Nervous breakdown, anyone had one.

Yep! Been there, got the T-shirt and still on Citalopram nearly 15 years later.

The not sleeping thing was what got me, you just can't function. I would go to sleep and about a 40 mins later, wake up bolt upright with my HR through the roof, like I was running the 100m. After that, just lay there with my body and mind running at mach 6. Couldn't even make a cup of tea in the morning after a week of that, was just non functioning. Ended begging the GP for anti-depressants - they were initially quite reluctant.

For me, the SSRIs (Citalopram) worked like a switch in my head, the anxiety and inability to sleep just vanished after a few days. But, they don't work the same for everyone....

If the GP offers you meds, personally I'd say at least try them.

I've had a couple in my life, all brought on by extremely stressful situations. Al I can say is, it's only a temporary situation and you will get through this.

Going to the doctors is a great first step that you've taken. I'd also suggest finding a private counsellor / therapist if you can afford it. Money well spend.

No I haven’t, but I have done my best to support my partner through one, and I understand some of what you are going through. Asking for help is the hardest thing to do, not rejecting that help when it is offered because you start reading in all sorts of ulterior motivations is the second hardest part.

Understand that people really will want to help you and try to engage with them.

The medications for this sort of thing can seem to just make the symptoms worse, especially in the short term. It can take a few weeks to stabilise on them, and the eventual withdrawal will not be without its challenges also. Keep in close contact with your GP, perhaps write a journal of your thoughts and feelings during the day and send it too them by email in the evening.

Sounds awful for you at the moment, but if its any consolation things will get better.

I had a walk out of my job, sack off my flat and move back in with my parents breakdown when I was younger so I've been through some of what you are going through but I stayed away from taking any tablets.

The simple to follow immediate advice I woukd give would be to make sure you are looking after you food, water, exercise, and where possible sleep as best you can.

In the past when I've had trouble sleeping I've done the guided meditations, or music on at a low volume, now I just go round a golf course in my head and I find that's enough to distract my brain from the endless panic cycle.

Longer term, get some self help books, I think the one I read at the time was "feel the fear and do it anyway", or alternatively if finances allow then pay out for some counselling.

Can you get yourself signed off work for a couple of weeks to allow you to get thing on am even keel?

All the best

I’m self employed I really need to get back tomorrow,and think it would do me good anyway.

That might be a good idea but don't think you can't just throw it in for a day or two to re-charge. Do a bridgett jones and stay in bed for a day and eat a bucket of ice cream whilst watching crap movies.

I'm not sure if I've ever had a breakdown per-se, but i've come pretty damn close on a couple of occasions. Don't be afraid to have some downtime to relax and reflect a bit. whithout feeling guilty about it.

That's really important (easier said than done, I know) but you do space and time to realax a bit so you can process your thoughts without worrying 'what about this' or 'what about that'.

Re-gather yourself, prioritise tasks, make a spreadsheet if thats your thing, I'm not saying that's the best idea, but some sort of prioritised list that I edit, really stops thoughts swilling around in my head and helps with sleeping/relaxing as I know I can check the list tomorrow and re-prioritize things if needs be.

Again, a lot easier said than done.

That's probably no help at all, but it works for me with general anxiety that things are out of control.. I've kinda learned that some things can wait, and don't matter too much, but when your brain is full of all sorts of stuff, like I havent cleaened the bathroom window for months, or  something more critical, it really helps me to break it down into some sort of higherachy.

I sleep with ear buds in and listen to light hearted podcasts about science, history, comedy or whatever. I really concentrate on them to block out all the other thoughts and it really helps me nod off. I'll lie awake all night without them.

I also realise now that everything is temporary no matter how much it feels like the end of the road. Just ride it out.

Come to think of it, I quite fancy a day in bed eating Ben & Jerry's now.

Sorry to hear you are going through a rough patch

Well done for the practical steps you have already taken and reaching out for help

Nights can be the hardest when not sleeping and left vulnerable with one’s own thoughts

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a useful resource that is worth saving to access when you feel low

You mention not having people around you who would understand what you are going through… Andy’s Man Club is a confidential, free peer support which will likely have a support group that meet near you on Mondays at 7pm… it’s an inclusive space with no obligation to speak as they seek to “end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation”

And the usual advice that we all know, but sometimes when we are low it is useful to be reminded on continuing Physical activity, eating well, meditation, connecting with friends…

Good luck,
be kind to yourself,
“this too shall pass”

# 1. I think you're right keeping working although at a reduced level / hors days is better than having to much time to brood. However if you have an idea to take some time off work but a task that has focus this can be a good rest.

