What Does A Nervous Breakdown Feel Like? The Signs And Symptoms Of A Nervous Breakdown

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA, LCSW

Updated February 20th, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Although the term “nervous breakdown” was once commonly used to describe legitimate mental illness symptoms, it has lost its popularity as a medical term among clinicians. Nevertheless, it is a valuable concept for patients and mental health professionals alike. It provides a bridge to discuss the possible presence of chronic medical illness, severe stress levels, and the need for a mental health practitioner. While “nervous breakdown” is not a clinical diagnosis, it is an illustrative term to have available, as it can describe intense mental breakdown symptoms without clinical jargon.

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What does a nervous breakdown feel like? Understanding signs of a nervous breakdown

The signs and symptoms of a nervous breakdown vary from person to person and generally rely significantly upon the mental health of the individual experiencing the breakdown. The symptoms of a nervous breakdown will often mimic whatever mental illness is at play or whatever is causing disruption to mental health; consequently, no two are the same.

All about chronic and acute signs and symptoms of a nervous breakdown

There are also chronic and acute symptoms of a nervous breakdown. A chronic state might last for days or weeks and could be indicated by repeatedly calling out of work or school and engaging in unhealthy eating and sleeping habits. An acute mental breakdown is more likely to be accompanied by a rush of emotions, physical symptoms, and feelings of shame or regret.

Physical signs and symptoms of a nervous breakdown

The most prominent physical indications of an acute breakdown are symptoms like a rise in blood pressure or heart rate and, with that, dizziness or disassociation, increased sweating, shaking, and nausea. These acute symptoms often directly precede an emotional release of some kind, such as shouting, crying, or begging for help or a rescuer. Following the height of a breakdown, an individual might experience disruptions in body function that affect such things as sleep patterns, appetite control, and even immune system responses. In extreme cases, these disruptions can progress into physical health conditions.

Physical symptoms of a chronic or ongoing breakdown are similar but less intense. Someone experiencing a chronic breakdown might have difficulty sleeping, may experience muscle tension or general pain in the body, and might have increased or decreased appetite. These individuals might see marked fluctuations in weight and may begin to see signs of inflammation, such as increased exhaustion and frequent illness.

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Mental and emotional indications intense mental distress or nervous breakdown

A nervous breakdown’s acute mental and emotional symptoms are often attributed to mental illness but are not necessarily solid indicators of a disorder. These include feelings of rage, terror, and despair.

An acute nervous breakdown might also elicit the sense of being out of control. If anger is the dominant emotion, it may seem like nothing else exists apart from anger. If terror is the dominant emotion, it may seem as though everything is a threat. Every word spoken can seem like a shaming and cruel remark, and every sound can elicit fear. If sadness is the dominant emotion, despair might reign, and it may seem as though nothing will ever be good or safe again.

Conversely, chronic mental and emotional indications of a breakdown are less severe but may be more pervasive. Anger, for instance, might not be in a constant heightened state, but someone experiencing a long-term breakdown might continuously be irritable, frustrated, and perpetually on the verge of losing their temper.

Those experiencing overwhelming stress or anxiety might have a prolonged fight-or-flight response and frequently be afraid, paranoid, or worried, which could lead to racing thoughts, withdrawal from friends and loved ones, and emotional shutdown. Finally, chronic despair often looks like a decreased interest in things once valued or loved, reduced interest in favorite activities, and a decreased interest in spending time with others. Peer-reviewed studies support the idea that nervous breakdowns can present differently depending on the other types of disorders present.

A loss of perspective often punctuates both long-term and short-term nervous breakdowns. A loss of perspective in a short-term breakdown can result in emotions taking over, as it removes the possibility of consequences. A loss of perspective can worsen long-term breakdowns because it removes the possibility of change and improvement. A nervous breakdown is not a symptom of willful or intentional damage of interest or ability, but instead, it is usually a stress response produced to influence healing.

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Treatment for a mental health crisis such as a mental breakdown and stress

The best step to take after having a nervous breakdown is to find a mental health professional who can help determine what led you to that space and assist you in navigating the healing process. In some cases, this might mean treating mental illness, and in others, it may mean staging some lifestyle interventions, such as cutting back on commitments or simplifying financial expenditures.

Online therapy for your mental health

Often, people who have experienced nervous breakdowns are reluctant to leave the house because they are afraid of losing control in a public place. This can raise a barrier to the therapy they desperately need. The rise of online therapy has provided a useful solution to such barriers. When you use a platform like BetterHelp, you can reach out to a mental health professional anytime from your home or anywhere else that seems safe.

A great advantage of this form of therapy is that you don’t have to compromise convenience for effectiveness. In multiple studies done in recent years, researchers have confirmed that online therapeutic interventions can be just as effective as their in-person counterparts for a variety of patients and conditions.

