Nervous Breakdown

[janetsflower]

I know what causes a nervous breakdown - stress, worry, fatigue etc etc but how can you tell if you or someone is having one? Are there any physical symptoms or is it just an emotional feeling?

[Scarlett]

If they suddenly start acting very out of character, that is a sign. They may develop stress related signs like palpitations, chest pains and become weepy and emotional. They may "close up" and not want to talk. But irrationality is the sign that I have noticed the most- behaving in a way that is most unlike that person, normally.

[Ethel]

Very often there is no external cause for the breakdown.

It is because there is a lack of hormone - serotonin - that causes acute depression leading to the breakdown behaviour you describe.

Extremity is the key. Whilst one person may display hyperactivity, restlessness, quickness to anger another may be lethargic, slow to react and show no interest in the world around them.

Very often there is a tendency to hypochondria - feeling physically unwell with a wide range of symptoms that may not be real can be an indicator. This 'unwellness' will be used as an excuse to avoid situations.

Mild paranoia may also be present - a feeling of persecution, being watched.

It is incredibly difficult for the experts to diagnose - especially as the 'patient' may deliberately mislead the doctor as to his true behaviour and feelings.

Talk to your GP.

[Octavius]

Can't add to the above, but some info here...

http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/askt hesiteqandas/mentalandemotionalhealthqandas/si gnsandsymptoms