7 Steps To Take If Your Family Member Is Going Through Breakdown

Sometimes it happens that someone close to you is going through a nervous breakdown. This term refers to when a person is experiencing a period of extreme emotional stress. The onset of a breakdown is usually very sudden and can escalate rapidly. Experiencing it can be debilitating, so it is important to have the support of loved ones during such circumstances. Here are 7 steps to follow if a family member is experiencing a breakdown.

1.Listen

The first step is to communicate with the person about how they are feeling. This will better help you understand exactly what they are going through and form the basis of how you can take the next steps together. Try not to be judgmental and be patient when they start opening up to you. Being too harsh can cause a person to draw into themselves and may result in a worsening of their mental health. 

2.Try to find out the cause

There is usually a catalytic moment that leads to the start of a breakdown. When talking to the person, try to get them to elaborate on what they think might have caused this. There are a variety of intense, emotional circumstances that can result in a breakdown. A few examples are experiencing separation, death, financial problems, work or academic stress, illness or injury, and anxiety disorders. 

3.Create a safe and calm environment 

Take the person or try to foster an environment where the individual feels emotionally and physically safe. This can help to reduce the stress that they are feeling and calm them down to the point where they feel ready to deal with the issue at hand.

4.Encourage treatment

Circumstances vary from person to person but if you and the loved one feel that a mental health practitioner needs to be consulted then discuss this option with them. A life coach may allow for family members to join in their sessions so that you can support the individual and find ways to work through it together.

5.Help them with lifestyle changes

Once you have discussed some of the root causes of the breakdown, you can aid the person in making the necessary changes to make them feel safe and bring them to a place to better deal with life’s hardships. Managing a person’s stress levels is eased by changing the circumstances they are in, whether it be changing their living or work situation. Changing to a safer environment and helping them maintain their self-care can assist in recovery. 

6.Offer reassurance

It may sound simple, but offering assurance to your family members can go a long way in providing them with the emotional support they need. Reminding them that they are not alone, have people in their life and that there are solutions can nudge the person in the right direction. Everyone wants to know that they have the love and support of others but may need a reminder from time to time. 

7.Help with everyday tasks 

Sometimes it may seem like you are invading a person’s space if you get too involved in their lives but it is very likely that your family member will appreciate the additional help. Facing and effectively completing everyday tasks can feel like a lot for those going through a lot of emotional stress. Offer to help in any way you can to ease some of the pressure that they are putting on themselves. 

Knowing what to do in the event of your family member going through a breakdown can seem overwhelming. If you are feeling any uncertainty, follow these steps to begin the process of looking after and being there for your loved one. It is something that you will have to figure out together but showing them you care is the point that matters most.