Takeaway

Although nervous breakdowns have a negative reputation, they can be essential turning points that set you on the path to improving your mental health and stress management skills.

Whether you are experiencing your first nervous breakdown or you have had untreated bouts of intense stress or mental illness followed by a breakdown in the past, you can take the time following a mental breakdown to speak with an online therapist, trusted adviser, or friend, and determine what changes must be enlisted for your life and what treatment may be necessary to create a healthy environment, both internally and externally.

Frequently asked questions

Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.

What are the 12 signs of a nervous breakdown?

Nervous breakdowns can occur as a result of a mental health crisis (possibly following a stressful or traumatic event like a sudden tragedy) or as a result of an underlying mental health condition that has gone without proper support.

Each individual might experience a nervous breakdown differently. Twelve of the most common nervous breakdown symptoms can include:

Complete overwhelm.
Nervousness or agitation.
Insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
Physical fatigue.
Neuromusculoskeletal pain.
Low self-esteem.
Withdrawal.
Loss of interest in daily activities.
Volatile emotional outbursts.
Frequent feelings of helplessness.
Nausea or gastrointestinal distress.
Self-harm and suicidal ideation or attempts.

If you are experiencing suicidal ideation or are a danger to yourself, please connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. Help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

These are not the only emotional and physical symptoms of a nervous breakdown. Other indicators of a person’s mental state might include heightened emotional stress in daily life, personal hygiene issues, difficulty concentrating, and many others. Symptoms of a breakdown may overlap with many other mental health conditions. Seek professional support for a diagnosis and treatment options.

How long do nervous breakdowns last?

The duration of a nervous breakdown can vary, especially if it is fueled by an underlying cause that may require professional care to resolve.

Many report mental breakdowns lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In less common cases or in individuals with poor coping skills, they may extend to several months.

Talk therapy, breathing exercises, and other supportive strategies can be helpful in avoiding a mental breakdown after a traumatic event. They can also be helpful if someone is currently experiencing a mental breakdown.

How serious is a nervous breakdown or a mental breakdown?

A nervous breakdown is often the result of intense mental distress. It can be serious, especially if the extreme stress is left unaddressed. People can experience anxiety and depression before, during, and after a mental breakdown. Sometimes, a nervous breakdown leads to anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of it.

Online therapy and other supportive strategies that address symptoms, acute causes, and underlying mental health conditions that can affect one’s mental health are often the first steps in the prevention of a nervous breakdown.

How do you fight a nervous breakdown or intense mental distress?

Overwhelming stress and chronic stress, if left unaddressed, can lead to a nervous breakdown. While stress can be a part of one’s everyday life, many find that controlling stress is the best way to prevent a nervous breakdown.

Additional supportive steps can include supporting and addressing any underlying mental health conditions that could affect one’s quality of life. One might also seek a formal mental health diagnosis if they suspect that they may be living with symptoms of an undiagnosed condition.

Are nervous breakdowns normal or is it a sign of an underlying mental health condition?

Nervous breakdowns can be a normal part of life if someone is under an undue amount of stress or if they are working through any underlying mental health conditions that require additional support. Online therapy and other supportive strategies can help in preventing or addressing symptoms related to a nervous breakdown.

What organs are affected by stress?

Physical symptoms of a nervous breakdown might affect an individual’s organs. Many organs can be affected by excessive stress. Some of these organs can include our hearts, lungs, stomachs, nervous systems, and circulatory systems. If you believe that your organs are being affected by chronic or acute stress, consult your healthcare provider. They can offer tailored medical advice.

How do you calm yourself down?

Each individual may have different methods of calming themselves down, but deep-breathing exercises are some of the most commonly used. Finding the method that works for you can be helpful in preventing chronic or acute stress, which can lead to further mental health concerns later on.

What is the first stage of a mental breakdown?

Many believe that the first stage of a mental breakdown is the “honeymoon stage.” People in this stage of a breakdown (or of pre-breakdown) may not show symptoms; instead, they may only consciously experience minimal levels of stress or overwhelm.

What does a nervous breakdown feel like? Do you cry during a nervous breakdown?

Some people may cry during a nervous breakdown. However, some might keep to themselves in silence. In either case, the person experiencing the mental breakdown could be living under intense duress; they may benefit from seeking supportive care to get treatment.

What mental health conditions are associated with breakdowns?

Mental breakdowns can be associated with various mental health issues. Some of these conditions include:

Major depressive disorder (MDD).
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Panic disorder.
Acute stress disorder (ASD).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Bipolar disorder.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Schizophrenia.

Note that a nervous or mental breakdown can occur in individuals with or without a diagnosed mental health issue, often as a result of too much stress, overwhelming life events, or a combination of factors that may include family history. Seeking professional help from a mental health provider may be crucial for assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

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