What Is a Mental Episode or Mental Breakdown?
A mental episode, sometimes referred to as a mental health crisis, is a period of intense mental distress where a person may struggle to function in their daily life. It can manifest through severe anxiety, depression, panic attacks, hallucinations, or emotional outbursts. A mental breakdown, though not a clinical term, describes a situation where someone temporarily loses the ability to cope with everyday stressors due to overwhelming psychological distress.
Common Signs of a Mental Breakdown or Episode:
Signs to look out for:
- Intense emotional distress (crying, extreme anger, withdrawal)
- Sudden mood changes or erratic behaviour
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Panic attacks or excessive fear
- Inability to perform daily activities
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies
Mental episodes can result from various factors, including chronic stress, trauma, grief, substance abuse, or underlying mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia.
How Family and Friends Can Help
If someone you love is experiencing a mental breakdown or episode, your support can be crucial. Here are steps you can take to assist them:
- Stay calm and reassuring: Your response can influence the person’s state of mind. Stay calm, speak in a soft and reassuring tone, and let them know you are there to support them.
- Listen without judgment: Encourage them to talk if they feel comfortable, but avoid pushing them to share more than they want to. Active listening without judgment helps them feel safe and understood.
- Provide a safe space: If possible, guide them to a quiet and comfortable space. Reduce any external stressors like loud noises or bright lights that might worsen their distress.
- Encourage professional help: Encourage them to seek support from a mental health professional. In Australia, resources such as Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Lifeline (13 11 14), and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) offer free and confidential support.
- Offer practical support: Help with daily tasks like preparing meals, arranging medical appointments, or simply sitting with them in silence can be comforting.
- Respect their boundaries: Some individuals may not want physical contact or conversation. Respect their personal space while ensuring they are safe.
What Not to Do
Equally important is knowing what actions or behaviours could worsen the situation. Here’s what to avoid:
- Don’t minimise their feelings: Avoid phrases like “It’s all in your head” or “Just snap out of it.” Their distress is real and dismissing it can make them feel isolated and misunderstood.
- Don’t be confrontational: Arguing, pressuring, or invalidating their experiences can heighten their distress. Instead, approach them with empathy and patience.
- Don’t leave them alone if they are at risk: If there is a risk of self-harm or suicide, stay with them and seek immediate help from emergency services (000 in Australia) or a crisis helpline.
- Don’t force solutions: While offering help is good, trying to fix everything immediately can overwhelm them. Support them in seeking professional help rather than taking control of their recovery.
- Don’t engage in toxic positivity: Statements like “Just think positive” can feel dismissive. Instead, acknowledge their pain and offer comfort without forcing optimism.
Supporting someone through a mental episode or breakdown requires patience, compassion, and knowledge. By staying calm, listening without judgment, and encouraging professional support, you can provide meaningful assistance. At the same time, avoiding dismissive or confrontational behaviours is crucial to ensuring their safety and well-being.
In Australia, numerous resources are available for those in crisis, including Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Headspace for younger individuals. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—mental health matters, and support can make all the difference.
Don’t forget to visit our Blog page for more articles on other interesting topics.