could be a nervous breakdown?

Question

I believe I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown. This all stems from a single event that I left untreated, I am now getting help and have been for almost a year but it seems that nothing is working. I cant sleep, when I do eventually fall asleep it is 5am, I am back to having problems eating, I can feel my depression acting up again, It seems as though I am back at square one. I really dont no what is left to do. I am looking for lifestyle changes I can do to help myself. My Doctor is great, I see him weekly but he is gone away and I am not really sure on what I am supposed to do. I have a problem also when I am in with a doctor to tell them everything that is bothering me, When I am there I try to act as if most things are ok because I want someone to believe in me and be proud of how far it looks like i have gotten. I am just not the type of person to fall apart and now it seems I am with no control. PLease anyone have any suggestions

Answer 1

Well, "nervous breakdown" not being an actual diagnosis as far as psychology is concerned, I'd guess you feel a lot of anxiety and probably depression... The whole nervous-breakdown bit could be a major depressive episode (which really, really sucks; trust me).

Lifestyle changes... hmm.

Identify sources of stress and eliminate them, or change them so they're no longer so stressful.

Do things you enjoy, or things that are relaxing.

Get as good a diet as you can manage. Take supplements if you aren't eating a lot.

Get exercise. Your energy level is probably low, so I'm not talking about a marathon here--just a walk, gardening, whatever. Relaxing sort of exercise, not the sort where you're soaked with sweat and ready to drop afterwards.

Light is good. Windows are the best sources, because the light is full-spectrum light. The more light, the better you'll feel--there's something about the connection between eyes and brain that gives us more energy when it's brighter.

Get a pet. A dog or cat--something furry that you can pet and play with, a low-stress relationship with somebody who likes you no matter what. It's good for the heart; it's good for the brain, too. A dog can force you outside, too, when it needs to go; but if you're a cat-lover, get a cat, naturally!

Learn relaxation exercises... They're really simple things; just self-discipline for the brain, and quite enjoyable. You can check out books on it--try to get the ones for beginners, and the ones that aren't religion-related. The best thing I've found for relaxation is to lie down and imagine a beautiful location all around you, in detail (smell, sound, taste, touch, etc. too). I'm a real geek, so I often imagine that I'm on another planet or out on space, but most people like green meadows or childhood bedrooms or beaches or whatever. :) It helps to get you to sleep, too.

Regarding sleep--use the sleep aid with the least kick to it that still lets you sleep. Eventually, if you learn to relax both physically and mentally (both mental tension and physical tension can prevent sleep), you may be able to stop using the pills, or use them less, to get to sleep. See if melatonin works for you--it's more gentle and natural because it's normally found in your body, but doesn't work for everyone.

Answer 2

When your doc left he should have told you what to do if you need help while he's gone. If he's part of a clinic or something you can just call the main number and they'll know who to refer you to. If there's no way to get in touch with him or someone else in his practice and you think you're going to hurt yourself or others just go straight to the emergency room.

When we were little most of us were taught that only "certain people" have problems and that it's a "lack of will power." But that's a bunch of crud. There is no such thing as a type of person who does or does not fall apart and it has absolutely nothing to do with willpower or strength. You're a normal person experiencing normal reactions to trauma. Cut yourself some slack.

I'm very good at pretending things are okay, too. But if you do that with docs they can't help you get through any part of the trauma you've experienced. And that will just make the sleepless nights and all the other symptoms of depression last longer. Don't worry about the pride thing. Docs don't take it personally if you're not getting better. They just work with you to find a solution. Obviously this guy believes in you if you see him once a week and you think he's great.

Lifestyle changes either suggested to me or thought up by me::
Setting up a sleep routine. Same time every night like an hour before bed have a ritual of stuff you do. Maybe it's pajamas, read a book while having a light snack, brush teeth and go to bed. Try to keep TV out of the equatoin because the pretty lights make your brain think it's time to be awake.

Wake up the same time every day. I totally stink at the whole sleep schedule thing, but getting up at a decent hour will make it much more likely you'll be able to sleep at night. And even if you're tired throughout the day try to avoid naps.

Take a half hour walk in the mornings to catch the morning light. This helps reset your circadian rythyms, helping the sleep thing. Exercise also releases feel good chemicals in the brain.

I don't know what your eating problem is so I can't suggest anything. But try to stay away from anything that's a natural depressant, like alcohol. And if you're feeling jittery eliminate or cut your caffeine intake by a heck of a lot. Also caffeine after roughly 2 pm will affect your ability to fall asleep hours later.

Your physical environment should be a place where you feel comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable try rearrainging things that will make you feel better in the space.

Isolation will only make the depression worse. If you have a few trusted people in your life try to enlist their help. Ask one person to call you every morning, set up a healthy lunch date with a friend. You don't even need to explain why because you're spreading the requests out among people.

Give yourself a creative outlet to express how you feel about the depression and about "the event." Journaling, poetry, art, music, interprative basket weaving, doesn't matter. :)

Believe in yourself. Self-doubt and frustration will only make things worse.

Enough lifestyle change suggestions for now? :)

Answer 3

You know, I am a lot like you. I do the same thing around other people. I still haven't told the people I work with that I'm getting divorced and it's been 2 months (and I obviously don't wear my rings anymore). I would say the best thing to do is to try to get your life back on track starting with sleeping habits. Get some tylenol PM, or sominex, or even an alergy medicine and get some rest. That will help a lot of things - trust me!

I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown this weekend. I am all alone in my apartment - I don't have any friends in the place I live, and to top it all off I have started to develop kidney disease. The best thing to do is to keep your mind occupied at all times - watch a movie, rent a video game, just go drive around. The longer you sit and stew in your own thoughts the worse it gets. The best time to bring up the thoughts/feelings is in therapy or with a good friend/family member.

You can always email me if you want to talk. I'm always available.

Answer 4

there is not any real scientific term called "aggravating breakdown." I artwork in psychological well-being and that i've got on no account considered a psychiatrist diagnose "aggravating breakdown." it ought to have been a real term at one time, yet I even have copies of the Diagnostic and Statistical handbook of psychological issues relationship back to 1952 and that is not listed in any of those books. If it became right into a real term, it became into in the previous 1952. presently, that's a slang term for what happens while somebody has extreme psychiatric issues and is unable to regulate each and daily existence.

Answer 5

I know exactly how you feel. I have felt like that for years. I finally found a doctor that finally listened to me. I am getting my life back now. Don't be embarrassed or feel like you have to act a certain way for other people. You are not alone. I bet some of your friends and family feel the same way if you opened up and talked to them. Call a Crisis hot-line they can talk to you and tell you how to handle this. Call a church and speak to someone. It always helps my. Good Luck to you and God Bless You.

Answer 6

Study the bible with someone. Someone who lives it and knows it. Isaiah 41:10 Look it up. Take a LOT of fish oil, it helps depresson, and magnesium. It takes a few months to work, because it's natural. Flaxseed oil is good also. Walk every day, early in the morning, don't miss a day. Eat healthy, your diet can cause depresson.. Keep busy. Good luck! :) arum

Answer 7

Yes, lifestyle changes can make the biggest difference according to a psychiatrist that is an expert on depression. See site below for his info on what your doctor does NOT tell you about depression under depression.

http://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html

Answer 8

It sounds like you need to be honest with your doctor. He is there to make you feel good, not for you to make him feel good about how much progress he has made with you. If your doctor has gone away for good, than it sounds like you should look for another.

Answer 9

It sounds like you need counselling Go to a hospital and talk to someone before things snowball further.

Answer 10

I know exactly how you feel. I experienced the same problem over the last six years. Try this site. yourtimeforchange.com