nervous breakdown
The term "nervous breakdown" is commonly used to describe a severe mental health crisis that affects a person's ability to function normally, though it is not a formal medical diagnosis.
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Definition
B2Mental Health
(informal)A period of severe mental or emotional stress that impairs daily functioning.
Example
- After months of relentless stress at work, she suffered a nervous breakdown and had to take a leave of absence.
- His nervous breakdown was triggered by a combination of personal and professional pressures.
C1Mental Health
(informal)A state of emotional exhaustion and overwhelming anxiety that prevents normal activities.
Example
- The sudden loss of a loved one can lead to a nervous breakdown if not properly managed.
- She experienced a nervous breakdown after years of bottling up her emotions.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "nervous breakdown":