Nervous Breakdown vs Anxiety Attacks; What's The Difference?

I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown!This is something you could have said to yourself when you simply can't take it anymore. But are you really having a...

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges.

I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown!

This is something you could have said to yourself when you simply can't take it anymore.

But are you really having a nervous breakdown? or an anxiety attack?  

When people are under pressure, they all experience tension and anxiety, but it is normally at a controllable level.

So what happens when it is no longer at a controllable level?

What Is A Nervous Breakdown vs Anxiety Attack?

A nervous breakdown occurs when stress and feelings of concern or anxiety are present all at the same time.

This can escalate to a level that interferes and negatively affects a person's daily lifestyle.

A nervous breakdown sometimes referred to as a mental health crisis or a mental breakdown is a period of severe mental suffering.

When a person has a nervous breakdown, they are temporarily unable to function in their daily lives.

An anxiety attack is sometimes referred to as a panic attack. It is when an individual has an episode of intense fright or anxiety that can be triggered by a perceived threat.

This episode normally lasts for 10 minutes and is accompanied by sweating, palpitations, shaking, difficulty breathing, and more.

Anxiety spelled out with scrabble letters

What Triggers A Nervous Breakdown and An Anxiety Attack?

Anxiety attacks can be triggered by underlying mental health conditions like asthma, thyroid problems, seizures, and heart problems.

A nervous breakdown can be triggered by

  • Difficulty in daily affairs due to illness
  • A sudden traumatic event, like the loss of a loved one
  • Continuous stress from work or school
  • relationship changes, such as a divorce
  • Loss of employment
  • exposure to violence
  • Suffering from recurring discrimination or prejudice
  • Financial issues,
  • Major life changes, like relocation
  • chronic medical conditions

A nervous breakdown is the result of several issues that were slowly taking a toll on one's mental health.

It's not a short episode like an anxiety attack.

A nervous breakdown can last for quite some time.

Sometimes a nervous breakdown is a disguised undiagnosed medical condition.

What some people mistake as a nervous breakdown could actually be an undetected mental health problem.

Many people use the term to describe extreme stress symptoms and an inability to cope with life's obstacles because there is no universally accepted definition.

Symptoms Of A Nervous Breakdown Vs Anxiety Attack

The symptoms of a nervous breakdown differ from one person to the next.

The type of symptoms you get can also be influenced by the underlying cause.

You may experience physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms:

Because the word "nervous breakdown" isn't frequently used in medicine, this mental condition has been described by a wide range of symptoms that arise suddenly like

Symptoms of depression include:

  • Feeling sad or hopeless all of the time.
  • A sense of guilt or worthlessness
  • Tiredness or a lack of energy
  • A lack of enthusiasm for hobbies or activities
  • Suicide or self-harming ideas
  • Feeling jittery
  • Irritability
  • Clammy fingers
  • Dizziness
  • Bellyache
  • Issues breathing
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Heart palpitations
  • sweating
  • Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares about the past traumatic experiences.
  • Unprecedented mood swings or outbursts
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia

Symptoms of an anxiety attack

  • Worry and apprehension
  • Restlessness
  • Sleep problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Sadness
  • Feeling pressure and hurried
  • changes in heart rate
  • Tension in the head or neck
  • Headache
  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Tightness in the throat and difficulty breathing
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Feeling faint

Sometimes an individual who is suffering from a nervous breakdown can also have an anxiety attack.

They also tend to isolate themselves from people around them like families, friends, and colleagues.

What Causes a Nervous Breakdown?

Although underlying mental health issues frequently play a role, a nervous breakdown can be precipitated by a single event that produces significant stress.

Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder may be the underlying mental health issues (PTSD).

Stressful situations such as divorce or trauma, can exacerbate the condition and lead to a breakdown.

Resilience (the ability to cope during times of hardship) will be lower if a person has inadequate coping skills or a lack of social support, to begin with.

A nervous breakdown can also be the result of a gradual build-up of stress, which can be caused by demands at work, in relationships, or in financial issues – divorce or unemployment are examples of such factors.

Worry, tension, and anxiety can build up over time to the point that a person is unable to cope or accomplish daily duties.

An individual can burn out when he/she experiences a great level of mental, physical, and emotional weariness.

This can eventually lead to a mental breakdown.

For many mental health disorders, your doctor can prescribe medications and refer you to other healthcare specialists such as psychologists or psychiatrists.

They can assist you in obtaining a mental health treatment plan, which will allow you to take advantage of Medicare rebates for sessions with mental health providers.

Man sitting on a couch with his hands on his forehead.

How Do You Treat Nervous breakdown Vs Anxiety Attack?

Make an appointment with a primary care physician or a mental health professional if you or someone you care about is having a nervous breakdown or anxiety attack.

Seeing a doctor is especially important if you're in danger of harming yourself or others.

To confirm that other underlying causes aren't contributing to your symptoms, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and review any drugs you're currently taking.

They may then recommend you to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist for additional assessment and treatment, which may include psychotherapy or medication.

Other forms of treatments usually administered to treat a nervous breakdown or anxiety are:

  1. Talk therapy
  2. Medications
  3. Changes in lifestyle

Talk therapy

To treat your symptoms, your doctor may suggest talk therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one sort of psychotherapy that is regularly employed (CBT).

CBT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other serious mental illnesses.

It entails identifying problematic thought patterns as well as learning coping skills to help you navigate difficult situations more effectively.

Medications

Prescription drugs may be prescribed in addition to talk therapy to treat symptoms or other recognized mental health issues.

This could include antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs.

Changes in lifestyle

Consider these tactics for managing your symptoms if you're feeling overwhelmed and on the edge of a breakdown:

Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided because they can exacerbate mental health problems and disrupt sleep.

Exercise on a regular basis can help you cope with stress and sleep better.

Physical activity has also been demonstrated to help with the symptoms of a variety of mental illnesses.

Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant in this diet. grains in their entirety legumes seeds and nuts protein that is low in fat

Create a nighttime regimen and routine that will assist you in getting a good night's sleep.

Taking a warm bath is one example.

electrical devices should be turned off a book is being read

Acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga breathing exercises are examples of stress-relieving therapies.

Conclusion

Most people, especially those who suffer from some form of PTSD, go through moments of worry, anxiety, and hopelessness.

However, these issues can be addressed and resolved through medication, counseling, and other treatments.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for personalized clinical care.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges.

FAQs

FAQs about Anxiety

Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.

Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

We all get a little anxious sometimes—like a sudden jolt of nerves before a big presentation or a first date. But if that nervous feeling has become a constant companion, like an uninvited roommate that won’t leave, it might be time for counseling. Signs that it's more than a passing worry include persistent fear, difficulty sleeping, or avoiding situations that trigger your anxiety. We understand how exhausting this can be. We can work together to help you get your living space back.

Think of anxiety counseling as your personal guide to untangling a complicated knot of thoughts and fears. While it may feel impossible right now, you have the power to conquer it. We'll give you a toolkit of strategies, from understanding what's triggering your worry to practicing deep breathing exercises that calm your nervous system. Through counseling, you'll learn to recognize your thought patterns and challenge them, so you can stop being a passenger in your own life and start being the one in the driver’s seat.

The most effective approach to treating anxiety is like finding the perfect pair of shoes—what works for one person might not work for another. However, a common and effective therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It helps you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that feed your anxiety. We also use other approaches, like exposure therapy, to help you gradually face your fears in a safe and supportive way. We'll help you find the right fit for your unique needs.

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