informative essay about dealing with mental breakdown

I suffered a breakdown, then wrote my essay from the hospital bed

Image description – Library books tunnel 

The ‘Oxford bubble’ is a concept we all know well – when in the bubble you can think of nothing but your Oxford workload. Completing your essay feels like a matter of life and death. But it is also a dangerous one. When I was in my worst place, the pressure of the university made me feel as though I could not stop. Even when I reached breaking point as a result, I was pushed further. The way we talk about essay crises makes it feel just like that – a crisis. But the University needs to shift its priorities; not necessarily away from academia, but towards a more sensible work balance that doesn’t make every essay feel like it is a case of write or rusticate.

When I was in my worst place, the pressure of the university made me feel as though I could not stop

My first year at Oxford was difficult, as many peoples’ are. The combination of a workload unlike anything I’d seen before, and a new environment completely different to my background and life back home meant that it was only a matter of time before the stress of Oxford life got to me. I had not yet formed some of the close friendship groups I have now, and I felt like I was constantly being reminded that my subject was “easy”, despite my struggling with it.

So, when Trinity Term came around, having built up Prelims in my head, I began to feel the lowest I ever have. Home life began to take a dramatic turn and it felt like I couldn’t deal with everything that was happening. It was after this when, following a drunk night out, I decided to do something which landed me in hospital.

One of the worst things about spending time  in hospital was that Oxford life did not stop just because I had. I missed a tute and found myself falling behind as a result. I felt so much pressure to stay on top of work that  ended up completing one of my essays for the week from the hospital bed. My tutors offered me an essay extension but, with weeks to go until Prelims, I was so scared of allowing myself to slip even more behind then I believed I was. My tutors and the welfare at my college were amazing, and had of course told me to take a short break to recover. However, the pressure of Oxford told me the opposite, and I was convinced that I would now have to work twice as hard to catch up with the work I’d missed from my short stay in hospital.

I felt under constant pressure to prove I had recovered at a rate that in hindsight wasn’t possible.

I felt under constant pressure to prove I had recovered at a rate that in hindsight wasn’t possible, simply to try to shake off the threat of rustication, which I know just wasn’t possible for me. I had heard about and seen the snowballing effect that occurs when people begin to struggle with the workload, where one missed essay becomes two which becomes a term of missed deadlines. With exams on the horizon, and a fear that I already hadn’t done enough to get that sought after 2:1, I couldn’t let myself spend even a few days resting for my mental health to get back on track.

Now, looking back on it, I think it’s ridiculous that I felt such unnecessary pressure. I felt like Prelims were the most important thing in the world, and the university did not do anything to change that perception. I got the 2:1 I had wanted, and I now feel incredibly proud of this. But I also feel upset that we are pushed into thinking that these results are more important than our mental health.

I feel upset that we were pushed into thinking that these results are more important than our mental health.

My experience is one which is extreme but not unheard of. The mental health crisis at Oxford will continue to worsen until the University lets people know that it is ok to sometimes miss an essay; that you can suffer from mental health problems and not be required to rusticate; that you will be given the appropriate time and space to recover when things like this happen.

I now love my Oxford experience. I have finally settled in, I have a close friendship group, and I am enjoying my subject. But most importantly, I learnt that the essay deadline is not the be all and end all. I learnt to enjoy Oxford for what it is, and to prioritise my mental health over getting that essay done on time.

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Signs of an Emotional Breakdown

Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Yolanda Renteria, LPC, is a licensed therapist, somatic practitioner, national certified counselor, adjunct faculty professor, speaker specializing in the treatment of trauma and intergenerational trauma.

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You may have heard the phrase "emotional breakdown" fairly often, or even used it yourself and wondered what exactly it entails.

An emotional breakdown, also known as a nervous breakdown , mental breakdown, or mental health crisis, is a period of severe emotional distress, where a person may feel paralyzed and entirely incapable of coping with life’s challenges, says Sabrina Romanoff , PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University.

Metaphorically speaking, an emotional breakdown can be likened to a total tire blowout that has a car stranded on the side of the road, according to the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah.

It’s important to note that an emotional breakdown isn’t a formal mental health diagnosis, explains Dr. Romanoff. Rather, she explains that the phrase is used informally as an umbrella term that can encompass several mental health conditions.

“What makes an emotional breakdown distinct is that there are almost always intense symptoms of stress and paralysis where the person finds themselves incapable of functioning,” says Dr. Romanoff.

