A mental breakdown, also known as a nervous breakdown, is a term used to describe a period of intense mental or emotional stress that can cause a person to be temporarily unable to function in their everyday life. It is not a clinical term or a mental health disorder, but rather a colloquial term that was used in the past to describe many different mental health conditions. Nowadays, doctors have better ways of diagnosing, describing, and treating intense mental distress, and this can help to avoid stigma in mental health.

A mental breakdown can be triggered by a specific event that causes someone extreme stress, such as a sudden tragedy, a major life change, constant stress at work, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, abuse, or financial problems. Underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may also play a role.

The most common signs of a mental breakdown include hopelessness, thoughts of suicide, a sense of worthlessness, inability to sleep, lacking appetite, inability to focus, and severe disappointment with life. However, mental breakdown signs can vary from person to person and can relate to a persons mental state and how theyre feeling, as well as physical symptoms.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental breakdown, it is important to seek help and see a doctor or counselor. Untreated mental illness can lead to longer-lasting mental health problems, as well as social and physical problems.