By a task that has focus this could be a long distance walk or bike ride or a road trip or something you want to make.

#2. Regarding drugs. Minimise the use. If you need to use them to give you a kick in the correct direction but then as soon a possible start developing methods to recognise and bring yourself back from negative thought patterns asap. How you do that is individual, whatever route you take will be hard work, and you will fail but you need to keep trying and adjusting your methods. I personally have taken quite a dive into philosophy.

#3. As I said you will keep failing from keeping out of negative behaviour and thought patterns but excepting that is part of the process. I am over ten year on from my lowest and still go up and down a lot. I am at a local low point but on the longer time line it's nothing. I know this may sound like a load of bollocks but catching yourself and "tricking" yourself out of the negative patterns is the only way. Try not to jump from o e drug (say a medical) to another negative mechanism such as "buying x/y/z".

Come to think of it, I quite fancy a day in bed eating Ben & Jerry’s now.

Duvet days are highly underrated!

Not from the implied laziness aspect, but it gives you a bit of time to mentally breathe and process your thoughts at a comfortable pace.

I've met lots of people who never realy take time to sloth out, and all are highly strung...  I don't mean make it a lifestyle choice, but I try to have at least one day a month where it litteraly do sod all, usualy more like 4 days a month to be fair!

That's what sundays are for!

Came close a couple of times - or maybe had a couple. It doesn't tend to get diagnosed as nervous breakdown as such nowadays.

SSRIs are OK. I found them horrific to 'get onto' as they made me much worse in the interim - particularly citalopram, not so much sertraline. Both basically made me exist more in the middle of emotions - incapable of feeling really good or really bad. Just emotionally a bit numb. I vowed to get straight and get off of them. In both cases it was work-related, so used the SSRIs to be able to function in the existing job whilst looking for a new one. Luckily I got new jobs relatively quickly each time and got off the SSRIs.

One thing not mentioned yet - be very careful with Zopiclone. I only ever took half tablets, tried not to use it two nights in a row and never three. If you overdo it, you'll end up awake for 24-36 hours totally unable to sleep, which will string you out more.

If you are going to try SSRIs it is a good idea to have family around - the initial few weeks can be a dark place.

All the best - you will come out of the other side.

Isn't Headspace something that is much referred to as an aid to mental tremors? I've known people swear by it rather than at it.

Wow, wasn't expecting so many helpful replies so soon,so very much appreciated.The ben and Jerry's does sound tempting!

I went out for a few drinks with couple of mates Friday and Saturday night which did take my mind off things and I did manage a couple of hours sleep each of those nights I did that,but obviously I don't want to go down the route of drinking to get me through this as I know that could end in grim fashion.Some really good advice up there.I have phoned and texted a therapist nearby but no reply as yet so will try another one tomorrow as I definitely need someone to chat in depth to about the relationship as I think that could be the root cause.I was on a dosage of sertraline a long time ago which I took for a few months at least,and can't remember exactly but I think I stopped taking them due to not feeling well on them.Im a tinnitus sufferer so bbc sounds has been my go to for so many years now.It does help definitely but over the last few days it will only take my mind off things briefly.Again appreciate the help,as it is good to know I'm not on my own regarding this sort of condition.👍

Regarding drugs. Minimise the use.

This is tosh, arrant tosh and really unhelpful for the OP.

Take what is offered and expect it to take a while to kick in and reduce the emotional swings. (Citalopram, as mentioned above, takes at least 6 weeks to gain the full effect, there's a lull around 3 to 4 weeks where people can get discouraged. This is when the suicides can happen). There are many types of SSRI's and if the first doesn't work for you go back and ask for a change, document what's not working for you before you ask.

Good luck and use the forum as part of your support group.

Huge sympathy

I'm no expert but I'd be wary of calling something a break down. If a medical professional has used it that's different.

I'd say you are having an understandable and normal reaction to huge stress. You are already taking steps to sort things out and its early days.  I went to a mental health talk at work and they said in general big stress reactions of upto 2 weeks is something most of us can deal with. Its persistence beyond that which can cause further problems

My advice would be try and access talking therapies ASAP paying if you can afford it

Looking at this as a once in 10 year episode can you work less or not at all for a bit?