This article explores the symptoms and causes of an emotional breakdown, as well as some steps you can take if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis.

Symptoms of an Emotional Breakdown

These are some of the thoughts that you may have if you’re experiencing an emotional breakdown:

• “I’m losing control .”
• “Everything is going wrong and I don’t know what to do.”
• “I’m mentally, physically, and emotionally overwhelmed.”
• “I’m stuck and cannot function.”
• “It’s not going to be all right.”
• “I can’t do this. I give up.”
• “I just want it to end.”

Additionally, you may also experience certain emotional and physical symptoms while you’re approaching or experiencing an emotional breakdown.

Emotional Symptoms

According to Dr. Romanoff, an emotional breakdown may be accompanied by emotional symptoms such as:

• A feeling of being on edge
• An extreme sense of doom
• Low energy and fatigue
• Feelings of intense sadness, worry, anxiety, fear, or nervousness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, powerlessness, or shame
• Anger, irritability, mood swings, or emotional outbursts
• Loss of interest in activities
• Isolation and a tendency to avoid work and social settings
• Changes in the way one views the world, themselves, and others
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 .

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .

Physical Symptoms

According to Dr. Romanoff, an emotional breakdown may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as:

• Muscle tension
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Poor eating habits
• Shaking and tremors
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramps or an upset stomach

Causes of an Emotional Breakdown

These are some of the potential causes of an emotional breakdown, according to Dr. Romanoff:

• Death of a loved one
• Family turmoil
• Financial difficulties
• Loss of a job or business
• Personal tragedy or setback
• Racism, discrimination, or hate crimes
• Relationship difficulties, such as a fight, breakup, or divorce
• Severe injury or illness
• Trauma 
• Work or school stress

Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD

Triggers usually involve a significant and unexpected stressor that overwhelms the person’s capacity to cope.

Everyone’s tolerance for stress is different. Every individual has their own “set point” beyond which they can’t handle things anymore.

Diagnosing an Emotional Breakdown

If you think you’re experiencing an emotional breakdown, you should make an appointment with your regular healthcare provider—this could include a psychologist , psychiatrist , or even your primary care physician.

A healthcare provider can complete a comprehensive evaluation, suggest treatment options, and work with you to develop a treatment plan to address your symptoms.

There is no diagnosis for an emotional breakdown in mental health manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition (DSM-5) or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems: 11th Revision (ICD 11) , says Dr. Romanoff. 

Depending on your symptoms and their intensity, your healthcare provider will determine whether you have a mental health condition such as a depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder, or an acute stress disorder, and provide treatment accordingly, she explains. 

If not, they can still provide therapy and support that can help you cope with the challenges you’re experiencing.

Coping With an Emotional Breakdown

Dr. Romanoff suggests some steps that can help you cope with an emotional breakdown.

Get Some Perspective

Take a step back from the stressor and try to get some perspective on it. This could mean talking to an objective person, a friend, or a trusted loved one to help you view the situation from a different lens and find alternative ways to cope. 

Focus on Self-Care

Focus on self-care and then re-approach the situation instead of trying to white-knuckle yourself through a problem.

Usually, it’s the basic small steps that make the biggest difference. This includes getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, eating healthy whole foods, and exercising. These are crucial elements that are universally needed for effective functioning.

When we face stressors, we tend to neglect some of those domains, which only weakens our ability to cope and makes them assume the stressor is much worse than it is in reality.

Once you have these things down, you will probably find that your perspective on the stressor has improved, and your perceived ability to cope with it has increased. 

Seek Treatment and Support

If you’re experiencing an emotional breakdown or struggling to cope, it can be helpful to see a mental healthcare provider. They will be able to determine whether you have a mental health condition and offer treatment accordingly. If not, they can still help you put your challenges in perspective and help you develop the coping skills you need to face them.

A Word From Verywell

An emotional breakdown is the point where we feel like we can’t handle things anymore and give up. Everyone has a different capacity for stress and so this point looks different for each of us.

While a problem can feel overwhelming when you’re wrapped up in it, it can be helpful to take a step back, take care of yourself, get help, and then re-approach it with a fresh perspective.

Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah. What is a mental breakdown?

Cleveland Clinic. Nervous breakdown .

Sawyer PJ, Major B, Casad BJ, Townsend SSM, Mendes WB. Discrimination and the stress response: psychological and physiological consequences of anticipating prejudice in interethnic interactions . Am J Public Health . 2012;102(5):1020-1026. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2011.300620

Monteiro NM, Balogun SK, Oratile KN. Managing stress: The influence of gender, age and emotion regulation on coping among university students in Botswana . Int J Adolesc Youth . 2014;19(2):153-173. doi:10.1080/02673843.2014.908784

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

How to deal with a mental breakdown? essay sample

For most people, their daily routine of is definitely not a bed of roses. It can be a source of constant mental distress that drags depression and anxiety. A mental breakdown occurs when healthy people suddenly become dysfunctional due to the emotional burden they carry. There is no such medical term as a mental breakdown, but it causes a major discomfort to a distressed person. People with an increased work pressure and students are especially vulnerable to mental breakdown.

Being a kind of mental disorder, mental breakdown requires a smart emotional treatment. First, the distressed person shall make sure that they do not isolate themselves. It is especially important to have someone comforting who can hear out one’s complaints. There is nothing harder than to persuade oneself that everything will be okay. So it is time to delegate this task to others. Distressed people shall consider some social activities, like sports, to stay connected to others. Speaking of sports, meditation or yoga help relax one’s body and free the mind of troublesome thoughts.

16 Personal Essays About Mental Health Worth Reading

Here are some of the most moving and illuminating essays published on BuzzFeed about mental illness, wellness, and the way our minds work.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. My Best Friend Saved Me When I Attempted Suicide, But I Didn’t Save Her — Drusilla Moorhouse

"I was serious about killing myself. My best friend wasn’t — but she’s the one who’s dead."

2. Life Is What Happens While You’re Googling Symptoms Of Cancer — Ramona Emerson

"After a lifetime of hypochondria, I was finally diagnosed with my very own medical condition. And maybe, in a weird way, it’s made me less afraid to die."

3. How I Learned To Be OK With Feeling Sad — Mac McClelland

"It wasn’t easy, or cheap."

4. Who Gets To Be The “Good Schizophrenic”? — Esmé Weijun Wang

"When you’re labeled as crazy, the “right” kind of diagnosis could mean the difference between a productive life and a life sentence."

5. Why Do I Miss Being Bipolar? — Sasha Chapin

"The medication I take to treat my bipolar disorder works perfectly. Sometimes I wish it didn’t."

6. What My Best Friend And I Didn’t Learn About Loss — Zan Romanoff

"When my closest friend’s first baby was stillborn, we navigated through depression and grief together."

7. I Can’t Live Without Fear, But I Can Learn To Be OK With It — Arianna Rebolini

"I’ve become obsessively afraid that the people I love will die. Now I have to teach myself how to be OK with that."

8. What It’s Like Having PPD As A Black Woman — Tyrese Coleman

"It took me two years to even acknowledge I’d been depressed after the birth of my twin sons. I wonder how much it had to do with the way I had been taught to be strong."

9. Notes On An Eating Disorder — Larissa Pham

"I still tell my friends I am in recovery so they will hold me accountable."

10. What Comedy Taught Me About My Mental Illness — Kate Lindstedt

"I didn’t expect it, but stand-up comedy has given me the freedom to talk about depression and anxiety on my own terms."

11. The Night I Spoke Up About My #BlackSuicide — Terrell J. Starr

"My entire life was shaped by violence, so I wanted to end it violently. But I didn’t — thanks to overcoming the stigma surrounding African-Americans and depression, and to building a community on Twitter."

12. Knitting Myself Back Together — Alanna Okun

"The best way I’ve found to fight my anxiety is with a pair of knitting needles."

13. I Started Therapy So I Could Take Better Care Of Myself — Matt Ortile

"I’d known for a while that I needed to see a therapist. It wasn’t until I felt like I could do without help that I finally sought it."

14. I’m Mending My Broken Relationship With Food — Anita Badejo

"After a lifetime struggling with disordered eating, I’m still figuring out how to have a healthy relationship with my body and what I feed it."

15. I Found Love In A Hopeless Mess — Kate Conger

"Dehoarding my partner’s childhood home gave me a way to understand his mother, but I’m still not sure how to live with the habit he’s inherited."

16. When Taking Anxiety Medication Is A Revolutionary Act — Tracy Clayton

"I had to learn how to love myself enough to take care of myself. It wasn’t easy."

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What Is a Nervous Breakdown, and How to Prevent It?

• Updated: 04.17.2023

Rabia Khaliq

Dr. ambrosio romero.

Stress is natural, and everyone gets overwhelmed occasionally. However, sustained, high-stress levels and unhealthy coping mechanisms can make you vulnerable to a nervous breakdown.

