Signs You Are Experiencing An Emotional Breakdown

Updated Mar 19, 2025 | 12:23 PM IST

SummaryWhile everyone has rough days, experiencing an emotional breakdown can be very difficult. You are left feeling exhausted, with no answer to how you can avoid it or stop it from happening. Here is what you need to know about this.

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Emotional control is something everyone learns over time. Everyone deals with things differently, some people have a difficult time controlling their emotions, while others find it easier to compartmentalize and figure out a solution. However, having an emotional breakdown/meltdown is completely different then feeling stressed or panicked. An emotional meltdown is when you feel so overwhelmed that you can't control your feelings. It's like hitting a breaking point.

You might cry a lot, get really angry, or feel panicky. WebMD explains that it's not a medical problem, but it's a sign you're under a lot of stress. Everyone has meltdowns sometimes, especially when life gets tough. It doesn't mean you're weak or broken. It just means you're human. Meltdowns happen when your needs aren't being met, like needing more rest or help. It's your body's way of saying something's wrong. You can learn to handle stress better and have fewer meltdowns.

What Prompts An Emotional Breakdown?

Many things can cause a meltdown. Not sleeping enough makes you grumpy and stressed. Skipping meals makes you feel shaky and unable to focus. Doing too much at once makes you feel overwhelmed. Big changes in your life, like a new job or a breakup, can make you feel wobbly. Not talking about problems with people you care about can also make things worse. If you have meltdowns often, think about what makes them happen. Maybe you need to eat more regularly or learn to talk about your feelings. Some things are easy to fix, and some take more time.

Can You Stop A Meltdown When It’s Happening?

When you feel a meltdown coming, stop and take a breath. Your face might get hot, your hands cold, and your breathing fast. Pay attention to how you feel. Don't try to fix the problem right away. First, calm down. Your brain can't think clearly when you're upset. Try grounding techniques, like feeling your feet on the floor or touching your fingertips together. Deep breathing helps too. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, breathe out for four, and pause for four. Do this until you feel calmer. You can't change the problem right away, but you can change how you react to it.

After a meltdown, you might feel embarrassed, ashamed, or relieved. Don't just ignore it. Think about why it happened. Did you try to do too much? Learn from it. If you're embarrassed, ask yourself why. It's okay to have feelings. If you felt relieved, it means you needed to let your feelings out. But try to express them in a healthy way before you have a meltdown. You don't have to apologize for how you feel, but you might need to apologize for how you acted. If you yelled or threw things, say sorry and make a plan to do better next time. If you have meltdowns often, talk to a therapist. Be kind to yourself; everyone gets overwhelmed sometimes.

Can You Prevent It?

You can learn to stop meltdowns before they start. Make time to relax every day. Do things you enjoy, like exercising or reading. Listen to your body. If you feel tense, tired, or have headaches, you're probably stressed. Do something to relax. Don't ignore bad feelings. Talk about them. Naming your feelings helps you control them. Ask for help from friends and family. They can help you with tasks or just listen. Spend time in nature; it's calming. Do things that make you laugh and have fun. If you're still feeling overwhelmed, talk to a therapist. They can teach you ways to cope with stress.

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Avoid Doing These 3 Things Prevent Dementia, According To Neurologist

Updated Jan 26, 2026 | 03:57 PM IST

SummaryWhile you may not realize, your day-to-day activities can have an immense effect on your mental health. Disease like dementia and Parkinson's are not merely genetic, but your habits can increase the risk and cause earlier onset as well. Here is what you need to know.

Your habits have a much bigger impact on your brain health than you realize. Doctors and health experts warn that habits as simple as sleeping late can increase the risk of dementia and Parkinson's.

In a recent post made by Neurologist Dr Priyanka Sehrawat on Instagram, the AIIMS doctor listed 3 key behaviors that can increase one’s risk of dementia.

3 Habits That Increase Risk Of Parkinson’s And Dementia

In the post Dr Sehrawat, she explained that these three things suggest people not do if they wish to reduce their risk of dementia, Parkinson's or any other neurological conditions.

