Psychologist warns: Symptoms that may precede a nervous breakdown. When is the right time to visit a specialist?

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Jan , 19. 12. 2025
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Mental problems are not foreign to any nation, and they are increasingly appearing in our society as well. Nevertheless, we often have difficulty asking for help. We turn to a psychologist or psychotherapist only in extreme need, when problems begin to destroy our lives and families. However, this approach is unfortunate, because problems that cause stress, anxiety, and depression can truly destroy a person. Instead, we should learn to seek help in time and actively work on improving our mental health.

When is the right time to visit a psychologist?

Psychologists and psychotherapists are sought at moments when difficulties or symptoms become so intense that a person is no longer able to cope with them. Paradoxically, the greater the crisis or suffering, the stronger the motivation to resolve the problem. If a person feels that their mental health is threatened, they are usually more ready to face the causes of their problems.

“Crisis situations occur when life events or stressors exceed our ability to manage them,” says Dr. Goran Klickovic, a specialist in medical psychology at the Psychotherapeutic Clinic of the Military Medical Academy. This moment, when a person stops being able to cope with the situation, is the right time to seek professional help.

Psychotherapy and psychological counseling help people improve their emotional and psychological experiences and improve overall mental health. Although the process may take some time, the important thing is that with proper care the symptoms gradually subside and lose their negative signaling function that was associated with the problem.

What are the symptoms of a nervous breakdown and how to recognize them?

The symptoms of a nervous breakdown vary and can manifest in many areas of life. They are usually specific or general dysfunctions that signal that our mental capacities are no longer sufficient to cope with changes in our lives. These symptoms may include:

  • Mood changes – marked emotional swings, irritability, apathy.
  • Health problems – headaches, digestive problems, sleep disturbances.
  • Behavioral changes – withdrawal, loss of interest in things that used to be important.
  • Inefficiency – problems with concentration, inability to perform routine tasks.

In these cases it is important not to underestimate the signals of the body and mind. Although it may seem that the problems are tolerable, the longer we ignore the symptoms, the worse we cope with them. In milder forms, people often get used to an increasing level of stress and pain, which can lead to a greater burden and deeper problems in the future.

How to get rid of stress and its negative impact on health?

Stress and negative impacts on health can be long-term and devastating if we don’t address them in time. So how do we get rid of stress and get back on the path to better mental health? According to the expert, it is crucial to actively approach problem-solving. The basis is to assess what leads us to psychological dysfunction and what causes our problems.

  • Contacting a professional – visiting a psychologist or psychotherapist can be the first step toward improvement. They will help you identify the causes of your problems and find effective ways to resolve them.
  • Long-term process – mental health is not a matter of one day. Lasting improvement requires working on yourself and your emotional experience.
  • Changes in emotional experience – one of the most effective ways to cope with challenging life situations is to change how we perceive stressors and how we respond to them.

Remember that if you feel overwhelmed or feel that you can no longer cope, it is perfectly okay to ask for help. Visiting a professional can be crucial for improving your mental health and alleviating the negative effects of stress on your body and mind.

Why is it important to address problems in time?

Timely intervention and addressing problems in the initial stage can significantly improve quality of life and health. Psychotherapy helps not only to cope with crises but also provides tools for long-term management of stress and emotional problems. When we start to actively tend to our mental health, we prevent more serious problems that could have a negative impact on our personal and professional lives.

Cholesterol and sugar: what really raises LDL and how to protect the liver

Eggs, liver and bacon are often labeled as the main culprits of high cholesterol. The reality is more complex. For most people, dietary cholesterol has only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels. Much more important is the overall diet, the proportion of saturated and trans fatty acids, intake of added sugars, body weight, genetics and lifestyle. Below you will find a balanced overview of what the facts say – without myths and shortcuts.

What cholesterol is and why the body needs it

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and vitamin D. In the blood it is carried in the form of lipoproteins. LDL ("bad") carries cholesterol to tissues, HDL ("good") takes it back to the liver. The goal is to keep LDL low and HDL in an appropriate range.

Dietary cholesterol vs. saturated fats and trans fats

In most healthy people, dietary cholesterol (e.g., from eggs) has only a small effect on LDL. A much stronger factor is saturated fats (fatty processed meats, high-fat cheeses, large amounts of butter) and trans fats (industrially hydrogenated fats), which raise LDL and can lower HDL. Eggs are also a source of nutrients (e.g., choline), so for most people they can be part of a balanced diet.

How added sugars and refined carbohydrates worsen the blood lipid profile

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates (sweetened drinks, sweets, white bread) raises triglycerides and promotes the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver then more often releases VLDL/LDL particles and the overall lipid profile worsens. The liver is particularly harmed by excess fructose from sweetened drinks and syrups.

The role of choline and "healthy" fats

Choline (eggs, lean meat, legumes) helps form and export fat particles from the liver, thereby supporting its normal function. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) can lower LDL and some fractions of inflammatory lipids, if you also limit saturated fats and added sugars.

When eggs can be a problem

For a portion of the population with a genetic burden (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) or for people with very high LDL, even dietary cholesterol can play a larger role. In such cases, individual recommendations from a physician and a nutrition therapist are decisive.

Practical meal plan for healthy lipids and liver

  • Limit added sugars: sweetened drinks, confectionery, excess white-flour baked goods.
  • Prefer unsaturated fats: olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty sea fish twice a week.
  • Reduce saturated fats and avoid trans fats: processed meats, fast food, toppings made from partially hydrogenated fats.
  • Eat enough protein: fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, fermented dairy products – they support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Fiber: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes – soluble fiber helps lower LDL.
  • Alcohol in moderation: excess increases triglycerides and burdens the liver.
  • Hydration and exercise: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, cycling), strength training twice weekly.
  • Body weight: even a 5–10% weight reduction can noticeably improve triglycerides and LDL.

Key takeaway: it's not "forbidden eggs", but the overall dietary pattern

For most people, eggs or liver alone do not "cause" high cholesterol. The key is the combination of fewer saturated fats, less added sugar and more unsaturated fats, fiber and exercise. If you have high LDL, a family history or liver disease, discuss a specific eating plan with your doctor – sometimes pharmacotherapy (e.g., statins) is also necessary.

18. 12. 2025 Jan
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