A nervous breakdown is not the same as the blues. In fact, its causes run much deeper. That’s why getting out of it is a longer, more complicated process. So, what to do? Where to start? Here are 6 powerful exercises to get you out of depression.

1 – Slowing down instead of going mad

When we suffer a nervous breakdown, we lose our taste for everything, even doing things that used to be sources of happiness and well-being.

Yet, instead of listening to this lack of desire, we tend to overdo it. In other words, we start running around, cultivating all kinds of compulsive pleasures and embarking on all kinds of projects.

Stop!

When you’re suffering from a nervous breakdown, it’s time to slow down, listen to yourself and understand what’s going on.

Because depression doesn’t just happen. It comes because there’s something we need to understand, something we need to “sort out”.

That’s why, if this sounds like you, I wholeheartedly invite you to slow down instead of trying to numb yourself at all costs.

And to do that, you’ll need to accept that you’re suffering from a nervous breakdown and that you don’t want to do anything, that you don’t feel any enthusiasm or motivation.

In other words, you’re going to have to accept that you’re going to have to take a step backwards, while everyone around you is going to keep going and even try to push you forward.

Agree to slow down.

2 – Airing out your nervous breakdown

Instead of sitting on the couch consuming screen content, it’s a good idea to get some fresh air in contact with nature.

In fact, it’s all about finding a balance between “modern” activities that relax us and short walks that clear our minds and also “straighten” our bodies.

After all, the way we hold our bodies has a direct impact on the nature of our thoughts.

In other words, when our body is upright, straight and firmly planted on its feet, our thoughts are more positive and confident.

Whereas in a body that’s all curled up, our thoughts become more negative and pessimistic.

That’s why taking the time to go for a little walk every day can help relieve the symptoms of a nervous breakdown.

3 – Start a diary to understand your nervous breakdown

A nervous breakdown doesn’t just happen. It comes because we need to understand certain things about ourselves, our past and our present.

That’s why it’s essential to take time to observe and listen to ourselves, and to analyze certain thoughts, situations and behaviors.

To do this, I invite you to start a diary. Every day, ask yourself what’s weighing on you and why? What worries you or makes you sad?

Ask yourself what in your past, and particularly in your childhood, echoes your current situation?

And take some time to think about what’s been weighing on you lately, and how you can change it.

Finally, take the time to encourage yourself as you would a friend. Don’t let your negative thoughts make you think you can’t cope. You won’t. You will.

Just give yourself the time you need, and the kindness and reassurance you need.

4 – Read personal development books

Personal development books help you to better understand and know yourself. They are therefore essential if you want to get out of a nervous breakdown.

What’s more, they are both guides and confidants.

Indeed, many of the authors are people who have experienced a nervous breakdown themselves, or are coaches, psychologists or psychiatrists who help people out of their nervous breakdowns every day.

That’s why I wholeheartedly invite you to take the plunge.

5 – Talk to a mental health professional about your nervous breakdown

When suffering from a nervous breakdown, it’s essential to start therapy with a mental health professional.

Together, you can look back on your childhood and your past, to understand yourself better and make better decisions for the future.

Because it’s quite possible that your past has pushed you, and still pushes you, to react in a certain way that no longer suits you at all.

This is what a nervous breakdown is telling you: you need to find yourself and become the person you were meant to be.

6 – Train in personal development and happiness at the same time

Working with a mental health professional is often a long and complicated process. That’s why I wholeheartedly invite you to take a parallel course in personal development, and more specifically in happiness.

Indeed, despite a nervous breakdown, you can put new habits in place to feel better right away.

What’s more, learning about happiness will also help you to understand and know yourself better. You’ll learn to manage your emotions better, gain self-confidence and gradually rediscover your joie de vivre.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Burn out: when work becomes torture, what can you do?
Discover How to give meaning to your life: a fascinating story to help you refocus

I recommend this inspiring book:

An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison

Kay Redfield Jamison’s memoir, vividly describes her journey through a nervous breakdown and the challenges of living with bipolar disorder. Through her personal account, the book offers a poignant exploration of mental health struggles, offering insight into the complexities of a nervous breakdown and the resilience necessary for recovery.

I read this book in a few days. It was very interesting. I found these memoirs very useful. Mental health is a reality and it affects not only the person suffering from it, but also the people who love them the most. If you are considering buying this book, I highly recommend it.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself