nervous breakdown

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun nervous breakdown has 1 sense

nervous breakdown - a severe or incapacitating emotional disorder
--₁ is a kind of breakdown, crack-up
--₁ has particulars: nervous exhaustion, nervous prostration; neurasthenia

Definitions from the Web

Nervous Breakdown

Description:

A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental breakdown, refers to a temporary and severe collapse in an individual's ability to function mentally and emotionally. It is often characterized by intense feelings of distress, anxiety, depression, or being overwhelmed, resulting in a loss of control over one's thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

Senses and Usages:

Sense 1: Psychological Collapse

When used in this sense, a nervous breakdown refers to a state of mental and emotional collapse where an individual experiences extreme psychological distress, typically resulting from chronic stress, trauma, or a combination of intense emotions.

Example Sentence 1: After working long hours for months without rest, Sarah had a nervous breakdown, and she had to take a leave of absence from work to focus on her mental health.
Example Sentence 2: The constant pressure and fear of failure eventually led John to have a nervous breakdown, resulting in his withdrawal from social activities and work responsibilities.

Sense 2: Informal Usage

In a more informal setting, people may use the term "nervous breakdown" to describe a temporary, intense emotional or physical reaction to a challenging situation, without meeting the clinical criteria for an actual mental breakdown.

Example Sentence 1: When her car broke down in the middle of nowhere, Mary had a nervous breakdown and started crying hysterically.
Example Sentence 2: The stress of planning a wedding caused Tim to have a minor nervous breakdown, so he decided to hire a wedding planner to alleviate some of the pressure.

Sense 3: Local Usage

Depending on the local context, there may be specific cultural or regional interpretations of the term "nervous breakdown" that differ slightly from its general definition.

Example Sentence 1: In the local community, mentioning a nervous breakdown is often associated with seeking support from a trusted elder or spiritual leader.
Example Sentence 2: In some cultures, a nervous breakdown might be seen as a sign of weakness or a taboo topic, leading individuals to shy away from discussing their mental health struggles publicly.

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