Why Is It embarassing to admit that I had a nervous breakdown?

Question

I am afraid of people asking me questions about my life and
stuff. You know? It is embarassing to admit that I had a
mental/nervous breakdown and no longer am a productive citizen.
Silly I know, but it truly is hard to present myself in society and or
social situations because of this. What can I do to help myself? This is surely a pot hole in my road to recovery. Thank you...

Answer 1

I think that in order to be more comfortable out in social situations - you have to change how you think about yourself. As long as you believe that you are no longer and cannot be a productive citizen you'll feel unhappy and uncomfortable talking to people about your life and yourself. You have to believe that you are overcomming your problems and you have to put in the effort to change, piece by piece, so that you can walk into a room and be proud for people to know who you are.

Learn new things, get out of the house, read, talk to friends and family, volunteer, get a part time job or voulnteer to help doing something you've always wanted to try, take a walk, go to a museum, write a story or a journal, whatever gets you p and doing something to make you happy, even just for a moment.

Our brains learn from what we provide them. If you are sitting around feeling sorry for yourself, doing the same things every day, not trying to help yourself or other people, your brain will learn that is all there is available and you'll be depressed.

Challenge yourself to do something a little different evey day.

One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over each time expecting a different response.

You can do it. You just have to decide to. And then wake up and decide to again.

Answer 2

Im in the same boat. Support groups or being around people who have the same problems as you do can help. It can help you feel less alone or feel more "normal". You can ask those people how they have come along. I know personally when I feel like the only Bipolar one out there I meet someone who has the same problem and i see that there are also groups to join. It allows you to take some time during your week to address what is bothering you and related to others about it. One on one therapy can help too. For me I find it more difficult but if you arent ready for the group setting one on one can be a little easier. You dont have to rush back into society and say I am all better. A nervous breakdown is a big thing that happened to you. If you broke your leg you wouldnt start running the second they got the cast on. Take small steps and build up a support network and work with the mental health professionals. Just remember do a little bit everyday and you will probably find that you will be stronger than before the nervous breakdown.

Answer 3

I'm an underwriter for an insurance co. and let me tell you that there are millions of people that have had what they call and what there shrinks call "nervous breakdowns". It is not the end of the world and it doesn't make you a second hand citizen. No one has to know about it unless you tell them and the ones that are close to you and knew when it happened they should understand. If they don't then they will be having one of there own and won't be letting you know about it. Don't worry about it. As long as you have worked through all of the issues then you are fine and it is in the past. If you haven't worked through all of the issues then, at least you are on the right track and are trying to do so. Don't let anyone make you feel bad or less than you are because of it. You are stronger now than you were before because you have overcome just one more of lifes little obsticles. Smile and we all smile with you.

Answer 4

Don't be embarrassed about anything. Your life is your business unless you choose to tell someone. I had a breakdown just about 3 months ago, I was throwing things at my husband breaking my house apart I finally just snapped from all the stress I was under.
People that have never had anxiety or depression don't understand. You can become a productive citizen again, If you aren't already you need to a Dr. have him put you on a anti-depressant and he may give you tranquilizer for anxiety. you also need to see a Counsler or Therapist of some kind to help you feel better about yourself. No one is going to ask you I wouldn't think if you had a breakdown and if they do say Yes I did and I'm much better Thank You. I hope you get better soon sitting around depressed sucks I've been there. Honey life is too short get some help. God Bless you.

Answer 5

I know how you feel, I also had a breakdown. One thing I finally figured out was that I didn't have to tell anyone I did not want to know. There is not a sign on your forehead that says defective and know will know tat you had a breakdown. You are still a productive person you just have a different thing to offer. I sometimes feel that we have much more to offer because we went to the edge and came back. We know a struggle that most people can not imagine. So walk tall and remember you are worth knowing.

Answer 6

Alot of people have had nervous breakdowns, and go on to lead productive meaningful lives . As far as being embarrassed to admit it . No one has to know unless you decide to tell them .
The simple action of talking about this is a good sign that you are on the road to recovery . If you are seeing a doctor stay the course with your doctor .

Answer 7

Theres nothing to be ashamed about! Millions have had the same. It`s how you deal with it that counts. I`m on the edge of one most every day, and its not pleasant. Just take your time, make a daily journal of how you feel fr. day to day. maybe after a few weeks you can see a common thread in your journal, which you can then deal with it. Most of all TALK to somebody! I know it seems impossible to find someone like that but dont give up. Many are in the same boat and understand what your` going through. Chin up now! things WILL get better! All the best; RHW Regina

Answer 8

You are productive, quit putting yourself down. Do you really think that people have all of these great expectations of everyone, and really care what has happened to you? I have had a break down, I know what it's like. All People are afraid of something, and the ones who say they aren't they are the ones with a problem. If people don't like you for who you are, there are millions to take their place.
Put your shoulders back, shrug off the guilt complex, and get out and meet the world. You have to be able to accept yourself before you can ask others to.

Answer 9

Mental illness has such a stigma that it makes it hard for people to talk about the subject and more importantly hear about the subject. Worrying about stuff like this only adds to your anxiety and nervousness so try to focus on the positives. Like the strength you mustered up to deal with the breakdown. The fact that you are still alive and trying. Good Luck

Answer 10

A lot of people have breakdowns. Unfortunately I have like 2 a day. I know how embarrasing they can be. My friend finally explained and half way got through to me is that a lot of people have breakdowns. They are nothing to be ashamed of. They will pass over and it will be ok tomorrow.