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URLhttps://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown
Last Crawled2026-04-01 07:14:36 (9 days ago)
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Meta TitleNervous breakdown - symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect
Meta DescriptionNervous breakdown (mental breakdown) is when stress and anxiety become too much and affects your daily life. Seek help for treatment and prevention.
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Key facts A nervous breakdown is when stress and anxiety become too much and affect your daily life. A nervous breakdown can be a sign of a mental health problem that needs attention. If you are having a nervous breakdown you will not be able to function as normal. You should seek help if you have mental health symptoms that are negatively affecting your daily life or you feel you are not coping. On this page What is a nervous breakdown? What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown? What causes a nervous breakdown? When should I see my doctor? How is a nervous breakdown treated? Can a nervous breakdown be prevented? What does recovery look like after a nervous breakdown? Resources and support Related information on Australian websites What is a nervous breakdown? A nervous breakdown is also known as a mental health crisis. It describes a stressful time in someone's life when it becomes physically and emotionally overwhelming. Everybody experiences stress and anxiety when they feel under pressure, though usually at levels that are manageable. When stress and feelings of worry or anxiety are there all the time, and build up to a level that affects a person's daily life, they may describe this as having a nervous breakdown. Nervous breakdown is not a medical term. However, it may be used to describe someone who is not coping with stress or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety . What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown? Symptoms of a nervous breakdown may relate to a person's mental state and how they are feeling or changes in personality. Physical symptoms are also common. The symptoms vary from person to person and may depend upon the underlying cause. If you feel you are having a nervous breakdown you may: have anxiety or depression that you can't manage withdraw from your usual daily activities, miss appointments or social activities feel hopeless or helpless neglect your personal hygiene feel angr y or irritable have delusions or hallucinations feel paranoid , nervous or scared Physical symptoms can include: sleep problems such as insomnia bowel problems such as irritable bowel syndrome chest pain or feeling like your heart is racing sweating changes in sexual interest People who are experiencing a nervous breakdown generally can't function as usual. They may have thoughts of self-harm. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS โ€” Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. What causes a nervous breakdown? A nervous breakdown can be caused by a single event that causes someone extreme stress , but unmanaged mental health conditions often play a role. Underlying health conditions may include depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Life stressors such as divorce or trauma may add to the situation and cause a breakdown. Other factors that may affect mental health and cause a nervous breakdown are: lack of social support slow build-up of stress homelessness and unemployment work, relationships or financial problems lack of coping skills and resilience Worry, stress and anxiety can build up over a long period of time. They can reach a point where a person is no longer able to cope or perform their normal daily tasks. Burnout is when a person reaches a state of total mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. It has some similar signs and symptoms to a nervous breakdown. When should I see my doctor? If you are concerned that you or a loved one is struggling, it is important to seek help. You should see a doctor or psychologist. Untreated mental illness can lead to longer lasting mental health problems, as well as social and physical challenges. It's important to get professional help if your symptoms are: constant last more than 2 weeks negatively affecting your daily life Your doctor can help you build a mental health treatment plan. They can prescribe medicines for many mental health conditions and refer you to other healthcare professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists . FIND A HEALTH SERVICE โ€” The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. How is a nervous breakdown treated? Treatment for a nervous breakdown depends on the underlying issue and cause. Following a nervous breakdown, treatment may include: medicines โ€” that may help treat an underlying mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. psychotherapy โ€” such as or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) community support programs Can a nervous breakdown be prevented? Learning how to cope with stress and anxiety can help improve your daily life and prevent a nervous breakdown. Here are some tips to help manage stress and anxiety : Follow a healthy diet โ€” to improve energy levels Avoid soft drinks or caffeine โ€” to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep Exercise โ€” Team sports or activities encourage social interactions which can reduce feelings of isolation , give your mood a boost and increase self-esteem Practise good sleep habits โ€” Stick to a routine and make sure you get enough sleep Avoid drugs and alcohol as a coping strategy โ€” They can make mental health problems worse or lead to addiction. Learn relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises โ€” They may help reduce stress and can be practised when you feel your stress levels rising. Build resilience โ€” It can help you to bounce back from stressful experiences and help to protect you from mental health conditions. Get to know the signs that indicate you are struggling to cope โ€”If you can recognise the signs of a nervous breakdown then you can ask for help before