Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

nervous breakdown

Noun
/ˈnɜːrvəs ˈbreɪkdaʊn/
Definition
A nervous breakdown is a period of intense mental distress or emotional turmoil, often leading to an inability to perform daily activities.
Examples
  • After months of stress at work, she experienced a nervous breakdown.
  • He realized he was heading towards a nervous breakdown due to the pressure of his responsibilities.
  • Seeking therapy helped him recover from his nervous breakdown and regain control over his life.
Meaning
It generally refers to an overwhelming response to stress, when a person feels unable to cope and may require professional help.
Synonyms
  • Emotional collapse
  • Mental breakdown
  • Stress-induced crisis
  • Anxiety attack
  • Nervous collapse