What to do when a friend is having a mental breakdown

Times are scary. Life is busy. Teenagers are susceptible to feeling anxious and overwhelmed more than ever before. The majority of us have experienced, and all of us have heard of, a mental breakdown. According to mayoclinic.org, a mental breakdown, also called a nervous breakdown, is a period of extreme mental or emotional stress.

How to tell when someone is having a mental breakdown

This is usually not difficult. If your friend doesn't tell you themselves that they are having a mental breakdown, they are likely to tell you that they are feeling overwhelmed.

If you sense that they are very distressed and anxious when they do so, they are likely having a mental breakdown. These symptoms are also likely to be a mental breakdown if this person is going through stressful times, and/or has pre-existing mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, BPD (Bipolar Disorder), etc.

Being suddenly absent from school or work for days or suddenly becoming inconsistent, or having changes to eating, sleeping, or personal hygiene habits, are easily recognisable symptoms of a prolonged mental breakdown.

How to not make it worse

Not doing anything at all and leaving your friend alone is not even the worst thing you can do. It's better to do that than tell them to "not worry", "not be sad", or "just chill out".

No one feels bad on purpose. Do not present them with a database of people who are worse off than them. And please, absolutely do not tell them that they are overreacting and that what they are upset about is not that big of a deal.

Why they are upset should not matter to you, what should matter is that your friend is upset and in pain. Have compassion.

How to help

Be nice to them, let them know you care about them, and that you will always be there for them no matter what. Tell them that it is okay to feel upset or overwhelmed. A little bit of sincere reassurance is sometimes all we need.

If your friend does not want to talk and share what's worrying them, don't pressure them and give them space if they ask for it. But don't abandon them, and check up on them and see if they need any help.

If they do want to talk, listen to them sincerely and empathetically, that is far more important than you contributing your opinions and trying to find solutions to their problems. If they are absent to work or school, it is a big help if you can help them reach out to authorities and catch up on their pending work.

If your friend has been going through a rough time mentally and breakdowns are a frequent occurrence, gently encourage them to seek help. Reassure them that nothing has to be decidedly very wrong in order to seek help, and help them look up suitable professionals. Support them through the process and talking to their family about it if needed. If possible, offer to accompany them to their first appointment.

Getting overwhelmed to the point of getting stuck in your mind can be a very suffocating and isolating experience. This might be the time your friend needs you more than they ever did, don't let them down.

Amrin's confusion is at its peak, she's been screaming internally for a while now. Send help at amrinrafa@gmail.com