A nervous or mental breakdown describes a period of intense stress, anxiety , and inability to cope with daily life. When examining a patient with such symptoms, medical professionals try to identify the specific issue causing mental stress and exhaustion. It can be life stressors or conditions such as depression , panic disorder, or schizophrenia.

The term “nervous breakdown” is used liberally in conversations, film, and popular culture. You may wonder what exactly qualifies as one and where to seek help if you feel on the verge of it. This article discusses the main things you might want to know about this circumstance.

Seek help early to avoid the aggravation of symptoms. MEDvidi doctors are here to help.

How Does a Nervous Breakdown Feel Like?

A nervous breakdown feels like a system shutdown, which makes a person feel fatigued, helpless, and worthless. The stress and depression become overwhelming, leaving an individual hopeless and unable to enjoy the things and activities he or she loved before.

People experiencing mental breakdowns also can’t seem to focus on anything or even care for themselves. They commonly describe it as a feeling of “falling apart”. This crisis may have different duration, from days to months, and it takes much energy and time to overcome it.

What Can Trigger a Nervous Breakdown

The general trigger of a mental breakdown is intense stress and helplessness to cope with it. Life traumas can cause a mental crisis, including:

• Loss of a loved one
• Financial difficulties like too much debt or a home going into foreclosure
• Relationship changes like separation and divorce
• Pressure in the workplace
• Moving places
• Discrimination
• Mental or physical abuse
• Natural disaster
• Serious illness

Often, the stress from life traumas builds up over time and reaches a level where a person can’t cope or focus on daily life. People without social support or healthy coping mechanisms are more likely to have nervous breakdowns when faced with prolonged stress.

A nervous breakdown can also indicate a person has an underlying mental health issue [1*] , such as anxiety , depression, PTSD , or panic disorder . These conditions affect their ability to deal with stressful events, making them more likely to have mental breakdowns.

The right diagnosis and proper therapy can help you overcome excessive stress. Get help online at MEDvidi.

Nervous Breakdown Symptoms

The symptoms of a mental breakdown [2*] differ from patient to patient, depending on the root cause. However, there are some common signs covering physical, psychological, and behavioral manifestations.

Physical Symptoms

• Irregular heartbeat
• Feeling sluggish
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Frequent illnesses because stress lowers immune response
• Irregular bowel movements
• Stomachache
• Muscle pain

Psychological Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety and irritability
• Panic attacks
• Helplessness and low self-esteem
• Lack of interest or motivation
• Trouble remembering things
• Disturbed sleep
• Suicidal or self-harm thoughts
• Mood swings
• Emotional numbness Fear
• Angry outbursts
• Feeling detached from the body ( depersonalization )

Behavioral Changes

• Calling in sick for work regularly or not showing up
• Avoiding social events
• Missing appointments
• Neglecting self-care like not exercising, eating unhealthy foods, and not showering
• Having difficulty interacting with other people
• Losing interest in hobbies a person previously enjoyed

The term mental breakdown is not a medical or official diagnosis. But, it is a serious issue that typically requires professional help or even hospitalization. However, in mild cases, a person can implement certain lifestyle changes to reduce the impact of stress on their mind and body. Some techniques are discussed below.

Treatment Options for Nervous Breakdown

The treatment method for a nervous breakdown depends on the severity of a person’s symptoms and underlying cause. It can include medications for anxiety, insomnia, and depressive disorders [3*] . Psychotherapy is also a common treatment because it helps to improve coping mechanisms, develop healthy routines, and deal with past traumas. In case of intense distress, a physician may recommend a hospital stay.

How to Prevent and Cope With a Nervous Breakdown

While the feelings of intense stress may feel never-ending, it is not always possible to prevent a nervous breakdown as it can be triggered by numerous factors including stress, trauma, or mental illness. However, there are several ways to reduce the risk of having it as well as manage the signs of a nervous breakdown.

