How can you tell when someone has had a mental breakdown?

Question

I think my Mother has had a mental breakdown. I really think she has gone insane. How can someone know for sure?

Answer 1

well there is no medical term insane that is a legal term .
however from the standpoint of what a doctor can make your mother do she would have to be a danger to herself or others or be incompetent. competence is a vague sounding word but the test given most often involves a doctor asking the patient questions that are for most people simple .
what day is this? what season? who is the prime minister?
that is a small sample of the question and type of questions a doctor would ask. if a person failed this test then the doctor can order her stay in hospital for a time of observation.
as far as you knowing if your mother is in need of medical help well if you really think she does need help and this is not an idea that comes from anger on your part then there is a good chance she does at least need to be seen by a doctor.
i suggest you speak with your mom about some of the things that make you wonder if she is alright . the other route to take is too call the doctor or the police if you think she is dangerous again to herself or others.
i hope everything works out for you and your mom.

Answer 2

There are signs like not sleeping at all or sleeping all the time, spending too much, crying all the time, extreme irritability and experiencing severe depression(not just a few days of feeling down). Has anything traumatic happened in her life lately? Is she isolating herself from others and becoming withdrawn. I doubt if she's going "insane" unless she is exhibiting some very strange behaviour, you would have to elaborate on what it is she is actually doing to make you think she is having a breakdown. Do you have someone like a relative to help you out and maybe talk to your mom, even go talk to the family doctor if you have one. If she is late in her 40's or early 50's she may be menopausal which can cause extreme mood swings. Try to get her to talk to you and let her know in a caring way that you're concerned. If she is very distraught and just not coping with life, you need outside help. Is your father or a husband around, maybe a sister or brother of hers?

Answer 3

I am sorry to hear of your family's difficult time.

A "mental breakdown" is a very broad descriptive term meaning a negative change has occurred. In general it means that a person is unable to function in many areas of their life in a normal way.
Some people can be unusually emotional, others may show no emotion, just sitting there starring and not speaking. Some may be irrational in their thoughts. An inability to speak as the person usually would. Doing things or going places that are out of character for the person, sudden memory loss or losing blocks of time may also be indicators, as can suicidal thoughts or attempts.
If you or someone you know is experiencing such symptoms, there is an immediate need to see a Dr. for evaluation and assistance. Do be aware that some of these can be caused by a drug reaction, or a physical condition such as a stroke or other sudden onset causes. People experiencing such episodes for hours or days at a time NEED TO BE SEEN BY A DR. OR IN THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM. asap.

Answer 4

Professionals are the only one to say for sure, but a mental breakdown is really non-medical. To know what exactly, you would have to describe what she is doing. Is she just depressed, or manic-despressive, anxiety?

If it lasts longer than a few weeks, it would be a good idea to talk to a professional, even a family doctor can point her in the right direction.

Answer 5

Has she had a traumatic event recently? Does she act irrationally? If so, Maybe. Check with your health care professional.

Answer 6

why what did she do?