What does it actually mean when they say someone had a "nervous breakdown"?

[Connonym]

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. It is an outdated term....

and to me, it is offensive. They usually use this term these days to refer to people who are suffering from major depression or another form of debilitating mental illness. :hi:

[BarenakedLady]

2. Yeah

What he said (philboy)

[newmajority]

3. Maybe they're a Black Flag fan?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE2t4n7LvIw

[Connonym]

4. ut-oh

I was listening to Black Flag this afternoon. Should I be worried?

[SPKrazy]

5. look in the dictionary

see my picture

talk to me

you'll know

usually it is actually a term that people have used to describe a psychotic break or sometimes a mania or depressive episode, or an anxiety problem.

So it is not a real psychiatric term, just more common language

lol

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. The term does not bother me, because I look at it as a very

physically descriptive term to use what has happened. I had one when I was 16. I could not get out of bed and my nerve endings felt like they were on fire. Yes, I was very depressed. I have battled depression since the age of 4 when I had major (at the time, state of the art) surgery. Had I been born 4 years earlier, I would have died. Anyway, along with the illness and the surgery and the long stay in the hospital and the consequent longitudinal medical study until the age of 14, came depression. What happened at 16 put me over the edge, truth be told, I came out on theother side of it, a different person, not necessarily better, just different.

[Connonym]

7. Short of suicidal ideations or violence

what state of dysfunction does one need to be at before they consider urgent medical intervention? Not getting dressed or leaving the house for a week? Crying uncontrollably? Feeling constantly anxious and terrified? Irritability, inability to focus, inability to perform normal daily functions? Increased use of alcohol and prescription medication to calm down? Does that warrant a call on Monday to make an appointment for therapy or does it warrant a more urgent intervention?

[newmajority]

8. I would say all of the above are symptoms of serious depression.

And I would recommend seeking help ASAP. If "professional" therapy isn't an option because it's the weekend (or because of financial concerns, in some cases) at least call a friend or family member. Hopefully there's one who can understand the reality of the situation and not assume this is something you can "snap out of".

If you absolutely despise the pharmaceutical companies, I would suggest finding some 5-HTP, which you could probably find at the local Walgreens, and certainly in any natural supplements/health food store.

As you might have guessed, this advice is all coming from experience, not a degree, so take it for what it's worth. :hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

9. Yes, that warrants a call. --

I am not giving medical advice, I am just saying what I would do, if it were me. For whomever you are talking about ... here is a hug and sending out some positive and peaceful vibes and healing energy. :hug:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

10. this is what I'd call it.

Severe long term depression combined with physical collapse due to physical exhaustion and physical illness. In my case, the physical illness was pneumonia.

Took me about five years to get over it completely.