1. Exercise. Exercise has immense mental benefits as it releases feel-good hormones like endorphins [4*] and dopamine lowering stress. Regular physical activity also improves sleep, which makes you more ready to face the day. You can engage in team activities to beat feelings of isolation and improve your confidence. 2. Meditate. [5*] Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. (2014)" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142584/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meditation [5*] is a stress-relieving technique that helps you control your emotions. As you meditate, focus on things that make you feel grateful, like supportive family and friends, positive memories, or dreams. There are many apps to get you started on meditation, and it is beneficial to set a time every day to incorporate inner peace. 3. Do yoga. Yoga [6*] combines physical, mental, and spiritual aspects to improve health, specifically for stress-related conditions. It increases strength and flexibility promoting kindness, self-control, and empathy. Yoga reduces cortisol levels, which helps ease symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression — factors that may lead to a nervous breakdown. 4. Practice deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing exercises [7*] slow down breathing and reduce heart rate and blood pressure, thereby lowering stress. They can help manage physical and emotional symptoms of nervous breakdown such as feeling overwhelmed, panicked, or unable to cope with emotions. Regular practice of deep breathing can retrain the body’s stress response and improve coping ability. 5. Be kind to yourself. It is easy to get mad at yourself for being depressed, sad, and anxious, especially when other people seem to be doing well in similar circumstances. However, it is essential to be self-compassionate [8*] during a mental breakdown, speaking to yourself with love and reminding yourself that the negative feelings are temporary. 6. Seek professional help. If you have been dealing with the symptoms of a nervous breakdown for a while, consult a medical professional. A mental breakdown can indicate an underlying mental health issue that needs treatment. Your doctor or therapist will evaluate your symptoms and determine if you have another condition.

In Conclusion

Most nervous breakdowns arise from stress. So, stress management methods like meditation, physical activity, and yoga can help to cope with it. However, if the negative feelings overwhelm you and interfere with your productivity, it’s time to seek professional help .

• Nervous breakdown: a diagnostic characterization study. (1997) Source link
• Signs of a Nervous Breakdown. (2022) Source link
• Depression Overview. (2008) Source link
• Endorphins and exercise. (1984) Source link
• Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. (2014) Source link
• The effects of yoga on stress and psychological health among employees: an 8- and 16-week intervention study. (2018) Source link
• The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Attention, Negative Affect and Stress in Healthy Adults. (2017) Source link
• Self-Compassion, Stress, and Coping. (2010) Source link

Consult a healthcare professional online and receive a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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Evidence Based

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

Our team of experts strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

What to do if someone is having a mental breakdown

By Author Elly Prior

Posted on Published: 15-05-2020  - Last updated: 31-07-2022

Categories Dealing with a breakdown

How to deal with and comfort someone having a mental breakdown

Since you’re here, t’s clearly important to you to discover what to do if someone is having a mental breakdown.

Great! I’ve got you!

In this article, you’ll discover:

• What kind of a breakdown is it?
• What you can and can’t do to comfort and support that person
• How to comfort someone having a breakdown by text, email or directly
• What to say and what to avoid
• What kind of help you can, or maybe can’t, offer long-term.

Depending on your relationship with them, you can do much to help someone with a mental breakdown.

For example, if you’re their manager, the kind of help you can offer will differ from that of a good friend or family member.

If your partner or spouse has a breakdown, visit:  on how to help your partner or spouse .

Let’s start with looking at what sort of a breakdown the person is having – I’m naming three here: 

• A one-off emotional breakdown
• A nervous- or mental breakdown or burnout
• A combination of the above.

Let’s start with how to help someone having an emotional breakdown.

Is the person having a mental breakdown or an emotional breakdown?

Someone might have an emotional breakdown when, for example, they’ve received  what they consider to be  bad or even horrific news.

If that’s the case, it’s crucial you make no judgement, even if you think they have nothing to worry about.

Now,  you  might have thought they were having a mental breakdown, not an emotional breakdown, so let’s dig in a little deeper.

An emotional breakdown is often caused by a significant loss or shock.

Perhaps the person’s life has suddenly taken a turn for the worst.

For example, a loved one may have landed in a hospital. Or they’ve had some really disappointing news – they failed an exam, lost their job or didn’t get the job they hoped for. Perhaps they discovered their partner cheated on them, or their spouse wanted a divorce.

Any situation that causes someone to be temporarily overwhelmed may cause an emotional breakdown. Your friend, colleague or family member is temporarily overcome with shock, fear, disbelief and/or sadness. And, they’re no longer able to contain their distress.

When someone is breakdown under such circumstances, you know that they’re no longer able to count on their normal defences.

Think of defences as their normal way to protect themselves from something impactful. They may normally resort to a ‘stiff upper lip’. Or they rely on their can-do, don’t-let-on and pull-yourself together, I’ll deal with this later, it’s not that big, attitude.

Someone having an emotional breakdown is likely to be in floods of tears, crying apparently uncontrollably. They may or may not be very angry and holler and shout. Or, believe it or not, they may even laugh uncontrollably.

