“Why do I feel like I’m losing my mind?” This is a phrase many of us have said to ourselves at one point or the other.
Going through something like this can be really scary. If you’re worried about your mental health, or that of someone you care about, you’ve come to the right place. Read on and understand the signs of stress and mental health disorders.
What Does Losing Your Mind Feel Like?
Sometimes, our brain processes too much information too fast, creating a feeling of mental chaos. This doesn’t mean you’re going crazy. Instead, it’s a sign that your mind is overwhelmed, and you need to slow down.
Sometimes, a single traumatic or frightening event can trigger this feeling. Let’s say you watched a scary movie, and now you’re jumping at every little sound. It’s a temporary state and usually fades as you calm down.
Other times, there might be an ongoing health condition that’s causing these feelings. These conditions can make your heart race and your thoughts spiral, making you feel like you’re in a mental fog.
What Are the Signs that I’m Losing My Mind?
There are multiple signs and symptoms that people display when they are under stress or suffering from mental health conditions. You might notice some unusual signals in your body when this happens.
Getting Scared
Out of the blue, you could feel scared without any clear reason. This feeling can come and go, and it’s totally normal to wonder what’s causing it.
Heart Racing
There are also times when your heart might start racing as if you just ran a sprint, even though you haven’t moved. It’s your body’s alarm system going off, telling you it’s on high alert. But don’t worry, it’s a common experience and usually harmless.
Dissociation
Sometimes, you might even feel like you’re not quite yourself, as if you’re a character in a book or a video game. Or the world around you might seem a bit off, as if you’re dreaming.
This dissociative sensation is also called derealization and can be disorienting, but it’s a way for your brain to cope with stress or fatigue.
Why Might You Feel This Way?
Ever wonder why you’re feeling super overwhelmed and like your thoughts are racing a mile a minute? Let’s explore some reasons why you might feel this way.
Stress
Stress caused by work or events in your personal life, or upsetting world events. Extreme stress causes the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal is a psychological state characterized by an intense feeling of being on edge, alertness, and readiness for potential threats.
This heightened state of arousal can manifest in various ways, such as increased heart rate, jumpiness, and difficulty concentrating.
Individuals experiencing hyperarousal may have a decreased ability to relax and may be more prone to anxiety and irritability. This can have a profound impact on daily functioning and overall well-being if left unaddressed.
What are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks can be described as a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. Individuals may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, trembling, chest pain, dizziness, and a sense of losing control.
These episodes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, trauma, or genetics.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is characterized by a constant state of worry and fear, accompanied by several other symptoms.
One common symptom of anxiety is shortness of breath, where individuals may feel like they are unable to take in enough air. Other symptoms include nausea, irritability, shaking, and sweating.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is classified as an anxiety disorder. Individuals with OCD may experience compulsions driven by the individual’s anxiety, and can greatly interfere with their daily lives.
Other anxiety disorders include social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities.
It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often leading to a range of emotional and physical problems.
Individuals with depression may also experience changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels.
How To Manage Stress
Stress can make your body tense and anxious. It’s important to know how to tell your body that everything is okay and that it’s time to relax.
Take Deep Breaths
One way to lighten your mind is by practicing mindfulness and taking deep breaths. It helps your body centre itself. Try this: breathe in slowly through your nose, hold that breath for a few seconds, and then let it out through your mouth.
Listen to Calming Music
Another way to ease the heaviness is by listening to calming music. Music has a special power to change our mood. When you listen to soft, gentle tunes, it can slow down your racing thoughts and help you feel more peaceful.
Getting Help: Treatment & Therapy
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It means you’re wise enough to take steps towards feeling better.
Therapists
Talking to a professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can be a game-changer. They have special training to listen to you, understand what you’re going through, and give you tools to cope better.
Friends and Family
Talking to someone you know about what you’re going through can be immensely helpful. Unburdening yourself can be a relief.
Medicine
Medication prescribed by a doctor can be helpful in calming you down. However, medicine is only one piece of the puzzle. It works best when combined with talking to someone and learning new ways to handle your thoughts and feelings.