Unfortunately there are times in one's life when things get on top of you and your usual method for dealing with stress and pressure no longer work. The pressure builds and, with no release, something has to give. Having a nervous breakdown is more common than people realize and can be a mild event or something far more serious. Whatever the criteria of measurement might be, a breakdown is a breakdown and if not dealt with it can rear its ugly head years later.

There are a great many professionals in the psychiatric and mental health fields that are dedicated, hard working and go out of their way to help clients on the path to recovery. However, there are areas that are lacking and in some cases the psychiatric help can at best be minimal and at worst can cause a great deal more harm. This author has experienced that side of the equation and has been witness to the system failings with friends and acquaintances.

The starting point for any progress is a good GP or family doctor. If you get the right one then things can happen quicker, the client will feel more supported and recovery will be expedited. However, the reverse can be said if you get a doctor who is unreceptive to your situation or just does not understand.

A quick note here. It really is OK to change your doctor if your feel you are facing a brick wall when it comes to explaining your circumstances. Most family doctors are a fantastic help, yet some are just simply wrong when it comes to diagnosing mental health issues, either due to lack of experience or sometimes because they just do not care. If you are in this situation then get a second opinion.

Now dealing with a specialist in the mental health profession can make or break you. Again there is no rule that says you must put up with a nurse or psychiatrist that does not understand or support you. They are working for you, not the other way around. A local charity that deals with mental health can work absolute wonders and can, in some cases, help you in a way that "professionals" just would not comprehend. The issue here is experience. Local charitable groups will be teamed more often than not by volunteers. The reason that the volunteer would choose that particular group would often be down to personal experience, either of themselves or a family member. In other words these people will not judge you and will understand why you feel the way you do and will offer methods of coping that has worked in their lives, not just a method learnt from a medical textbook.

Your mental health is the key to living the lifestyle that you want to. If you are having problems here are a few keynotes to help you on your way.

1) You are not alone. This happens to many people, it just is not as obvious as a physical disease.

2) It is your life and your treatment. If you are not happy then you have every right to complain or get a second opinion.

3) Somewhere out there are people who know what you are going through because they have experienced it. Search them out or get a friend to search them out. Look for local volunteer groups, search the internet or even start your own group.

4) Do not be ashamed of what has happened to you. You are braver than most people who walk this planet for you are feeling the totality of your life. You are not hiding behind a shield of "normality" distracted by careers or money or anything else. You have exposed your emotions and you are more in touch with who you are than most. Well done!

5) "And this too shall pass". There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Just because the tunnel bends and you can not see daylight does not mean that is doesn't exist. Just hang in there.

When the light comes the darkness is gone and you can see clearly again. Yet you always take with you the experience of what you have been through. it makes you who you are, alive, powerful and stronger than you thought possible.