"'Nervous breakdown' is not a medical term for mental illness, but everyone has their own idea of what that term means. Although there is no precise definition, it describes the feeling of intense and constant stress, when you feel that you have reached the limit of endurance," explains neurologist and psychiatrist David A. Merrill from California.
The feeling that you are about to have a nervous breakdown can still be a symptom that something is wrong with your mental picture, so it is wise to immediately seek the help of a doctor, he adds, and all so that you can live a normal life. Talk about your symptoms so you can get help right away and get back to normal as soon as possible. These are the signals that could reveal that it is time for changes, he writes Ordinacija.hr
1. You can't concentrate
In short, stress can speed up the work of the brain by releasing hormones that strengthen memory and improve concentration, but if it is a long-term, chronic stress, it is difficult to block external stimuli, which certainly affects the ability to focus. In extreme cases, a large amount of stress can cause stress hormones to build up and lead to memory loss, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
2. You are constantly hungry and constantly eating
Stress also works to release adrenaline, which will energize the muscles in response to the current state when you are ready to fight or flee.
Once it's used up, cortisol tells the body to replace the lost energy with food, explains Dr. Merrill. The problem arises when you are under stress, and you do not spend energy on physical effort, you will eat more than you should. The foods that are most often reached for in these situations are precisely those that have a lot of fat and sugar and provide an immediate feeling of satisfaction.
3. Abdominal cramps that do not go away
Sometimes stress and anxiety can manifest as stomach pain or cramps, explained Dr. Merrill, but if you notice symptoms like constipation, bloating and diarrhea, it could also be irritable bowel syndrome, which has recently been shown to be related to stress. According to the professional magazine Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 50 to 90 percent of cases of this condition are related to mental conditions such as anxiety or depression. If you think that this is exactly your problem, talk to your doctor about how to treat it in order to avoid a "nervous breakdown".
4. You don't care what you look like
"Not taking care of yourself is a clear sign that something is wrong," explains the doctor. Skipping personal hygiene every day, such as showering and brushing your teeth, or changing behavior in the form of disinterest in things that were very important to you can be a signal that you are having an episode of depression or an emotional breakdown. Stress affects the body and mind, leading to complete disinterest in everything that used to make you happy. Talking to an expert will be very helpful.
5. You are always on the defensive
Have you ever looked at someone and thought that person looks like they are depressed? We reveal a lot about how we feel with our attitude, non-verbal signs and gestures, and when a person adopts a protective stance - hands folded, looking down - it shows that he is under stress and wants to protect himself. It's a vicious circle, because with that attitude we push people away from us, and loneliness will only make us more depressed.
6. You can't sleep
Chronic insomnia goes hand in hand with chronic stress and it can be a warning that you are running out of strength. "Stress leads to anxiety, which prevents relaxation and quality sleep," adds the doctor. If you don't get enough sleep and don't allow your body to recover, the symptoms will only get worse the next day.
7. You are exhausted to the limit
Are you constantly worrying about something, but you are not really clear about what? That excessive stress can make everyday worries overwhelming, which can trigger the worst reactions. People who suffer from constant stress often interpret everything as negative, which leads to constant worry even though there is no real reason for it. This feeling occurs due to a loss of control and a sense of helplessness. A "nervous breakdown" often occurs as a result of the belief that it will never get better.
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