Work can be many things – fulfilling, challenging, and even fun. But it can also be a significant source of stress and anxiety. When that stress reaches an extreme point, it can lead to a mental breakdown or other mental health issues. The American Psychological Association (APA) states that the percentage of individuals in the U.S. who have ever felt on the brink of a mental breakdown has risen over the past four decades. Thus, recognizing the warning signs has become more critical now than ever.
Mental Breakdown
Also referred to as a nervous breakdown, a mental breakdown is a state of severe emotional distress that can make it incredibly difficult to carry out everyday activities. It’s a mental health crisis that can happen to anyone at any time. Various factors, including extreme stress and a lack of healthy coping skills, can cause a nervous breakdown.
Although a nervous breakdown is not a medical diagnosis in and of itself, it can have severe psychological and physical health consequences and affect many aspects of an individual’s life, including work and home. It may also indicate an underlying mental health condition requiring treatment, such as an anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Signs and Symptoms of a Mental Breakdown
The signs and symptoms of a nervous breakdown can be physical, psychological, or behavioral and vary from person to person, depending on the underlying cause. However, common signs include the following:
Physical symptoms
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Muscle tension
- Headaches or migraines
- Digestive issues
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea or dizziness
Psychological symptoms
- Feelings of overwhelm
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression or low mood
- Mood swings
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Paranoid thoughts or delusions
- Hallucinations
- Feelings of detachment or dissociation
Behavioral symptoms
- Avoiding social situations and interactions
- Isolation or withdrawal from others
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Substance abuse or other addictive behaviors
- Self-harm or suicidal behaviors
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Difficulty managing responsibilities such as work or school
- Impulsivity or risky behavior
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a nervous breakdown or any other mental health crisis, seeking professional help is important for identifying underlying causes and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Nervous Breakdown?
Depending on the underlying cause and the intensity of the symptoms, the duration of a nervous breakdown can vary. A nervous breakdown can last between a few hours to weeks or longer.
The duration of a nervous breakdown can vary depending on several factors:
- The amount of stress leading up to the mental breakdown
- Your coping mechanisms
- Timing and quality of treatment
- The state of your social support system
- Any undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders
No matter how long a mental breakdown lasts, seeking help from mental health professionals is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening. These professionals can assess your situation and devise a customized treatment plan, including psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and medications, and connect you with support groups.
How to Deal With a Mental Breakdown at Work?
Experiencing a mental or emotional breakdown at work can be overwhelming and challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and get the support you need. Here are some strategies for dealing with a mental breakdown at work:
- Take Frequent Breaks – Frequent short breaks between work can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve productivity and performance. Step away from your workspace and take a few deep breaths or engage in a relaxing activity such as stretching or meditation.
- Trim Your To-Do List – Splitting huge tasks into small, manageable ones can make you feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed. So fill your to-do list with practical, short-term goals and set a daily limit.
- Identify Your Triggers – Certain situations or environments can cause you stress or anxiety. Keep a record of these stimuli in a journal. Then, devise coping mechanisms to assist you in navigating these situations.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet – Diet can impact your mental health. Eating a well-balanced diet can increase your energy and enhance your mood. So focus on consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other substances that can stress the body.
- Live in the Present – Try to concentrate on the present. This can help you be more productive in your personal and professional life and help prevent a mental breakdown from worrying too much about the past or future.
- Set Boundaries – It’s important to set boundaries to avoid becoming overwhelmed at work. This may include saying no to additional responsibilities or setting realistic expectations for your workload.
- Ask For Help – Remember you are not alone and do not have to suffer in silence. Reach out for support to family, acquaintances, and coworkers. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of fortitude.
Employee Support Options
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that stress and anxiety disorders cost the global economy more than a trillion dollars in lost productivity yearly. This shows that mental health affects not just individuals but also the success of entire organizations. Thus, employers worldwide are taking commendable measures to take notice of and support their employees.
A few of the support options provided by some companies to help their employees improve their mental health during challenging times include:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – EAPs are workplace-based programs that offer confidential assessments, short-term counseling, and referrals to mental health care providers. EAPs may also provide resources and support for financial management, legal concerns, and addiction.
- Mental health benefits – Many employers offer mental health benefits as part of their employee health insurance plans. These benefits may include coverage for therapy, medication, and other mental health treatments.
- Flexible work arrangements – Employers may offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible scheduling, to help employees manage their workload and reduce stress.
- Wellness programs – Some employers offer wellness programs that promote healthy behaviors such as exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction. These programs may also offer resources and support for mental health.
- Peer support groups – Some employers may offer peer support groups or employee resource groups that provide a supportive community for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
- Mental Health Day – Many organizations recognize mental health days‘ significance in reducing employee burnout and promoting overall wellness. A mental health day is a day taken off work to focus on emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being.
Experiencing a mental breakdown at work can be challenging and distressing. It may feel like you’re struggling to manage your emotions and responsibilities in front of your colleagues. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you manage your symptoms and prevent long-term damage to your personal and professional life.
With the proper treatment and support, many individuals are able to recover from mental breakdowns and regain their quality of life. Seeking professional help from a mental health provider, talking to a trusted coworker or supervisor, and engaging in self-care practices can all be helpful strategies for managing symptoms and promoting recovery.
At Turning Point Centers, we provide comprehensive treatment for various mental health issues and substance use disorders. Our multidisciplinary team of highly skilled professionals is ready to provide you with much-needed care. We prioritize helping clients achieve long-term wellness in a safe and comfortable environment.