nervous breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

"nervous breakdown" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to describe a severe mental or emotional breakdown usually caused by excessive stress or psychological trauma. For example: After a long day of meetings, Jane had a nervous breakdown and was unable to continue with her work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A goalkeeping nervous breakdown.

The Guardian - Sport

Cue nervous breakdown.

The Guardian - Film

Eva suffered a nervous breakdown.

The Guardian

She suffered a nervous breakdown.

The Guardian - Books

I'd had a nervous breakdown.

The Guardian

Instead he had a nervous breakdown.

The New York Times

"I had a nervous breakdown," she said.

Independent

The beginning of a nervous breakdown.

The New Yorker

Am I suffering from a nervous breakdown?

The New Yorker

Was he having a nervous breakdown?

The New York Times

"I guess I had a nervous breakdown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "nervous breakdown", be sensitive and avoid stigmatizing language. Use it to describe a serious mental health issue requiring professional help.

Common error

Avoid using "nervous breakdown" casually to describe everyday stress. It refers to a significant mental health event and should not be trivialized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nervous breakdown" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific condition or state of mental health, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it commonly appears after verbs such as "suffer", "have", or "experience".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nervous breakdown" is a common way to describe a severe mental or emotional crisis. While not a formal medical term, it's widely understood and used in various contexts, particularly in news media and general conversation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to be sensitive and avoid trivializing the seriousness of the condition. Alternatives such as "mental collapse" or "emotional crisis" can be considered based on the specific context. Remember that a "nervous breakdown" signifies a significant mental health event requiring professional attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional breakdown

Emphasizes the emotional aspect rather than the nervous system.

mental collapse

Focuses more on the mental aspect of the breakdown.

emotional crisis

Emphasizes the emotional turmoil and instability.

crisis of mind

Suggests a critical state of mental health.

psychological distress

A more clinical and formal way to describe the condition.

mental exhaustion

Highlights the feeling of being completely drained mentally.

stress-induced breakdown

Directly links the breakdown to the cause of stress.

break with reality

Indicates a loss of touch with the real world.

descent into madness

A more dramatic and figurative way to describe mental deterioration.

loss of sanity

Implies a severe impairment of mental faculties.

FAQs

What exactly does "nervous breakdown" mean?

A "nervous breakdown" refers to a period of intense mental distress where someone is unable to function in their daily life. It can involve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

What are some signs that someone might be experiencing a "nervous breakdown"?

Signs can include extreme fatigue, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, social withdrawal, panic attacks, and an inability to cope with daily tasks.

Is "nervous breakdown" a formal medical term?

No, "nervous breakdown" is not a formal medical term. Mental health professionals might use terms like "acute stress reaction", "anxiety disorder", or "depressive episode" to describe similar conditions.

What should I do if I think someone is having a "nervous breakdown"?

Encourage them to seek professional help from a doctor, therapist, or mental health specialist. Offer your support and understanding during this difficult time.