reaching breaking point. What does recovery look like after a nervous breakdown? Recovery following a nervous breakdown is different for everybody. It's not always clear how long it may take to recover. Everyone has different stressors and coping ability. If the cause of your nervous breakdown has been diagnosed and you receive treatment, your symptoms should improve within 6 months. It is important to maintain good mental health and seek help when you need it. Resources and support If you'd like to find out more or talk to someone about how you are feeling there are many organisations that can help: Medicare Mental Health โ€” for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call 1800 595 212 . Check the operating times . SANE Australia (people living with a mental illness) โ€” call 1800 18 7263 Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) โ€” call 1300 22 4636 or chat online Black Dog Institute (people affected by mood disorders) โ€” online help ReachOut (courses and resources on wellbeing and resilience) This Way Up Clinic (anyone with stress, anxiety and depression) โ€” online courses MindSpot Clinic (people with anxiety and depression) โ€” call 1800 61 44 34 or complete an online screening assessment Relationships Australia (relationship support services) โ€” call 1300 364 277 MensLine Australia (telephone and online counselling) โ€” call 1300 78 99 78 Lifeline (anyone having a personal crisis) โ€” call 13 11 14 or chat online Suicide Call Back Service (anyone thinking about suicide) โ€” call 1300 659 467 Do you prefer to read in languages other than English? SANE offers a range of support services including a free translating and interpreting service available on 131 450 . Transcultural Mental Health Centre has many resources about wellbeing and mental health in different languages. Beyond Blue has translated mental health resources. Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people? Yarn Safe has mental health and wellbeing information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Wellmob has more mental health information and resources Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
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[![healthdirect australia logo](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/assets/images/logo-hda.svg)](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/) Sign in - [Join](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/account/join) - [Sign in](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/account/signin) Menu # Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on. Join Sign in Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. 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For help and support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.** ## Key facts - A nervous breakdown is when stress and anxiety become too much and affect your daily life. - A nervous breakdown can be a sign of a mental health problem that needs attention. - If you are having a nervous breakdown you will not be able to function as normal. - You should seek help if you have mental health symptoms that are negatively affecting your daily life or you feel you are not coping. ## On this page - [What is a nervous breakdown?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#what-is) - [What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#symptoms) - [What causes a nervous breakdown?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#causes) - [When should I see my doctor?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#doctor) - [How is a nervous breakdown treated?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#treated) - [Can a nervous breakdown be prevented?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#prevented) - [What does recovery look like after a nervous breakdown?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#recovery) - [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#resources) - [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#searchGeneralResults) ## What is a nervous breakdown? A nervous breakdown is also known as a mental health crisis. It describes a stressful time in someone's life when it becomes physically and emotionally overwhelming. Everybody experiences stress and anxiety when they feel under pressure, though usually at levels that are manageable. When stress and feelings of worry or anxiety are there all the time, and build up to a level that affects a person's daily life, they may describe this as having a nervous breakdown. Nervous breakdown is not a medical term. However, it may be used to describe someone who is not coping with stress or mental health issues such as [depression](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression) or [anxiety](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety). ## What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown? Symptoms of a nervous breakdown may relate to a person's mental state and how they are feeling or changes in personality. Physical symptoms are also common. The symptoms vary from person to person and may depend upon the underlying cause. If you feel you are having a nervous breakdown you may: - have anxiety or depression that you can't manage - withdraw from your usual daily activities, miss appointments or social activities - feel hopeless or helpless - neglect your personal hygiene - feel [angr](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anger-management)y or irritable - have delusions or [hallucinations](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hallucination) - feel [paranoid](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/paranoia), nervous or scared Physical symptoms can include: - [sleep](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep) problems such as [insomnia](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insomnia) - bowel problems such as [irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs) - chest pain or feeling like your [heart is racing](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-palpitations) - sweating - changes in sexual interest People who are experiencing a nervous breakdown generally can't function as usual. They may have thoughts of self-harm. [**CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS** โ€” Use the **Symptom Checker** and find out if you need to seek medical help.