Whatever their reaction, it’s likely to be a temporary one. That person will almost certainly recover in a relatively short space of time and process whatever they’re facing in their own way and time.

However, if they’ve been experiencing particularly stressful times in their life, this event could herald a mental breakdown.

Do you now suspect you’re dealing with someone having a mental breakdown instead of an emotional breakdown?

Then be sure to also read the section on how to help someone having a nervous or mental breakdown further down.

What to do when someone is having a breakdown

How to help someone with an emotional breakdown.

Remember your friend, colleague or loved one’s interpretation of the problem or news is unique to them. Therefore, refrain from making any judgment (challenging that may be).

Here’s how you can comfort someone having an emotional breakdown:

Make sure you take your friend to a private corner or room and just sit with them quietly. You may want to ask: “Can I just sit here with you?” because they might want to be left alone.

Though not everyone likes being touched, you might try to put your hand on your friend’s lower arm.

They might accept your arm around them if you’re close to them. They might want to be held at times. But, don’t just do – ask!

Do nothing else unless that person has already started talking about what has happened. In that case, you just listen.

Familiarise yourself with what you can say and what to avoid. Hop over to my article on  advanced listening skills . It will make Step 2 much easier.

Let them cry, shout, be angry, sad, disappointed or whatever other feelings present themselves.

It may help to familiarise yourself with feelings by looking at my  list of feelings and emotions .

Those feelings will most probably subside.

Depending on where you are, you may want to set a boundary around the hollering and shouting and ask the person to take a few deep breaths and not shout. Reassure them that you are there to listen.

Do nothing else.

When your friend is slowly beginning to calm down, you might say something like: “Would you like to tell me what’s going on for you right now, or would you rather sit quietly.”

Just listen. Follow the advice in the articles about communication in relationships and advanced listening skills (see above).

Depending on your circumstances, know that you probably can’t ‘make it better’ for them, however frustrating that might feel. But giving your time and attention and listening to them will help them calm down and reassess their  problem-solving skills .

Remember, they’re only in need of advice  when they ask for it . And, even then, you should think twice about giving advice. While they’re so emotional, they’re in a trance state and very vulnerable.

I hope this has given you a bit of a handle on how to help someone having a breakdown.

Now, let’s look at what to do when someone has a mental breakdown.

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How to help someone having a mental breakdown

What is a mental or nervous breakdown.

A nervous breakdown is an illness with a potentially long road to recovery. To learn what it entails, take a peek at my articles:

• Symptoms of a nervous breakdown
• FAQ about a mental breakdown

Hopefully, reading those articles makes it easier to understand how you can best help and support someone with a mental breakdown or burnout.

I’ll be here when you come back!

What are the signs of someone going through a nervous breakdown

There are many nonverbal indicators of a person who is on the edge of a nervous breakdown.

10 signs of a nervous breakdown

They may…

• have  hunched-over  shoulders
• look either quite blank  and in a trance or as if they’re being chased
• be  fidgety  or restless
• cry  easily (well … that might just be very verbal!)
• become easily  irritated  and angry
• have  stress  written all over their face
• display markedly  changed body language  from what you would normally observe in them
• show weight loss or weight gain
• seem in a trance or  not with it  much of the time.

How to help someone through a mental breakdown

Helping someone with a nervous- or mental breakdown requires much empathy, patience, stamina and flexibility. That person won’t have calmed down in a way someone with an emotional breakdown might. We’re talking about longer-term psychological distress which will likely require professional help.

However, your support will also be vital, so let’s look at how you can help – depending on your relationship with that person. I’ve split the suggestions up – first for managers and colleagues and further down for family and friends.

A note of caution

Stay aware that you’re not a counsellor!

Check with yourself that  you  don’t  need  to be needed by someone with a mental breakdown. Your help could become a hindrance without you being consciously aware if you do.

You’re a manager or colleague

Follow the steps for an emotional breakdown at the initial contact. Reassure your staff member you’re happy to listen again if there are any work-related problems.

Be sure to keep the boundaries. Someone so vulnerable is also very suggestive and may ask for more than you can or should give in terms of time and attention.

Remember, the more attentive, empathic, resolute and professional your response, the less likely your staff member will go off sick for an extended period.

If possible , arrange for some flextime, time off, reduced hours, or even both.

Deal  with any work-related problems.

Your decisive action to resolve issues should aim to help the person with the breakdown and benefit other staff.

