What is a Mental Breakdown?

A mental breakdown, or nervous breakdown, refers to severe mental and emotional distress. For a person experiencing a mental breakdown, it may become virtually impossible to perform even the simplest of daily tasks.

However, a mental breakdown is not a medical diagnosis or psychiatric condition. In fact, a from functioning normally, such as not eating, not taking a shower, or difficulty just getting out of bed!

Signs of a Mental Breakdown

The intense mental and physical distress may appear as –

• anxiety or panic attacks
• depression
• altered sleeping habits, sleeping too little or too much
• emotional numbness
• lack of interest or pleasure in activities
• little or no motivation
• extreme mood swings
• a feeling of physically sick, such as stomachaches, without a medical reason
• difficulties in focus and concentration

Remember that a mental breakdown is not a condition in itself but extreme mental distress that may be triggered by an underlying mental condition. And that is why, a mental breakdown may include symptoms of different conditions, such as depression or anxiety, or even schizophrenia. Some people may experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm during mental breakdowns.

Cause of a Mental Breakdown

A wide variety of factors may lead to a mental breakdown, from an underlying mental health condition to extreme or chronic stress. Trauma and crisis situations may also trigger periods of intense distress, leading to mental breakdowns.

Other factors that may contribute to mental breakdowns include –

• Abuse or trauma
• Academic stress or pressures
• Death of a loved one
• Divorce, breakup, or separation
• Financial issues
• Loss of job or livelihood
• Relocation to a new place
• Traumatic incidents
• Work-related stress

In addition to the above, a combination of poor or unhealthy coping mechanisms, low social support, not having healthy interpersonal relationships, lack of self-care, and untreated mental illnesses, can also contribute to mental breakdowns.

Treatment for Mental Breakdowns

You can consult an integrative psychiatrist for the treatment of mental breakdowns. An integrative psychiatrist will use a unique combination of various modalities to customize a treatment plan that is best for you.

The type of treatment options will depend on the diagnosis and the severity of symptoms. Treatment options may include –

• Medication management
• Integrated psychotherapy that includes mindfulness, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic and Supportive therapy
• Lifestyle coaching that includes Meditation
• Mindful Eating
• Changing Habits
• Nutrition Advice
• Yoga
• Strength & Conditioning
• Life Coaching
• Individual counseling
• Family therapy
• Integrative Holistic Medicine that complements allopathic medicine

If you are looking for an integrative or online medication management psychiatrist in Los Angeles, reserve an appointment with Dr. Eric Lazcano or call 310-373-1555 today! With an integrative holistic medicine approach to treating, preventing and reversing mental disorders, Dr. Lazcano provides comprehensive medical-psychiatric care that will reverse and prevent disease.