No medical training but I've had 2 work through a few things so passing on  based on experience

My advice would be try and access talking therapies ASAP paying if you can afford it

They aren't effective for people with severe anxiety / depression. If you're very ill, SSRIs are necessary to reduce the symptoms down to a level where talking therapies can work.

If you literally can't make a cup of tea in the morning, you're well beyond CBT...

I’m no expert but I’d be wary of calling something a break down. If a medical professional has used it that’s different.

Medically there is no such term as a breakdown, which is odd as everyone knows what you mean and anyone who has had one would describe it as that.

I wasn't for a moment suggesting talking therapy rather than medication

I think the cup of tea comment is  interesting. I'd like OP to see that however they may feel they are functioning quite well. Since Friday they have managed to get a medical appointment and medication. They have also got on here to ask for help.

I take both as huge positive steps. For myself and other family members talking has really helped. But my experience is limited in these matters I may be wrong

I was on a dosage of sertraline a long time ago which I took for a few months at least,and can’t remember exactly but I think I stopped taking them due to not feeling well on them.

Yep, that sounds very normal. The NICE guidelines are to just keep trying different SSRIs till you find one which minimises side effects and works for you. Different people respond very differently to each particular drug.

I think the term the doctor used was a acute stress episode.The doctor did mention anti depressants and said that I didn't need them just yet as he was more concerned about me getting some sleep.Im not discounting them though after I get over this.👍

I think the term the doctor used was a acute stress episode.The doctor did mention anti depressants and said that I didn’t need them just yet as he was more concerned about me getting some sleep.Im not discounting them though after I get over this.👍

There is a lot to be said for a bit of R&R (rest and relaxaltion).

It will relax you, it might be eating ice cream and binge watching some tv series, it will also be going for a walk to buy some milk and cornflakes, whatever. Simple things.

diazepam is quite a strong tranquiliser so it's quite supprising that you were prescribed that, without a more in-depth diagnosis.

Yep been there too mate, you’re definitely not on your own with stuff feeling pretty hopeless. Mine was also break up related, it barely speak all day and then come home and sit in the same chair in the kitchen and just stare at the wall until it was time for bed. Thankfully I can say now I never got the courage to kill myself although it was a closer run thing than I’d like to admit.
Sertraline helped for me, doesn’t resolve the causes but it gave me a bit of breathing space from being inside my own head.
Happy to listen if you need a ear. X

Yup.

Complete fuse blown after a long period of overwork and no support.  I ended up curled up in a corner of my bosses office getting freaked out by a postit note and was removed in an ambulance.

I didn't really work for 2 years and didn't leave the house alone for 18 months.

Ignore everyone who says "do this, do that".

It's different for everyone.

For some people drugs are great, others don't respond well.

Some people need talking therapies, others find them useless.

Some need time out of work, some need the routine.

Some need to get outside and exercise, for others it causes overwelming anxiety.

Maybe try all of these things as well as the other suggestions and see what works for you, but there will be more failures than successes.

15 years on I can honestly say it was the best thing that ever happened to me, but it's taken a LOT of work and emotional energy to get where I am.

Good luck!

No advice, but good luck, bud

Been there probably 4 times in my 54 years. Only realised the pattern and early episodes with the benefit of medication and hindsight.

Its different for everyone. In my experience meds buy you time, but take a while to kick in and/or get the dosage right.

Then you can look at talking therapies - again, different formats and therapists suit different people.

Its a slow road, and it will be bumpy and occasionally you go backwards.

Most important is just to feel able to vent - whether friends in real life or virtual strangers on here.

Exercise helps if you are able to get out.

Well done you for getting medical help and asking others for advice. I don’t know if it was a “nervous” one that I had but I did have a breakdown of sorts a few weeks ago - sat crying in the corner of our utility room after reaching (or rather, being pushed over) my limit one day.

My GP has been helpful and I’m now on medication and have joined talking therapy - the point being that whilst these tactics might not be the right ones for you and your situation, and I don’t know yet that they are for me - time will tell, help is out there and you are doing totally the right thing by reaching out; you’ve come to the same conclusion that I did which is that nothing will change or get better without assistance and have gone to get it - well done you

As others have said there are lots of independent channels you can use such as CALM, Samaritans, Dave - don’t be afraid to try them, no-one will judge you and one of them will yield results for you. Other things too like the Headspace and Calm apps can really help. And without wishing to sound trite, as best you can look after your health, diet and hygiene - these things might even give you a bit of (temporary) focus and distraction from it all

Good luck, best wishes and DM me if I can help at all

I recently had to take a week off work after a "minor breakdown".