If indeed the person is suffering from an emotional or mental breakdown due to work-related stress. In that case, you’d want to ensure that you do all you can to reduce overall stress in a department.

I promise you – you’ll improve productivity to boot!

Addressing the problem that contributed to your staff member becoming ill may help keep them at work or ease their return to work.

You’re a friend or family member

• Avoid making assumptions about what help your friend with the breakdown might want or need – ask them. 
• Be prepared that they can’t even think straight – let alone answer that question – they may be very ill.
• Decide what you’re best at offering – practical help (think of shopping, for example), a listening ear, fun and laughter (probably in a much later stage), advice, or all four. 
• Think through how much time and attention you’re able and willing to give over the following months. Be sure to be realistic so that you can keep your promises.
• Connect with friends or family who can offer the things you can’t.

Explain to your friend having a mental breakdown how you can help based on your decisions in step 1.

Check with them regularly – in person or by text, depending on what they find comfortable and how they’re doing.

Be aware that while they’re ill, a simple question might feel like pressure.

You could, therefore, say or text something like:  “Just to let you know I’m thinking of you, and I’m here to help with….”

Or text something like:  “I’m here for you (no need to answer.).” “Thinking of you.” “This too will pass.” “It’s okay not to feel okay.” “I don’t think any less of you now.”

Be sure to keep your promises while expecting your friend may not respond as expected.

• Keep track of your friend’s recovery. It’s likely to be a  very  long one. Expect it to be one step forward and three steps back. 
• If you can, when your friend or a family member is happy to see you, offer a listening ear without judgement or unasked for advice – even if it’s something you’ve allocated to someone else in Step 1. Your emotional support is likely to be much appreciated – even if that’s not obvious at the time.
• Try not to take any rejection personally. Your friend is short of spare capacity while they’re ill – they can barely cope with themselves, let alone consider your feelings.

Should you push your friend to get professional help?

Your friend going through a mental breakdown may well need professional help. However, t elling  them they should get help is likely to make them run in the opposite direction!

Encourage  your friend or family member to seek the professional help of their choice, but don’t push them. You might suggest a suitable counsellor, online therapist or a doctor.

You could send them the link to my article on FAQ about a nervous breakdown.

You’re such a star for wanting to reach out and help someone going through a breakdown!

It can be very scary to see someone in such distress if you’re not used to being around people overwhelmed by such strong feelings.

So, I’m delighted to know you’re willing to step up to the plate!

I hope this article about what to do when someone is having a mental breakdown is of help. I wish you well!

• Individual online therapy
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Mental Health Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on mental health.

Every year world mental health day is observed on October 10. It was started as an annual activity by the world federation for mental health by deputy secretary-general of UNO at that time. Mental health resources differ significantly from one country to another. While the developed countries in the western world provide mental health programs for all age groups. Also, there are third world countries they struggle to find the basic needs of the families. Thus, it becomes prudent that we are asked to focus on mental health importance for one day. The mental health essay is an insight into the importance of mental health in everyone’s life. 

Mental Health

In the formidable years, this had no specific theme planned. The main aim was to promote and advocate the public on important issues. Also, in the first three years, one of the central activities done to help the day become special was the 2-hour telecast by the US information agency satellite system. 

Mental health is not just a concept that refers to an individual’s psychological and emotional well being. Rather it’s a state of psychological and emotional well being where an individual is able to use their cognitive and emotional capabilities, meet the ordinary demand and functions in the society. According to WHO, there is no single ‘official’ definition of mental health.

Thus, there are many factors like cultural differences, competing professional theories, and subjective assessments that affect how mental health is defined. Also, there are many experts that agree that mental illness and mental health are not antonyms. So, in other words, when the recognized mental disorder is absent, it is not necessarily a sign of mental health. 

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

One way to think about mental health is to look at how effectively and successfully does a person acts. So, there are factors such as feeling competent, capable, able to handle the normal stress levels, maintaining satisfying relationships and also leading an independent life. Also, this includes recovering from difficult situations and being able to bounce back.  

Important Benefits of Good Mental Health

Mental health is related to the personality as a whole of that person. Thus, the most important function of school and education is to safeguard the mental health of boys and girls. Physical fitness is not the only measure of good health alone. Rather it’s just a means of promoting mental as well as moral health of the child. The two main factors that affect the most are feeling of inferiority and insecurity. Thus, it affects the child the most. So, they lose self-initiative and confidence. This should be avoided and children should be constantly encouraged to believe in themselves.

