Synonyms of nervous breakdown

nervous breakdown

noun

as in breakdown

a mental or nervous collapse

you're going to have a nervous breakdown if you keep up that pace

Synonyms & Similar Words

• breakdown
• tailspin
• disturbance
• anxiety
• crack-up
• meltdown
• excitability
• nervousness
• basket case
• agitation
• disquiet
• alarm
• perturbation
• freak-out
• apprehension
• frazzle
• discomposure

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• composure
• coolness
• serenity
• calmness
• tranquility
• aplomb
• imperturbability
• placidity
• tranquilness
• sereneness
• self-possession

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nervous breakdown

Decades later, some of the biggest criticisms of Communion are arguably among its most charming virtues, from Walken's idiosyncratic performance as a man on the verge of a nervous breakdown to the cheesy special effects. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026

This happened years before, in such a serious way that my friend had to take a three-month medical leave of absence due to what was likely a nervous breakdown. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

When their news anchor (Peter Finch) has a nervous breakdown on the air, suddenly their ratings turn around, bringing on a moral morass only some of them are prepared to face. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

Mostly because Kiesling’s voice is delightful, and this chronicle of Daphne—a young mother-intellectual on the verge of a nervous breakdown—is open-hearted and unsparing about the work that goes into balancing infant care with day job. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026