The Upsides of Having a Mental Breakdown

One of our greatest fears is to suffer a mental breakdown. Yet, in the long run, a breakdown might just be the most beneficial thing that will ever happen to us.

FURTHER READING

“One of the saddest and most puzzling phenomena of psychological life are the incidents commonly known as ‘breakdowns’, in which people find themselves suddenly unable to carry out their normal duties – and fall silent, take to bed and cannot stop crying…”

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CREDITS

Produced in collaboration with:

Aaron Sampson

Title animation produced in collaboration with

Vale Productions

[mjariin]

After almost 25 years being pressured in a toxic family where mental health is seen as a joke, I finally went to a psychologist. I did this because I had a massive breakdown for the first time. It was honestly the best thing I have ever did to myself.... :)

[TheDhammaHub]

A strong disruption is always also an opportunity... at those times, the mind is very ready to change for the better and leaving bad habits behind becomes a strong possibility

[owlcu]

From childhood we all form a "self" to get through life, because the world is so overwhelming. That self is a protective structure and temporary, because life changes. At some point that self will constrict us and no longer suffice. Think of the hermit crab, which borrows a shell that fits perfectly. Until one day it doesn't, because he has grown. So he leaves the shell and is absolutely vulnerable until he finds a new fit.

[amy]

I had a breakdown in May 2021. I quit my job & had 9 months off. Rest, reflection, drawing, time outside, daily swimming, therapy, deleted all social media, cut all unhealthy friendships or connections which limited my healing. I am NOW the healthiest I have been my entire adult life. “Closest to sanity I have ever been” Striping everything back, loosing everything, falling so low & doing the work “therapy” has given me soo much. #hope

[dailydoseofmedicinee]

One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn't fall apart👏

[miguelcasasarrojo]

Breakdowns are some of the most debilitating things I've ever experienced. They made me feel incredibly vulnerable, even though I was alone.
After moving away from family, I had breakdowns every day for weeks (and it wasn't because I missed them). I had no idea why, but as this video states, I went looking for the truth, and I went to a psychologist.
6 sessions is all it took for me to realise that I had immense amounts of trauma bottled up from living with my family, and now that I had moved away, my body was cleansing itself. I haven't had a breakdown since.

[vatLisT]

"We cant date because your parents are too religous" after 5 years of depression i finally stood up and damm the breakdown felt like a action movie. My advice: try to feel the breakdown dont turn it down.

[hannahxo]

"We have fallen ill because we have been victims of a cruelty..."

[AliveBoldTV]

It’s interesting to call it a break down, because in reality, it’s your true self breaking through ❤️

There is a song I love by Jhene Aiko called W.A.Y.S. That really encompasses this for me. Listen and love people. Keep going

[sksea]

What a perfect coincidence, just had a breakdown today after work. Cried my way home. Was tired of every workplace berating me, putting me down in front of juniors, it felt like a straw that broke the camel's back. This has given me courage to pursue my dream career and control the reigns of my life. Truly, a breakdown should always be felt, it has something to say to you about yourself.

[ChaseTheLadiesMan]

This video could not have come at a better time.

[astrokat]

I used to believe that my emotions were artificial. Something my mind would make up and something I wasn’t allowed to feel. I would punish myself for feeling the things I did and reinforced the ideation that something was wrong with me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was struggling alone, only myself to free me from my mental prison. I started to accept that I’m human and imperfect. You begin to realize that you know your own truth and worth. you are more than what people say or make of you. everything you need lies within you and healing is a process. love yourself when no one else will .

[trinaq]

Thank you so much, I needed to hear this today. Sometimes, going through a mental breakdown is the wake up call you need to change your life, and get it back on track.

[bobbymensah]

"We may be closer to sanity than we have ever dared to be."

[MikeJackson]

I, ultimately, brought my mental breakdown on myself. 7 years after being betrayed and living with resentment and self-loathing, I imploded and I lost my relationship, my best friend, my mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing. 3 years later and I'm doing better, but life isn't quite the same any more.

I feel very self-aware and am far more empathetic than I ever was, but at least once a week I ask: what's the point of all this now? I had everything I needed 3 years ago, but lost it, so why bother? What am I living for?

Edit: I should note that I'm no longer depressed, but am empty and just getting by, occasionally doing things I love and dating again. But that sparkle I used to have for those things is no longer there.

[madifz]

I had a panic attack at work 3 years ago and that set in motion a series of decisions to change my life. I’m in a better place now with no regrets.

[Brannon]

A good cry feels quite like purifying.

[fmj]

I had a very serious breakdown November, December, January. It was a long time coming and in some ways was a relief. I was under a crisis team. I am now a lot better and so relieved that I am looking at life in a more measured and hopeful way because suffering is normal in our current civilisation . When we are free of intense suffering it is important to appreciate every moment. I find nature, painting, music very helpful and softens the stress of modern life.

[rosaliebosma]

I had my first mental breakdown last year, and although I was absolutely desperate I am now very happy it happened.
I found strength and a sense of righteousness in myself I didn't know existed, and I'm very grateful for that experience

[brendanthompson]

I was supporting two kids and a wife while starting a new career. My boss tried to use my fear of not providing for them to control me. After working 12 hour days for a couple years, I snapped. Began hyperventilating, heart palpitations, dissacciative states and thought I had congestive heart failure (for no reason). After a kind dr. gave me a large prescription of Xanax and told me to sleep for a couple days. I realized I had to let go of fear. Joined the gym and began running 7 miles per day. I reasoned that if I killed myself by running till I thought my heart would give out it would be a not too bad way to go. 10 years later I still run daily and lift weights for an hour. It reminds me of my minds primacy over my fears and my body.