible tells us not to fear, but anxiety can grip us in its vice.

Insecurity and low self-esteem. Depression can present lies that we readily believe as truth based on past events. For example, if a spouse has had an affair, it may lead a woman to think that she is not beautiful or worthy of love. If this same woman has experienced something similar in the past, it might become a “belief” in her mind.

Isolation. Social isolation is the withdrawal from friends, family, and social get-togethers. It may be because you have lost interest in being with people or doing what you love. The isolation could stem from negative thoughts about what other people might think of you. Social anxiety can develop during this period when you no longer feel comfortable in social situations.

Panicked and short of breath Anxiety works on the central nervous system and other systems. It can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, creating panic and difficulty catching your breath. People who have never experienced panic attacks may suddenly have episodes when anxiety reaches an all-time high. Think of anxiety as a computer program running all the time behind the scenes. Subconsciously, the mind and body react to the building stress.

Sleep changes Sleeping too much or too little is a sign of depression. Fatigue can accompany this behavior. Finding yourself tired during the day and with insomnia at night will worsen the symptoms of a nervous breakdown. Lifestyle changes like creating a nightly routine to induce sleep are the first step in treating sleep disruptions.

Appetite changes Emotions can rule appetite, and rapid weight gain or loss are common signs of anxiety and depression. Both extreme changes in diet can lead to physical illnesses and possibly eating disorders. Speak to your physician if you believe your weight gain or loss is drastic.

Digestive issues Mounting stress upsets the gastrointestinal (GI) system as the body releases the “fight or flight” chemicals. When your stress is not caused by running from a hungry tiger or getting out of the way of a moving bus, but is rather constant stress, it can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal concerns.

Intrusive thoughts, hallucinations, or delusions. Stress can bring unwanted and harmful ideas into the mind. Seeing things or hearing voices (hallucinations) when nothing is there is a sign of extreme stress and anxiety. Intrusive thoughts can show images of harming yourself or others, or suicidal thoughts. Get help right away if you are experiencing these life-threatening symptoms.

The list can seem overwhelming, but help is available.

Treatments

A medical professional will give a diagnosis based on your symptoms. If anxiety and depression have led to a nervous breakdown, treatment options are available. You will probably be asked to make some lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on the number of responsibilities you have, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and practicing relaxation and breathing techniques.

God commanded us to take a day of rest, yet we have immersed ourselves in responsibilities, tasks, and situations that give us little rest. Taking a step back to plan entire days of rest (and peace) will not only soothe our mental and physical states but also our souls.

Psychotherapy is another option. Your therapist might suggest talk therapy in the form of individual or group sessions. This gives you a chance to get to the root of your anxiety and listen to others dealing with the same issues. In extreme cases of stress, hallucinations and delusions can present as symptoms, and the therapist can help by offering alternative treatment solutions.

If anxiety and depression are fraying your nerves and creating problems at home and in the workplace, reach out to a counselor today. A faith-based therapist will work with you to plan lifestyle changes and personalized treatment options. You can overcome and get back on track with your life. Contact our office today.