Posted 21 May 2004 - 07:38 PM
I'm not sure that there is a specific definition of a breakdown. Doubtless a text-book on psychology could provide some worlds to define it but Iím not sure that this is what you are looking for.
The idea of a "breakdown" probably originates from the fact that some emotional experiences are so strong that they overwhelm our ability to function in life in the typical ordinary everyday way that is expected as the "norm". Thus we would appear to have broken down, like a car at the side of the road with the hood up.
Part of what can be so hard about a breakdown is this sense of others passing us by in life as we recuperate on the hard shoulder. This can be especially difficult if you have previously been in the fast lane. It can be very helpful however to recognise that much of the pain that is associated with these emotional problems comes from our own judgement of them. If getting to your destination as fast as possible is the only thought in your mind, then a breakdown will greatly distress you. But another way to look at it is that if you are forced to stop while others rush past, then you will have to time to observe that place from a different point of view and at a different pace.
it is this new and unique perspective that can often form part of a "breakthrough". We just have to be open minded enough to see more than just the absence of the journey that we had planned.
If you can, let go of judgement and definition of your state of mind and try to just allow those feelings to flow. That is likely both to allow you the greatest feeling of comfort during this difficult time and get you ìfixedî sooner rather than later.
