can anybody describe symptoms of a breakdown

[thekidsrule]

hi,what a great supportive thread here

can anybody describe symptoms of a breakdown,im sure its a bit like how longs a piece of string but any help would be appreciated

I dont know the answer,but am bumping for you.
There dont seem to be many people about on this board tonight.I consider myself a mere "holding the hand" type of person,but I am here for a bit longer if you want to send a further post.

thank you

Well breakdown isn't an official diagnosis so no defined symptoms as such. I guess things like not being able to complete normal daily tasks, feeling agitated or wound up, racing thoughts, not sleeping/eating, crying uncontrollably. I think that if you're at all concerned that you or someone you care about is having a breakdown then please get a GP involved.

I agree with JohnnyCL.

As JohnnyCL says breakdown is not an official diagnosis so there are no defined parameters.

I would add that thoughts of harming oneself are also signs that an individual should see their GP asap.

That said if you or anyone you know is having doubts about their mental health they should seek medical advice, taking someone with them if it helps to make their point with clarity.

With all these matters - you need to find the cause that is the main thing Can be external or your own internal mind/thought processes There is so much prejudice ie it is a sign of weakness but it usually a reaction to something or just an illness Try to find the trigger and then you will gain control at least for a while -my expereince anyway xx

There are no official symptoms but I have had two episodes that I would class as breakdowns.

I was unable to think to the point of not knowing when to eat, get dressed, get washed etc. crying everyday, sometimes tears and not realising it. Intense anxiety and panic, deep black depression with suicidal thoughts. Not able to be on my own or leave the house, remember nothing . It's like a complete blank and my brain just didn't work. Survival mode!

At the time I had no idea what was happening to me. It took me 18mths to overcome the first one, I'm 6mths on from the 2nd and can now function in daily life as long as there is little stress.

Both times have required meds and counselling

thanks ladies

im just replying didnt want to cut and run

will be back soon hopefully to add some info to my ?????

For me, I was unable to function properly - I would lock myself in a room and cry/cower.

I was terrified of people that I should have trusted.

I was hypersensitive to noises - DH sneezing would literally send me into a panic attack.

I was totally paranoid and irrational. More so than usual.

A breakdown is not a medical term.

I think its when your dreams (or nightmares) become confused with reality. I had delusions, for example I believed that my ten month old son would die if he so much as sniffed formula. It wasn't breastfeeding miltancy, I was extremely ill.
Ten years ago my brain totally lost the ablity to function with everyday life. I completely stopped eating and my sleep became very erratic.

It was a very dark period of my life. Unlike any kind of physical illness it was an attack on the soul. It was humilating and even though it was almost ten years ago the experience is extremely raw.

I was helped with medication and I had a fanastic GP. I was referred to the community mental health team as well.

Agree with what johnneycomelurky said.
I suppose it is like a car breaking down, or a relationship breaking down.

It is the point when mental ill health affects everyday functioning to an extent that you just can't carry on in the same way.