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker) ## What causes a nervous breakdown? A nervous breakdown can be caused by a single event that causes someone extreme [stress](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress), but unmanaged mental health conditions often play a role. Underlying health conditions may include depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Life stressors such as divorce or trauma may add to the situation and cause a breakdown. Other factors that may affect mental health and cause a nervous breakdown are: - lack of social support - slow build-up of stress - homelessness and unemployment - work, [relationships](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/building-and-maintaining-healthy-relationships) or financial problems - lack of coping skills and [resilience](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/resilience) Worry, stress and anxiety can build up over a long period of time. They can reach a point where a person is no longer able to cope or perform their normal daily tasks. Burnout is when a person reaches a state of total mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. It has some similar signs and symptoms to a nervous breakdown. ## When should I see my doctor? If you are concerned that you or a loved one is struggling, it is important to seek help. You should see a [doctor](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/talking-to-your-doctor-gp-about-mental-health) or psychologist. Untreated mental illness can lead to longer lasting mental health problems, as well as social and physical challenges. It's important to get [professional help](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-resources) if your symptoms are: - constant - last more than 2 weeks - negatively affecting your daily life Your doctor can help you build a [mental health treatment plan.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan) They can prescribe medicines for many mental health conditions and refer you to other healthcare professionals such as [psychologists](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychologists) or [psychiatrists](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychologists). **If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others, call triple zero (000).** [**FIND A HEALTH SERVICE** โ€” The **Service Finder** can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services) ## How is a nervous breakdown treated? Treatment for a nervous breakdown depends on the underlying issue and cause. Following a nervous breakdown, treatment may include: - **medicines** โ€” that may help treat an underlying mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. - **psychotherapy** โ€” such as or [cognitive behavioural therapy](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt) (CBT) - **community support programs** ## Can a nervous breakdown be prevented? Learning how to cope with stress and anxiety can help improve your daily life and prevent a nervous breakdown. Here are some tips to help manage [stress](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress) and [anxiety](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety): - **Follow a healthy diet** โ€” to improve energy levels - **Avoid soft drinks or [caffeine](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/caffeine)** โ€” to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep - [**Exercise**](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-and-mental-health) โ€” Team sports or activities encourage social interactions which can reduce feelings of [isolation](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/loneliness-isolation-mental-health), give your mood a boost and increase [self-esteem](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/self-esteem) - **Practise good** [**sleep habits**](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep) โ€” Stick to a routine and make sure you get enough sleep - **Avoid drugs and alcohol as a coping strategy** โ€” They can make mental health problems worse or lead to addiction. - **Learn** [**relaxation**](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief) **techniques** such as [meditation](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/meditation) or breathing exercises โ€” They may help reduce stress and can be practised when you feel your stress levels rising. - **[Build resilience](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/resilience)** โ€” It can help you to bounce back from stressful experiences and help to protect you from mental health conditions. - **Get to know the signs that indicate you are struggling to cope** โ€”If you can recognise the signs of a nervous breakdown then you can ask for help before reaching breaking point. ## What does recovery look like after a nervous breakdown? Recovery following a nervous breakdown is different for everybody. It's not always clear how long it may take to recover. Everyone has different stressors and coping ability. If the cause of your nervous breakdown has been diagnosed and you receive treatment, your symptoms should improve within 6 months. It is important to maintain good mental health and seek help when you need it. ## Resources and support If you'd like to find out more or talk to someone about how you are feeling there are many organisations that can help: - [Medicare Mental Health](https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/) โ€” for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call [1800 595 212](tel:1800595212). Check the [operating times](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/healthcare-service/virtual/head-to-health-phone-service/mental-health-information-and-referral/bbad2627-ad81-49ae-9917-f5f0faf1be2e). - [SANE Australia](https://www.sane.org/) (people living with a mental illness) โ€” call [1800 18 7263](tel:1800187263) - [Beyond Blue](http://www.beyondblue.org.au/) (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) โ€” call [1300 22 4636](tel:1300224636) or chat online - [Black Dog Institute](https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/) (people affected by mood disorders) โ€” online help - [ReachOut](https://schools.au.reachout.com/articles/wellbeing-and-resilience) (courses and resources on wellbeing and resilience) - [This Way Up Clinic](https://thiswayup.org.au/clinic/) (anyone with stress, anxiety and depression) โ€” online courses - [MindSpot Clinic](http://www.mindspot.org.au/) (people with anxiety and depression) โ€” call [1800 61 44 34](tel:1800614434) or complete an online screening assessment - [Relationships Australia](http://www.nsw.relationships.com.au/) (relationship support services) โ€” call [1300 364 277](tel:1300364277) - [MensLine Australia](https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5rGuBhCnARIsAN11vgRWPfkkz3A51V_eridjJGAS98YUmm4MBWu07t6L9wdAlGGvPuYh2_IaApJzEALw_wcB) (telephone and online counselling) โ€” call [1300 78 99 78](tel:1300789978) - [Lifeline](https://www.lifeline.org.au/) (anyone having a personal crisis) โ€” call [13 11 14](tel:131114) or chat online - [Suicide Call Back Service](https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/) (anyone thinking about suicide) โ€” call [1300 659 467](tel:1300659467) Do you prefer to read in languages other than English? - SANE offers a range of support services including a free translating and interpreting service available on [131 450](tel:131450). - [Transcultural Mental Health Centre](https://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/transcultural-mental-health-centre-tmhc/resources/multilingual-resources) has many resources about wellbeing and mental health in different languages. - [Beyond Blue](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/multicultural-people/translated-mental-health-resources) has translated mental health resources. ### Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people? - [Yarn Safe](https://headspace.org.au/yarn-safe/) has mental health and wellbeing information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. - [Wellmob](https://wellmob.org.au/e-health-topics/mind/) has more mental health information and resources Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. #### Sources: Mayo Clinic *[(Nervous breakdown: what does it mean?)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/nervous-breakdown/faq-20057830 "Nervous breakdown: what does it mean?")*, Australian Government *[(Stress and trauma)](https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health/stress-and-trauma "Stress and trauma")*, Black dog institute *[(When and where to seek help)](https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/emergency-help/when-where-to-seek-help/ "When and where to seek help")*, RCH *[(Children's mental health)](https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/ccch/Policy_Brief_24_web.pdf "Children's mental health")*, WA Government *[(About mental health issues)](https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/your-health-and-wellbeing/about-mental-health-issues/ "About mental health issues")*, Black dog Institute *[(Experiencing burnout? Hereโ€™s what to do about it)](https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/experiencing-burnout-heres-what-to-do-about-it/ "Experiencing burnout? Hereโ€™s what to do about it")*, SANE Australia *[(Treatments for mental health issues)](https://www.sane.org/information-and-resources/facts-and-guides/treatments-for-mental-illness "Treatments for mental health issues")*, Cleveland clinic *[(Nervous Breakdown)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22780-nervous-breakdown "Nervous Breakdown")*, NIMH *[(Iโ€™m so Stressed out! Fact sheet)](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet "Iโ€™m so Stressed out! Fact sheet")*, Medicare Mental Health *[(Looking after your wellbeing)](https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/living-well/looking-after-wellbeing "Looking after your wellbeing")* Learn more here about the [development and quality assurance of healthdirect content](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content). Last reviewed: February 2024 [Back To Top](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#backToTop) ## Search our site for - [Stress](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/search-results/Stress "Search results for: Stress") - [Relaxation Techniques](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/search-results/Relaxation%20Techniques "Search results for: Relaxation Techniques") ## Need more information? These trusted information partners have more on this topic. General search results Results for medical professionals Top results [Burnout and mental health - Beyond Blue Understand workplace burnout and job stress. Find ways to manage your work life and well-being or support someone at work experiencing burnout. *Read more on Beyond Blue website* ![Beyond Blue](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/beyondblue_logo-304f0f.png)](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/work/burnout) [Burnout and Sleep \| Sleep Health Foundation This is a fact sheet about Burnout and Sleep. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Improving sleep may help to recover from or even prevent burnout. *Read more on Sleep Health Foundation website* ![Sleep Health Foundation](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/sleephealthfoundation_logo-teal-a37684.png)](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-topics/burnout-and-sleep) [Coping with burnout \| MensLine Australia Learn how to recognise the signs of burnout \| Get tips & strategies to help you cope from MensLine Australia. *Read more on MensLine Australia website* ![MensLine Australia](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/MensLine_logo.png)](https://mensline.org.au/dealing-with-stress/coping-with-burnout/) Show more Top results [Avoiding Burnout in Healthcare The word 'burnout' can mean many things. Stress, fatigue, irritation with yourself or others, hunger, a loss of inspiration or a combination of these can all be symptoms of burnout. Burnout often occurs in those who have high-stress jobs or tend to view their career as a priority, though anybody can experience it. Healthcare workers fall into this high-stress category, and burnout is an all-too-common term in our field. *Read more on Ausmed Education website* ![Ausmed Education](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png)](https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/tips-for-avoiding-burnout) Show more ## Disclaimer Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering. 