How do you know if you are having or are about to have a nervous/mental breakdown?

[CruellasDaughter]

Things have been bad for a while (years) and I'm finding myself less and less able to cope. I've often felt like I'm teetering on the edge but I somehow manage to survive before the cycle starts again.

I don't even know what would happen? But I'm terrified of it. At what point do you ask for help and from who? GP is terrible but don't have the energy to change practise.

I don't think anyone knows how I really feel. I don't want to be here but trapped as there is nobody else for the kids.

So sorry you're feeling this way. I felt similar around 7 years ago. Managed to cling on for years but eventually an argument with DH had me collapsing on the kitchen floor and crying that I simply could not carry on for even one more day.

He didn't really understand and I stumbled on for a few more days and then I can't actually remember much. DH called the doctor who came out to see me, I had the crisis team come out, DH took 3 months off work and I could barely function in that time.

But, I did slowly get better.

It seems that there is not much help or support until you actually break down. Then the help I got was very good.

Do you have a DH or anyone to help? Even though it is soooo scary, you almost need to let yourself fall/break down, as it seems it's only when you're at rock bottom that the help kicks in. That was my experience but I hope it would be different for you.

Very similar situation to you Cruellas. I'm pretty much of the verge of a breakdown. I've had depression, and anxiety for about 2 years now. Not treated medically, but I've had CBT, which I think il have to re start very soon. There's a lot going on right now, and I'm struggling to cope. DH doesn't seem to understand, and seems immune to my 'tantrums' cries for help. I know rock bottom is approaching, and I hope I can convince myself to get the help before I convince myself that I'm 'fine'. I've had one previous breakdown, where I cried and pleaded with DH to take me to hospital as I was scared. He didn't, but I saw my GP the next day who helped me gain a different perspective. Don't be scared, reach out to your GP for information on your local CBT, that's a start, especially if you find the GP themselves not useful. They may also have information on mental health organisations in your area.

'I don't think anyone knows how I really feel'.. rest assured there's always someone here who does .

I can't put what happened to me into words easily because it was a slow build up of many things that finally became too much.

Little things that I would have dismissed seemed instead to add to the pile of stuff that was wrong. 2 years ago I felt 'stretched thin' and tried to tell DH but he didn't understand. I can't blame him as I didn't either.

This summer was horrible. I couldn't face taking the kids out. We normally do days out, picnics etc and I could barely manage to get them to swimming lessons. The guilt over this made me snappy and then I felt even more guilt. I couldn't cope when the Dds asked for things and just overspent buying whatever would shut them up.

I had a day of panic attacks and called the GP and said I couldn't cope. I started on medication and the anger disappeared almost immediately. I'm still moderately depressed and have a lot of anxiety. Ihad a huge panic attack two weeks ago in front of my mother and she hadn't realised how ill I was. I've been on a 4x1 hour introduction to CBT which has helped a little.

If you met me you wouldn't know any of this. I look cheerful and well. Right up until he panic starts.

Speak to your GP. It's a horrible place to be. I wish I'd said something much sooner.