A nervous breakdown is a term used to describe the overwhelming stress, fatigue, mental and emotional pressure that can cause difficulties in performing normal daily activities. The main factor leading to a nervous breakdown is excessive stress, but factors such as unexpected tragedies, major life changes, depression, and poor sleep can also contribute to this condition.
The early warning signs of a nervous breakdown may include changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and digestive disorders. Difficulty concentrating can be caused by prolonged stress affecting brain structure and leading to memory loss. Insomnia can make it difficult to fall asleep or wake up and affect both physical and mental health. Fatigue is often a symptom of stress that can be worsened by lack of sleep. Changes in taste like an increase or decrease in appetite can also be a sign of a nervous breakdown.
Stress and anxiety can lead to digestive problems such as stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. For individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a nervous breakdown can trigger flare-ups and gastrointestinal discomfort. In severe cases of extreme stress, hallucinations like hearing or seeing things that are not really there may occur.
Treatment for a nervous breakdown may involve medication but lifestyle changes such as reducing work pressure, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, getting enough rest and meditating regularly can help manage the symptoms. People experiencing excessive stress should seek medical advice from their doctor to determine the best treatment plan for their symptoms.