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## Key facts - A nervous breakdown is when stress and anxiety become too much and affect your daily life. - A nervous breakdown can be a sign of a mental health problem that needs attention. - If you are having a nervous breakdown you will not be able to function as normal. - You should seek help if you have mental health symptoms that are negatively affecting your daily life or you feel you are not coping. ## On this page - [What is a nervous breakdown?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#what-is) - [What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#symptoms) - [What causes a nervous breakdown?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#causes) - [When should I see my doctor?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#doctor) - [How is a nervous breakdown treated?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#treated) - [Can a nervous breakdown be prevented?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#prevented) - [What does recovery look like after a nervous breakdown?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#recovery) - [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#resources) - [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-breakdown#searchGeneralResults) ## What is a nervous breakdown? A nervous breakdown is also known as a mental health crisis. It describes a stressful time in someone's life when it becomes physically and emotionally overwhelming. Everybody experiences stress and anxiety when they feel under pressure, though usually at levels that are manageable. When stress and feelings of worry or anxiety are there all the time, and build up to a level that affects a person's daily life, they may describe this as having a nervous breakdown. Nervous breakdown is not a medical term. However, it may be used to describe someone who is not coping with stress or mental health issues such as [depression](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression) or [anxiety](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety). ## What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown? Symptoms of a nervous breakdown may relate to a person's mental state and how they are feeling or changes in personality. Physical symptoms are also common. The symptoms vary from person to person and may depend upon the underlying cause. If you feel you are having a nervous breakdown you may: - have anxiety or depression that you can't manage - withdraw from your usual daily activities, miss appointments or social activities - feel hopeless or helpless - neglect your personal hygiene - feel [angr](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anger-management)y or irritable - have delusions or [hallucinations](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hallucination) - feel [paranoid](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/paranoia), nervous or scared Physical symptoms can include: - [sleep](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep) problems such as [insomnia](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insomnia) - bowel problems such as [irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs) - chest pain or feeling like your [heart is racing](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-palpitations) - sweating - changes in sexual interest People who are experiencing a nervous breakdown generally can't function as usual. They may have thoughts of self-harm. [**CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS** โ€” Use the **Symptom Checker** and find out if you need to seek medical help.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker) ## What causes a nervous breakdown? A nervous breakdown can be caused by a single event that causes someone extreme [stress](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress), but unmanaged mental health conditions often play a role. Underlying health conditions may include depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Life stressors such as divorce or trauma may add to the situation and cause a breakdown. Other factors that may affect mental health and cause a nervous breakdown are: - lack of social support - slow build-up of stress - homelessness and unemployment - work, [relationships](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/building-and-maintaining-healthy-relationships) or financial problems - lack of coping skills and [resilience](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/resilience) Worry, stress and anxiety can build up over a long period of time. They can reach a point where a person is no longer able to cope or perform their normal daily tasks. Burnout is when a person reaches a state of total mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. It has some similar signs and symptoms to a nervous breakdown. ## When should I see my doctor? If you are concerned that you or a loved one is struggling, it is important to seek help. You should see a [doctor](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/talking-to-your-doctor-gp-about-mental-health) or psychologist. Untreated mental illness can lead to longer lasting mental health problems, as well as social and physical challenges. It's important to get [professional help](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-resources) if your symptoms are: - constant - last more than 2 weeks - negatively affecting your daily life Your doctor can help you build a [mental health treatment plan.