Sacrifice Sleep

Think of sleep as a "repair shop" for your head. When you sleep, your body fixes damaged brain cells and clears out toxins. If you don't get enough rest, your brain cells can wear out faster, which makes it harder to remember things and increases the risk of brain diseases as you get older. To keep your mind sharp, you should try to get between seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

The best time to be asleep is between 10PM and 5AM, even if you can't hit that exact window, try your best to be in bed by 11.30 PM at the latest. Giving your brain this dedicated time to rest is one of the best ways to stop it from degenerating over time.

Never Skip Breakfast

Starting your day without eating is a bad idea for your brain and your immune system. Many children today are suffering from painful migraines and frequent headaches simply because they are going to school on an empty stomach. When you skip breakfast, your body doesn't have the fuel it needs to function properly, which puts a lot of stress on your nervous system.

Eating a morning meal also helps protect you from getting sick. It keeps your immune system strong so that when you or your children go out into the world, you are better prepared to fight off infections. Make sure everyone in the family eats something nutritious before leaving the house, the expert advices.

Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle

Being "sedentary" means sitting down for most of the day without much movement. While it is good to hit 10,000 steps by doing chores or walking around the office, that isn't enough to truly protect your brain. Your body needs more than just casual movement to stay healthy and prevent neurological illnesses.

To see benefits, you need to set aside time for a "brisk walk." This means walking fast enough to get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes straight. Whether you do it in the morning or the evening, this dedicated exercise is what helps keep your brain and body in top shape as you age.

How Many People Suffer With Neurological Conditions?

In 2021, according to the World Health Organization, 3 billion people worldwide were living with neurological conditions. This means that about 1 in 3 people were affected, making this one the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide. One of the top ten conditions that affected people was dementia.

As global organizations like WHO work towards closing the treatment gap, healthcare professionals are working towards spreading awareness among the masses.

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101-Year-Old Chinese Grandmother Shares Her ‘Weird’ Habits For Longevity

Updated Jan 26, 2026 | 01:49 PM IST

SummaryAs researchers continue to hunt the secret to a long life, this grandmother proves it is a much bigger science than we realize. Staying up late and snacking at odd hours were a few of the things this 101-year-old woman revealed. Here is what she claims helps her live for long

Jiang Yueqin, a 101-year old Chinese grandmother is changing the way people look at longevity online. While most people think her long life is due to a strict diet and routine, Yueqin credits her long life to her mindset, reports South China Morning Post.

Yueqin, who lives in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, has developed a unique schedule over the last two years. While most people are turning into early risers, she sticks to being a ‘night owl’. She stays up until 2AM every single night, spending her time watching her favorite television programs.

Yueqin usually falls into a deep, high-quality sleep within minutes of her lying down on her hard the pillow. Once she is up and ready for the day, her first task is to enjoy a strong, refreshing cup of green tea.

How Can Your Mindset Affect Longevity?

When asked how her mother reached 101 while ignoring traditional health rules, Yueqin says it isn't just about the tea or the sleep, it’s about her mental outlook. The longevity expert lives with an extraordinary sense of clarity and peace. She chooses not to hold onto anger and never carries a grudge, regardless of what happens in her life.

Yueqin’s philosophy is simple: she addresses the problems she can solve and does not worry over the ones she cannot.

And researchers at the University of Florida agree.

They explain that when the body is in a state of stress for weeks or months, it keeps pumping out a hormone called cortisol. While cortisol helps you handle quick emergencies, excessive amounts of it in your system for too long acts like a toxin. This chemical imbalance can lead to several serious health problems that directly impact how long you live.

Online followers have praised her family’s support, noting that a stress-free environment and a positive attitude are likely the true "superfoods" behind her long and happy life.

What Else Does Yueqin Do?

One of the most surprising things about the expert is her physical health. Remarkably, at 101 years old, she still has all of her natural teeth and has never needed a single dental procedure or dentures.

