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| Meta Title | Nervous breakdown - symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect |
| Meta Description | Nervous 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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| Boilerpipe Text | 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
โIf 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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[beginning of content]()
# Nervous breakdown
*9-minute read*
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**If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). 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** โIf 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? Hereโs what to do about it)](https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/experiencing-burnout-heres-what-to-do-about-it/ "Experiencing burnout? Hereโs 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 *[(Iโm so Stressed out! Fact sheet)](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet "Iโm 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")
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[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* ](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* ](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* ](https://mensline.org.au/dealing-with-stress/coping-with-burnout/)
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[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* ](https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/tips-for-avoiding-burnout)
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| Readable Markdown | ## 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** โIf 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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| Root Hash | 11476440364350543187 |
| Unparsed URL | au,gov,healthdirect!www,/nervous-breakdown s443 |