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan) They can prescribe medicines for many mental health conditions and refer you to other healthcare professionals such as [psychologists](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychologists) or [psychiatrists](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychiatrists-and-psychologists). [**FIND A HEALTH SERVICE** โ€” The **Service Finder** can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services) ## How is a nervous breakdown treated? Treatment for a nervous breakdown depends on the underlying issue and cause. Following a nervous breakdown, treatment may include: - **medicines** โ€” that may help treat an underlying mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. - **psychotherapy** โ€” such as or [cognitive behavioural therapy](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt) (CBT) - **community support programs** ## Can a nervous breakdown be prevented? Learning how to cope with stress and anxiety can help improve your daily life and prevent a nervous breakdown. Here are some tips to help manage [stress](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stress) and [anxiety](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety): - **Follow a healthy diet** โ€” to improve energy levels - **Avoid soft drinks or [caffeine](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/caffeine)** โ€” to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep - [**Exercise**](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-and-mental-health) โ€” Team sports or activities encourage social interactions which can reduce feelings of [isolation](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/loneliness-isolation-mental-health), give your mood a boost and increase [self-esteem](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/self-esteem) - **Practise good** [**sleep habits**](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep) โ€” Stick to a routine and make sure you get enough sleep - **Avoid drugs and alcohol as a coping strategy** โ€” They can make mental health problems worse or lead to addiction. - **Learn** [**relaxation**](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief) **techniques** such as [meditation](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/meditation) or breathing exercises โ€” They may help reduce stress and can be practised when you feel your stress levels rising. - **[Build resilience](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/resilience)** โ€” It can help you to bounce back from stressful experiences and help to protect you from mental health conditions. - **Get to know the signs that indicate you are struggling to cope** โ€”If you can recognise the signs of a nervous breakdown then you can ask for help before reaching breaking point. ## What does recovery look like after a nervous breakdown? Recovery following a nervous breakdown is different for everybody. It's not always clear how long it may take to recover. Everyone has different stressors and coping ability. If the cause of your nervous breakdown has been diagnosed and you receive treatment, your symptoms should improve within 6 months. It is important to maintain good mental health and seek help when you need it. ## Resources and support If you'd like to find out more or talk to someone about how you are feeling there are many organisations that can help: - [Medicare Mental Health](https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/) โ€” for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call [1800 595 212](tel:1800595212). Check the [operating times](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/healthcare-service/virtual/head-to-health-phone-service/mental-health-information-and-referral/bbad2627-ad81-49ae-9917-f5f0faf1be2e). - [SANE Australia](https://www.sane.org/) (people living with a mental illness) โ€” call [1800 18 7263](tel:1800187263) - [Beyond Blue](http://www.beyondblue.org.au/) (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) โ€” call [1300 22 4636](tel:1300224636) or chat online - [Black Dog Institute](https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/) (people affected by mood disorders) โ€” online help - [ReachOut](https://schools.au.reachout.com/articles/wellbeing-and-resilience) (courses and resources on wellbeing and resilience) - [This Way Up Clinic](https://thiswayup.org.au/clinic/) (anyone with stress, anxiety and depression) โ€” online courses - [MindSpot Clinic](http://www.mindspot.org.au/) (people with anxiety and depression) โ€” call [1800 61 44 34](tel:1800614434) or complete an online screening assessment - [Relationships Australia](http://www.nsw.relationships.com.au/) (relationship support services) โ€” call [1300 364 277](tel:1300364277) - [MensLine Australia](https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5rGuBhCnARIsAN11vgRWPfkkz3A51V_eridjJGAS98YUmm4MBWu07t6L9wdAlGGvPuYh2_IaApJzEALw_wcB) (telephone and online counselling) โ€” call [1300 78 99 78](tel:1300789978) - [Lifeline](https://www.lifeline.org.au/) (anyone having a personal crisis) โ€” call [13 11 14](tel:131114) or chat online - [Suicide Call Back Service](https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/) (anyone thinking about suicide) โ€” call [1300 659 467](tel:1300659467) Do you prefer to read in languages other than English? - SANE offers a range of support services including a free translating and interpreting service available on [131 450](tel:131450). - [Transcultural Mental Health Centre](https://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/transcultural-mental-health-centre-tmhc/resources/multilingual-resources) has many resources about wellbeing and mental health in different languages. - [Beyond Blue](https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/multicultural-people/translated-mental-health-resources) has translated mental health resources. ### Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people? - [Yarn Safe](https://headspace.org.au/yarn-safe/) has mental health and wellbeing information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. - [Wellmob](https://wellmob.org.au/e-health-topics/mind/) has more mental health information and resources Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
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