Hi op, I'm sorry your loved one is going through it, but I'm sure they will get the help they need.
I had a breakdown. About seven years ago, brought on my workplace bullying. I had suicidal ideations, self harmed, drank too much to block it all out. I developed weird coping mechanisms of flapping and repeating phrases to myself, pulling out my hair and eyelashes.
It was a very difficult time for my family, but I had a social worker, counselling, medications and time off work.
The time off work was really difficult, I was on my own through the day and found it really hard to do anything. I slept for long periods, didn't look after myself, and hid under a big coat when picking my kids up from school so no one would talk to me. It was tough on my marriage and a lot of people in the family didn't get it - they thought since I wasn't at work I'd suddenly be fine. They thought I should be doing more through the day but I was just holding it together by a thread. I found this hard.
I left the rotten job in the end. I work in a lovely place now. I have been open about my mental health difficulties and people have been understanding a d supportive. It has made me be able to help others too by understanding what people are going through sometimes.
I came out of it better than I had been before it all as I was much more self aware, gave up drinking, didn't self harm again. I am much better at recognising when I get a bit low and make sure I have a word with myself as I can get a bit paranoid and hard on myself.
It was a really hard time but I am so much better at coping with things now, I'm just sad it took such a massive event to kickstart the support. I hope your loved one is safe and gets the support they need.