Experiencing a mental breakdown, often referred to as a nervous breakdown, can be a deeply distressing and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s triggered by an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, burnout, or another mental health condition, witnessing a loved one go through such a crisis can leave you feeling helpless and unsure of what to do. At New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers in Greater Houston, our experience helping individuals and their families find healing and mental wellness since 1991 has taught us that support can make a significant difference. This guide will help you understand what to say to someone having a mental breakdown and how to provide adequate emotional support.
Recognizing the Signs of a Mental Breakdown
A mental breakdown, also known as a nervous breakdown, is not a clinical term but is often used to describe a period when someone is unable to function in their daily life due to severe stress or mental health problems. It may be accompanied by physical symptoms like headaches, chest pain, and fatigue, as well as psychological symptoms such as panic attacks, overwhelming anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness.
Recognizing the signs is the first step in providing help. Look for symptoms such as:
- Sudden Withdrawal: If your loved one suddenly pulls away from social interactions or isolates themselves, it could be a sign of a mental health crisis.
- Intense Mood Swings: Extreme shifts in mood, mainly if related to an anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder, can indicate that someone is struggling.
- Physical Symptoms: Physical manifestations like shaking, sweating, or chest pain might suggest that your loved one is experiencing a panic attack or severe stress.
- Talk of Self-Harm: Any mention of self-harm or suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
Related: What Is A Mental Breakdown?
Immediate Steps to Take
If your loved one is in immediate danger, such as expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s crucial to seek professional help right away. Contact emergency services or take them to the nearest emergency room. Ensuring their safety should always be your top priority.
However, if the situation is not immediately life-threatening, you can still take several steps to support your loved one.
What to Say to Someone Having a Mental Breakdown
Knowing what to say to someone having a mental breakdown can be challenging. It’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and care. Here are some phrases that might help:
- “I’m here for you.” Reassure them that they are not alone. Knowing that someone cares can be incredibly comforting.
- “It’s okay to feel this way.” Validate their emotions. Acknowledging their pain without judgment can help them feel understood.
- “Let’s take this one step at a time.” Encourage them to focus on the present moment rather than getting overwhelmed by the situation.
- “How can I support you right now?” Practical support can make a big difference, whether it’s helping with childcare, providing a listening ear, or assisting with daily life tasks.
Avoid saying things like “Calm down” or “It’s not that bad,” as these can feel dismissive and may worsen their distress.
Providing Emotional Support
Emotional support is vital for someone going through a mental breakdown. Simply being there, in person or virtually, can be incredibly reassuring. Listen without interrupting and allow them to express their feelings. Sometimes, having someone to talk to alleviates some of their pressure.
Related: Virtual IOP in Texas
Encouraging Professional Help
While emotional support from friends and family is crucial, professional help is often necessary for someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Encourage your loved one to seek mental health care, whether through therapy, counseling, or other treatment options. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy for dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It can help individuals develop coping skills, improve self-esteem, and manage stress more effectively.
If your loved one is hesitant to seek professional help, gently remind them that mental health care is just as important as physical health care. You might say something like, “Seeing a therapist could help you feel better, just like seeing a doctor helps when you’re physically sick.”
Related: How To Get Help For A Nervous Breakdown
Building a Support System
A robust support system is crucial for someone recovering from a mental breakdown, and studies support that social support has a positive impact on mental health. Encourage your loved one to stay connected with friends, family, or support groups. Knowing that there are people they can turn to can make a difference.
In addition to personal connections, professional support systems, such as therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals, play a critical role in their recovery. Help your love done find and access resources and treatment options that align with their needs and preferences.
Addressing Health Concerns and Wellness
During a mental health crisis, it’s easy for individuals to neglect their physical health. Encourage your loved one to maintain their wellness by eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active. These small steps can have a significant impact on their overall well-being.
In some cases, a mental breakdown might be linked to underlying health concerns, such as chronic illness or untreated medical conditions. Encourage them to seek medical attention if necessary and address any physical symptoms contributing to their distress.
Helping with Practical Matters
During a mental breakdown, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. Offer to help with daily life responsibilities, such as managing household chores, running errands, or arranging childcare. Taking care of these practical matters can give your loved one the space to focus on their recovery.
Understanding the Impact of Mental Health Conditions
It’s essential to recognize that mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder can all contribute to a mental breakdown. Understanding these conditions can help you provide more informed support.
For example, someone with an anxiety disorder may experience a mental breakdown due to overwhelming fear or panic, while a traumatic event might trigger someone with PTSD. Being aware of these triggers and symptoms can help you respond more effectively.
Long-Term Support and Recovery
Recovery from a mental breakdown takes time, and your loved one will need ongoing support. Encourage them to stick with their treatment plan, whether that involves therapy, medication, or other forms of mental health care. Be patient and remind them that setbacks are a normal pasrt of the recovery process.
As they start to feel better, help them gradually reintegrate into their daily life. This might involve returning to work, reconnecting with friends, or resuming hobbies they once enjoyed.
Reaching Out for Additional Support
Supporting a loved one through a mental breakdown can be emotionally taxing, and it’s crucial to recognize that you may need support as well. If you’re having difficulty managing the situation alone, it’s okay to reach out for help. You don’t have to go through this alone—lifelines are available to assist you and your loved one during this challenging period.
1. Contact a Mental Health Helpline
If you or a loved one is experiencing an acute mental health crisis and in immediate danger, contact 911 or seek out support from a crisis helpline. These services provide professional guidance and can connect you with local resources offering specialized support. Many helplines operate 24/7, ensuring help is available whenever needed. Here are some organizations that provide these kinds of support services:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Available 24/7, offering free and confidential support for distressed individuals, prevention, and crisis resources. - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
A free, 24/7 support service where you can text with a trained crisis counselor. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
A confidential, free, 24/7 information service for individuals facing mental health or substance use disorders.
2. Lean on Your Support System
In addition to professional services, don’t hesitate to contact other family members, friends, or support groups. Sharing the responsibility and seeking advice from others who may have gone through similar experiences can provide you with new perspectives and much-needed relief.
Supporting a loved one through a mental breakdown is challenging, but with the right resources and a robust support system, both you and your loved one can navigate this difficult time more effectively. Remember, you’re not alone—help is available, and it’s okay to ask for it.
Related: Should I Check Myself Into A Mental Hospital?
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or learn more about our programs, contact us at 800-685-9796.
New Dimensions services:
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.
References
Rapport, L. J., Todd, R. M., Lumley, M. A., & Fisicaro, S. A. (1998). The diagnostic meaning of “nervous breakdown” among lay populations. Journal of personality assessment, 71(2), 242–252. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa7102_11
Harandi, T. F., Taghinasab, M. M., & Nayeri, T. D. (2017). The correlation of social support with mental health: A meta-analysis. Electronic physician, 9(9), 5212–5222. https://doi.org/10.19082/5212