A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental health crisis or mental breakdown, describes a period of intense mental distress. A person having a nervous breakdown is temporarily not able to function in their everyday life.
In mental health triage can be undertaken face to face or via telephone: 'red flags' include suicidal ideas, intent or actions, violence and aggression set in the context of psychosis and specific items such as command hallucinations, delusional misidentification and grandiose delusions.
When should you walk away from someone with mental illness?
As much as you might love or care for the individual, if they are emotionally, mentally, or physically abusive, it is okay to step away from the situation. Some examples of emotional, mental, and physical abuse include: Emotional & Mental Abuse: Being dissatisfied, no matter how hard you try or how much you give.
A psychotic episode or disorder will result in the presence of one or more of the following five categories: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, negative symptoms.
Sleep or appetite changes — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care. Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions or depressed feelings, greater irritability. Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
"When the body cannot handle emotional overload, it simply begins to shut down. And that is often manifested by a sense of extreme tiredness and fatigue," says Kalayjian.
Toxic stress syndrome refers to stress strong enough to trigger your body's “fight or flight” response, extended over days, weeks, months, and even years. This type of stress overwhelms you, leaving you feeling afraid and helpless.
Toxic stress can increase a person's risk of developing high blood pressure, elevating levels of inflammation that can damage the arteries. These conditions can lead to heart disease, stroke and other serious health issues later in life.
An inability to cope with problems or daily activities. Feeling of disconnection or withdrawal from normal activities. Unusual or "magical" thinking. Excessive anxiety. Prolonged sadness, depression or apathy.
