Discover what a nervous breakdown is – all the signs and symptoms

What is a nervous breakdown?

You’ve taken to the internet to find out what a nervous breakdown is. That probably means you or someone close to you has the signs and symptoms of a nervous breakdown.

In this article, I’m going to assume it’s you. So, stick right by me. I’ll help you understand what’s happening to you and what you can expect.

You’ve likely reached your limit when you’re having a nervous breakdown. You’ve had enough, and you’re at the end of your rope. You feel like you’re falling apart.

Maybe life or work has just thrown too much at you. You may have been bravely facing either repeated, seemingly insurmountable problems, relationship problems, a major life event or a traumatic experience that changed your future forever.

And then, we haven’t even talked about the Covid pandemic with its lockdowns, quarantines, closures and deaths.

Your internal and external resources are no longer enough with the weight on your shoulders. Your body is flushed with stress hormones, making you feel constantly stressed, anxious ‘for no reason’ and exhausted. 

You may even find it difficult to concentrate on this page (bookmark it now!).

As a professional counsellor/therapist (ret.), I’ve seen more clients than I can mention with symptoms of a nervous breakdown – particularly when I practised in a very toxic workplace.

Are you worried you’re going crazy or that you’re ‘losing your mind’?

Your emotions may well be all over the place. However, by taking my nervous breakdown test, you’ll discover you’re not losing your mind, going crazy or mad.

To discover even more about what a nervous breakdown is, see also: FAQ about a nervous breakdown

And to share with your loved ones: how to help someone with a breakdown. 

What is pushing you over the edge?

It’s confidential, and there’s no need for an email address.

Just tick the boxes, and see what is causing other visitors’ breakdown.

What is a nervous breakdown?

First, the term ‘nervous breakdown’ wouldn’t usually be used in a professional setting.

A medical professional (and some mental health professionals) will talk about mental illness, anxiety disorder, stress disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

I’ve used the term nervous breakdown here because I know thousands of people a month are searching for it. I want to be sure that I reach everyone looking for reliable information, hence the more colloquial language.

A nervous breakdown is a state of severe mental distress with a combination of mental, emotional and physical symptoms associated with anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

Are you worried about having a heart attack?

For some time before this breakdown, you may not have felt your usual self – with a racing heart, quickly tired, uptight, irritable with a general sense of doom.

Feeling your heart beat against your chest, you are probably worried about your heart health. If that’s the case, take a look at this article to learn the differences between a panic attack (often a sign of a nervous breakdown) and a heart attack.

To help you be clear about what a nervous breakdown is, let’s look now at the physical symptoms to help you understand better what’s happening to you. See how many you recognise.

The physical symptoms of a nervous breakdown

How to know you’re having a nervous breakdown?

On this page, I’ve listed the physical symptoms and signs of a mental breakdown. Click the link to find the mental symptoms of a nervous breakdown.

If you’re having a nervous breakdown, you’ll be aware of the following.

12 common physical nervous breakdown signs and symptoms

1. Irregular heartbeat
   You can feel your heart pounding. Or maybe you’re aware that your heart is beating really fast. You may be terrified that you’re having, or have had, a heart attack.
2. Tensed and/or painful muscles
   No wonder – they’re working overtime without you being consciously aware of it. They’re ready to help you run away from the (imagined) disaster, constantly in fight/flight mode.
3. Clammy hands and armpits
   Your body works hard to cool you down. You’re worried about having to shake hands and other people noticing how much you’re sweating.
4. Dizziness and lightheadedness
   Your blood is drawn to the major muscle groups to ensure they’re well-fed and can deal with the (imagined) catastrophe.
5. Trembling or shaking
   You may feel these are the most embarrassing symptoms – you’re convinced other people will notice.
6. Upset stomach and bowel problems
   Your body/mind reacts as if your life’s in danger. Digestion is secondary to survival – your body wants to get rid of whatever it doesn’t immediately need. Diarrhoea, frequently needing to urinate, and nausea or vomiting are normal under the circumstances. It’s no surprise then that weight loss is a common symptom!
7. Exhaustion
   Your body/mind is using all your energy to manage or even cope with this crisis. You’re constantly on high alert – that lion must be just around the corner.
8. Unexplained aches, pains, cramps and illness
   Your body/mind is out of balance. Existing health issues appear magnified. You may be convinced you’re at death’s door.
9. Coughs and colds
   You seem to be catching every bug floating around. The prolonged extreme stress is undermining your immune system.
10. Tension headaches
    No wonder with tight muscles, hunched shoulders, constant worry, stress and anxiety. With your mind and body out of balance, you’re feeling poorly most of the time.
11. Unrelenting restlessness
    You can’t seem to sit still long enough even to draw the often-recommended long breaths to calm you down.
    You’re in a constant state of agitation, preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep – one of the most telling signs of a mental breakdown!
    (A note of caution, though: if you’ve recently started medication, particularly an antidepressant – the agitation could be a side effect!)
12. Sensitive hearing
    Normal sounds may feel too harsh, loud or shrill. You’ve become super-aware of noise you would normally not have noticed. Music is too loud, people simply talking can irritate you, and you can’t bear the sound of kids playing noisily or even happily chatting away.