Had one major one about 15 years ago that really floored me, only made worse by meds which I only took for 2 days and stopped them.

You do get through if you take care of yourself.

I understand the urge to get back to work, but don't force it, take the time to recover if you can.

all the best.

only made worse by meds which I only took for 2 days and stopped them.

It's a known issue when you start taking meds and you should have been warned about it.

Yeah, been there.

My anxiety, which at first was quite mild, had slowly built over a few years, to point that I couldn't switch off to sleep, poor sleep for months, which caused depression - vicous cycle, and eventually very bad.

Sought medical help. On Mirtazapine for 7 months now. They work like dream for me. Sleeping like an teenager, and anxiety way way down.

What I would say, there's a lot more people than you'd realsie that are struggling, or in recovery.

Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50. Take this seriously, and don't be ashamed to take medication, it's literally a life saver.

It’s a known issue when you start taking meds and you should have been warned about it.

Yep! It's a very unfortunate side effect with some meds. But really worth pushing through, and knowing it's temporary does help.

I did the typical bloke thing of convincing myself that I was OK despite having a couple of major wobbles in private. Then I had a serious incident and realised I wasn't OK after all so went to the gp with a well rehearsed plan to discuss things, but actually I sat down and just burst into tears unable to speak.

Lots of advice above but to add one thing that helped once I was on the path to recovery was group sessions at my local MIND. You can share with people who are going through the same sort of stuff, so there was no barrier or stigma to discussing anything - good or bad.

I'm in a similar situation.

Now 12 months into a significant wobble, and still not back to 100% (whatever that is).

Life - work, home, finances, exercise etc - just all became too much, and I keeled over.

I know well that feeling of trying to structure a GP conversation and just ending up blubbing.

I've been through the citalopram and now setraline to give me space and a bit of peace in my head. This will be ongoing for the foreseeable.

I'm still struggling with the behaviours that have been getting me into this kind of a pickle over the years - I've had wobbles a couple of times in the past, but not to this extent - it's been more of a journey of self-awareness than coming up with any obvious answers at this point.

I've had great support from my firm, but am worrying that their patience might not be inexhaustable. Another thing to add to the worry list.

It does seem rather common, at least in my line of work and peers, judging by the number of people who have opened up to me recently. That's a positive, at least.

Well made it into work today,and to be honest feel a lot better,as being around people has helped.Managed to get a few hours sleep last night but felt bit groggy this morning and nearly didn't go in.Glad I did,still have the fear of what tonight will bring though as I did have to take the zopiclone and diazepam as anxiety was building up.All comments above really appreciated, hopefully I'm calming down now,I still feel spaced out but again hopefully a good sleep will sort that.Ive obviously got long standing issues I need to address as this has happened before,so will seek out help.

Been keeping an eye o n this post. I had a near breakdown about 7 weeks ago. I ended up packing up work because I had just had enough of it . Luckily we’ve no money worries so can afford to . I was put on citolapram first 1 then 2 and finally 3 tablets. Felt crap for the first couple of weeks but better now . I was getting bad head tick/spasms which come and go still. I’m ok as long as I keep busy and I’m riding loads now so that’s good. I still get low periods but after a Mtb ride feel great. Not sure if it’s the happy pills that  worked or just not working has made me feel better.

it’s been more of a journey of self-awareness

This 100%! Which is tremendously helpful (for other suffers too). When you know yourself, then you can kind of look at yourself from above and realise what you're doing.

it’s been more of a journey of self-awareness

Very much this.

Looking back on my life, before I was really ill, I can see that I used to ruminate over random things and really wind myself up in my head about imaginary situations. It was just part of who I was. What was really interesting is that taking Citalopram just stopped that 100%. So, I suspect I was always quite high on the 'anxiety' scale and just needed the right (or wrong) circumstances to occur to tip me over, but had no idea as how I was, was just how I was - didn't know anything different.

Sort of why I'm still on Citalopram years later, it just makes me more 'normal' (if that is even a thing).

Possibly, with CBT / meditation etc I could manage the latent ruminating without drugs, but given they work so well for me (zero side affects), it's just much easier to take a pill every day and forget about it.

Felt like it. Not ever gone full partridge and driven to Aberdeen in bare feet eating a Toblerone though...

Happy to be on the end of the phone if you wanted to speak to some random generic northerner