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The new realities of life such as job losses, paycuts, lack of physical contact with family members and friends and even fear of contracting the deadly coronavirus are pushing people to the wall. However, don’t live in denial, here’s how to know you have hit maximum stress levels and seek help, writes Ann Wairimu 

Piling routine tasks

When you get to the point where dirty dishes start piling up in the sink, emails go unread or even brushing your teeth seems like a major effort, this is a sign you have hit maximum stress levels and are in desperate need of a break in order to prevent a mental breakdown.

Even small everyday tasks begin to feel like too much to cope with, and social situations seem overwhelming.

Sleeping too much, or not enough

A change in your sleep habits is another warning sign. Some people find that they go into sleep overdrive. Sleep becomes an escape.

Others may develop insomnia because their brain is in overdrive. They may lay awake at night ruminating, mentally rehearsing situations over and over again that have no solution.

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness could also be a clue you are stressed to the max. You might even experience body weakness.

Activities you previously handled with ease may become increasingly difficult. And things that used to bring you joy such as sex, work and hobbies, may lose their appeal. 

Panic attacks

Prolonged feelings of anxiety can lead to overwhelming feelings of fear that seem to come out of the blue.

You may also have extreme mood swings where one minute you’re feeling good, then something small makes you snap with rage or worry incessantly.

Brain fog

Are you having trouble concentrating? Or just feel like you’re not thinking clearly?

There are often cognitive symptoms with a nervous breakdown, which might include anything from difficulty with problem-solving and indecisiveness to a sense of disorientation and memory loss.

Trouble breathing

Keep an eye out for classic signs of anxiety, such as tightness in your chest and rapid breathing. Taking quick, shallow breaths can ramp up the body’s stress response even more.

A breathing exercise designed to slow down your breath can provide fast relief.

But if you experience trouble breathing on a regular basis, it’s important to address the root of the problem.

Changes in appetite

Maybe you’re not eating, or conversely, you might be overeating. The stress hormone, cortisol can trigger cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods.

What’s more, when you’re in the middle of a breakdown, you may be less motivated to prep healthy meals. 

Withdrawing socially

It’s logical to want to isolate yourself when you are feeling overwhelmed. Check if you want to avoid further stimulation or anything that feels like effort. Maybe you also don’t want other people to know how you are feeling.

You feel like a failure

You may know at some level it’s not your fault, but emotionally, you feel like you have failed.

Or you could be putting a negative filter on everything and struggling to remember anything you have done well or succeeded at.

Eventually, you may lose hope and experience thoughts of suicide or just feel helpless.

What next

So you might be having a breakdown, what next? Now is the time to prioritise self-care.

Engage in healthy coping mechanisms that work for you. Maybe exercise helps you blow off steam, for example, or your favourite hobby helps you unwind.

Talk with family members or friends you trust. And don’t be afraid to seek professional help.