What consitutes a nervous breakdown?

[elizabethbinary]

I am very fortunate; my area has free counseling for all those effected by the recent tragedies. I will make an appointment for next week. I'm really glad the government decided to do this for us; I didn't honestly think I needed it until I saw the line of candles. It was an awakening moment. I just simply had not realized I had been through so much until I lit 46 candles for those I had lost. That seemed significant when laid out one at a time.

Thank you everyone for the hugs and well wishes. I will pray for some peace.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Two quotes from a very wise FB friend of mine. I have been quoting them in my head all day long.

"All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things shall be well." -Julian of Norwich

Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything. --Mother Teresa

to you

 

[chikky]

I'm so sorry for the rough time you've been through!

I was diagnosed with PTSD from a 'challenging' childhood.. tried escaping with drug abuse, etc. then counseling, antidepressants and the like.

One activity that was most beneficial for me was writing. I still do that now when I'm really bummed out and stressed. It takes a page or two to get going, but soon the emotions start flowing onto my pages. It's an awesome release of pain and whatever feelings that are occupying my soul. Very exhausting and beneficial. It helps so much to get the feelings out of my body and on to paper. It may help you as well.

Also, I was told to treat myself like I would treat a sick friend. You've been through alot - treat yourself with love and care - blankets, rest, whatever makes you at peace (coloring books?)

Best wishes to you and I'll keep you in prayer.

 

[Qi Chicken]

google diaphragmatic breathing, do that plus progressive muscle relaxation, breath in and tighten your muscles, breathe out and relax them. Start at the top of your body and work down. Shldrs, chest, low back, arms, hips. etc.

Check into acupuncture for PTSD. I am so sorry for what you have been through. It would be enough to make anyone crazy. NOT that you're crazy!

also put the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth directly behind your teeth while breathing. Unclenches your jaw and good for you. Try to count your breath or otherwise clear your mind of thoughts too.

ps the writing thing is a really good idea

 

[debilorrah]

I recommend acupuncture. It does wonders for all types of ails.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
I agree.. could very well be schizophrenia. Or some other serious mental disorder..
The things she describes just arent "normal" at all... even in times of stress.
I'd go to a doc and get a real diagnosis...and some meds.
Good luck.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Yep...

 

[ChooksChick]

One thing that I want you to consider, just because I witnessed something very similar in my sister, is getting a ct scan or MRI.

Having suffered PTSD and totally understanding where you are and how that sounds absolutely right, I want to suggest you do it just to rule anything else out. Sister had a benign meningioma in her right eye orbital socket and it changed her personality after some very similar symptoms to yours. Minor surgery (minor brain surgery, right!?) and she was fine. Lost a bit of her eyebrow temporarily...

Dolly, it will be fine- I'm terribly sorry you've gone through so much, and suffered such losses. It's trite to say it will be okay, but it will. I'm praying for you.

 

[Vanislandchick]

One note...

OCD is "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder", and manifestations can either be compulsive, or obsessive in nature. For example, you could be obsessed with thinking your father had passed away, to the point of not being able to sleep, or eat, and all you thought about was the fact that your father has, or could pass away.
If you were a compulsive cleaner, you would constantly, constantly clean beyond when you know things are clean but can't make yourself stop because you truly believe that if you stop it will have a negative consequence.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur after any traumatic event. You can have flashbacks, anxiety, feelings of fear, etc. It's something that would be reasonable for you to experience after everything you have been through!

Anyways, whatever you are going through sounds like an acute exacerbation of a mental illness. I do not say this to be mean. Mental illness are very real, and very normal. At some point or another, most people experience a form of mental illness. Anxiety (OCD is a form of an anxiety disorder) is actually more common then you think. You may not be suffering from OCD, PTSD, nor having a nervous breakdown, but I do believe that it would be in your best interest to get in touch with your doc or a counsellor as soon as you can. Don't put it off, it's nothing to be ashamed of and seeking help will only make it better.

I will be sending you calming, positive thoughts.

 

[elizabethbinary]

Quote:
I never said I had OCD. I said my doctor said I didn't, just that I'm a bit obsessive compulsive, but it's a non-issue. I just am really tidy and organized, is all.

PTSD -DOES- and -CAN- cause visual hallucinations. It's not shocking I'd keep seeing flashes of knocked over things after I just experienced a MAJOR LIFE AND WORLD CRISIS. I'm really getting sick of the 'she's schizo' comments - really.. I've clearly BEEN to a doctor for mental health in the past (see the "I don't have OCD" comment above). So please stop suggesting it - especially if you're only doing so to be passive agressive. It's not helpful at this time.

I spoke to the hotline for the flood support teams. They do believe I have PTSD and they do believe my shiva will help me spiritually and I should do that and then see a doctor when I have stopped my religious mourning.

I go to the hospital quite frequently for my (physical) illenesses, so it hasn't been long since my last round of blood - I should be okay in that sense.

Thank you everyone for the breathing advice. I haven't tried the meditation yet, I've been a bit hazy.

I just need some time to be sad. I haven't had a chance to mourn what has happened lately yet. I've been so steam-enging gung-ho about everything that I never just...stopped. I need a break.