Her eating habits are just as lively as her schedule. She eats brunch in the morning and dinner around 6:00 PM, but she often gets hungry again around 9:00 PM. When those late-night cravings hit, she reaches for local crispy pastries or modern snacks like potato chips, rice cakes, and dried sweet potatoes, treats which are usually preferred by much younger people.

Yueqin lifestyle is a clear sign mindset is as important as is eating well and exercising to live a long life

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Bacterial Vaginosis Is Not Just A Women’s Issue, Experts Say Men Can Be Affected Too

Updated Jan 26, 2026 | 01:00 AM IST

SummaryBacterial vaginosis is often treated as a women-only condition, but new research shows it can be sexually transmitted. Here’s what BV is, whether men can be affected, and why partner treatment matters.
bacterial vaginosis

Credits: AI Generated

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is among the most common vaginal conditions and develops when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. If you have experienced it before, the symptoms are likely familiar: a strong fish-like smell, changes in vaginal discharge, and persistent discomfort. Because BV is usually framed as a condition affecting people with vaginas, it raises an important question many people still ask: can men get bacterial vaginosis too?

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when healthy lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina decline, allowing other bacteria, such as Gardnerella, to multiply. This imbalance typically causes thin grey or white discharge with a noticeable fishy odor, which often becomes stronger after sex.

Although BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, it does raise the risk of acquiring STIs and can lead to pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. Diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional, and treatment usually involves antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin. Even after treatment, BV is known to return in many cases.

Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms And Causes

As many as 84 percent of people with BV may not notice any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

  • Vaginal discharge that looks off-white, grey, or slightly green
  • A fishy-smelling discharge, especially after intercourse
  • Itching or irritation in the vaginal area
  • A burning sensation while urinating
Because these symptoms overlap with other vaginal infections, seeing a healthcare provider is essential to confirm whether it is BV or something else.

Can Men Get Bacterial Vaginosis?

A major study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has challenged long-held beliefs about BV. The research showed that BV can be passed through sexual contact and that treating male partners significantly lowers the chance of the infection coming back. These findings have already influenced medical guidelines in the United States, ending years of treating BV as a condition affecting only women, despite frequent recurrence.

The study suggests that persistent BV was not due to poor treatment adherence but rather incorrect assumptions about transmission. While BV is not a traditional STI caused by a single organism, it does spread through sex and thrives when the vaginal environment is disturbed. This has highlighted the limitations of strict STI definitions and the consequences of excluding partner treatment.

For both patients and clinicians, this shift matters. It reframes BV as a shared health concern rather than a problem limited to the vagina, helping reduce stigma and improve outcomes. It also exposes how narrow thinking in women’s health delayed better research, treatment strategies, and shared responsibility.

Bacterial Vaginosis: What Causes Similar Symptoms In Men?

Men cannot develop BV itself, but they can experience symptoms that resemble it, such as itching, unusual discharge, or unpleasant odors. Several conditions may be responsible.

Thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. In men, it can lead to itching of the penis and a thick, clumpy buildup under the foreskin. Wearing tight clothing, excessive sweating, and poor ventilation of the genital area can increase risk. Thrush can be passed between partners during unprotected sex.

STIs

Several sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria can mimic BV-like symptoms in men. These include:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Genital herpes
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

STIs are typically spread through unprotected sexual contact.

Urinary Tract Infection

Although UTIs are more commonly associated with women, men can develop them too. This happens when bacteria multiply in the bladder or urinary tract. Symptoms may include:

  • Inflammation
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Blood in the urine

UTIs often occur when Escherichia coli bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and move upward.

Balanitis

Balanitis refers to inflammation of the skin at the tip of the penis. It is more common in men who are uncircumcised and may make it difficult to retract the foreskin due to swelling. Possible causes include:

  • Overwashing or poor hygiene
  • Use of scented or irritating products
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Reactive arthritis
  • Poorly controlled diabetes

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