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Dealing With a Mental Breakdown in Student Life

It must be noted that a mental breakdown is never the same since there is no pattern or a set of rules that would fit every student’s life. Nevertheless, some elements will fit for those cases when a person is slowly returning to studies and hopes to maintain some academic schedule. The most challenging part is to find the motivation to continue and see that some progress is still there.

• Do As Much As You Wish . When you have a mental breakdown, you do not have to stop doing what you have been busy with before (academic life, hobbies, and friends). Just do it differently and apply for guaranteed scholarships for mental challenges students, which will help you to feel safe about the financial side of things. Take one step at a time and do at least a little bit to keep your mind focused.
• Add New Practices to Your Life . Even if you feel depressed and do not want to go back to your studies or living your usual schedule, it does not mean that you have to! Think about adding completely different practices to your life. It may range from becoming an exchange student in Latin America to learning how to play guitar or to draw. Just add something new and let the colors of your life finally change since you are just sad and exhausted!
• Spend More Time Outside . Try to take short walks and spend more time outside to have a constant change of images in your mind. The worst thing is to sit stuck in your room or think about “yet another day” when you have a mental breakdown. You can start learning a foreign language or participate in a charity project by helping people all over the world. Alternatively, you can take a freelance job in editing and proofreading to keep yourself busy. Check Lets Grade It to see what tools may be helpful and explore the ways how you can become a better writer as well in case you want to write your feelings down.
• Talk to Professionals . Do not suffer on your own and remember that you must turn to professionals if you are going through a mental breakdown as a college student. It is nothing to feel ashamed of because most of us are going through it in one form or another. Getting help is what will help you to pave the way to building up your life again!
• Challenge Yourself . While it may sound unusual, challenge yourself by learning or even start with some project that you always wanted to explore. If writing feels too exhausting for you, check Top Essay Writing to handle your academic tasks while you focus on what truly inspires you. When you feel motivated and push yourself a little bit, you will definitely start to recover and heal.[adsense]

You Can Start Writing!

It may be a diary where you write down various things on paper or an online blog where you write as an anonymous writer to share your emotions and thoughts. The important aspect is to let it out and heal with the help of writing . You do not have to follow a certain pattern or an agenda, just write to your heart’s content and see how your feelings start to transform.

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Introduction

• Published: February 2008
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The effects of mental disorder are apparent and pervasive, in suffering, loss of freedom and life opportunities, negative impacts on use of education, work satisfaction and productivity, complications in law, institutions of healthcare, intensive scientific research into causes and cures and so on. Suffering, loss of functioning, and perceived threat are among the personal and social experiences that can lead to mental health services. Once the problems are brought to the attention of mental health services and mental disorder is diagnosed, a range of possible outcomes is licensed, including offer of treatment, funding and perhaps, depending on severity and other circumstances, paid leave from work due to illness, possible shame and stigma, and in extreme cases compulsory admission to hospital, or acceptance of no or diminished responsibility in the Courts. Mental health professionals engage with the problems inside institutional structures using manuals for diagnosis and providing treatments that are increasingly required to be backed by scientific evidence of effectiveness. The social and institutional outcomes of assigning a diagnosis are important topics for social scientific theory and research. However, earlier in the chain of events and consequences are the social manifestations of mental disorder, open for all to see, and most importantly the personal and interpersonal effects, experienced by the people with the problems, their families and friends.

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• Following successful sign in, you will be returned to Oxford Academic.

If your institution is not listed or you cannot sign in to your institution’s website, please contact your librarian or administrator.

Sign in with a library card

Enter your library card number to sign in. If you cannot sign in, please contact your librarian.

Society Members

Society member access to a journal is achieved in one of the following ways:

Sign in through society site

Many societies offer single sign-on between the society website and Oxford Academic. If you see ‘Sign in through society site’ in the sign in pane within a journal:

• Click Sign in through society site.
• When on the society site, please use the credentials provided by that society. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.

If you do not have a society account or have forgotten your username or password, please contact your society.

Sign in using a personal account

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members. See below.

A personal account can be used to get email alerts, save searches, purchase content, and activate subscriptions.

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members.

Viewing your signed in accounts

Click the account icon in the top right to:

• View your signed in personal account and access account management features.
• View the institutional accounts that are providing access.

Signed in but can't access content

Oxford Academic is home to a wide variety of products. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access. If you believe you should have access to that content, please contact your librarian.

For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more.

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