What is a nervous breakdown?
We’ve all heard someone say, “I think I’m having a nervous breakdown.” You may have said this yourself. But exactly what is a “nervous breakdown”? What does this truly mean?
A “nervous breakdown” is a vague term sometimes used by the public or the press. It’s fallen out of favor because it isn’t a medical term and — over time — it’s taken on a negative meaning.
“Nervous breakdown” isn’t a medical diagnosis. It’s not a term your healthcare provider is going to use. It’s not a specific mental condition. Instead, a mental health crisis or a breakdown of your mental health is a situation that happens when you have intense physical and emotional stress, have difficulty coping and aren’t able to function effectively. It’s the feeling of being physically, mentally and emotionally overwhelmed by the stress of life.
With a mental health crisis, your intense reaction to stress shares many features of other medical conditions. Some of the medical conditions you and your healthcare provider will explore as contributing to your mental distress include:
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Adjustment disorder. This is defined as psychiatric symptoms associated with a stressful situation. The condition is brought on by a reaction to a stressful or traumatic event.
Advertisem*nt
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
What happens when you have a mental health crisis (“nervous breakdown”)?
If you're having a mental health crisis, you may feel like you’re losing control. Some event or change in your life is causing you an intense amount of stress, which is causing symptoms such as fear, anxiety, worry, nervousness and depression. You may feel “stuck,” overwhelmed or incapacitated, which makes you unable to cope and function with life.
Are there factors that increase the chance of having a breakdown in mental health?
Factors that may contribute to your intense reaction to stress include:
- Having a personal history or family history of anxiety disorders.
- Having a disease or worsening medical condition that affects your ability to function effectively.
- Having a psychiatric disorder gets worse due to ongoing events.
Advertisem*nt
How serious is a “nervous breakdown”?
A “nervous breakdown” can be a serious health issue if you can’t perform everyday activities because of your stress and struggle to cope.
Everyone handles stress differently. Some people are better able to cope with stress than others. However, when you can no longer do everyday tasks — like getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or going to work — it’s time to seek professional help.
Some individuals may have thoughts of harming themselves. This is an emergency. Call 911, go to the emergency room or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800.273.8255.
