dépression nerveuse
The English phrase 'mental breakdown' is translated into French as dépression nerveuse.
dépression nerveuse is used as a clinical term to describe a mental breakdown. For describing a sudden, acute emotional outburst or a more immediate fit of nerves, speakers more commonly use the phrase crise de nerfs.
Meaning: a nervous breakdown (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dépression nerveuse literally translates to 'nervous depression'.
Which one should you use?
dépression nerveuse serves as a clinical descriptor, whereas crise de nerfs is the more common way to describe a sudden and acute emotional breakdown.
Did you know?
- While dépression nerveuse is used for clinical states, French speakers frequently use the English term burn-out specifically to describe exhaustion caused by workplace stress.
- While dépression nerveuse is clinical, the colloquial crise de nerfs is often used to describe a loud and visible tantrum or a sudden emotional outburst rather than a long-term medical condition.
- The word dépression is used in French to describe both a clinical mental state and a meteorological low-pressure system.
Examples in context
- Elle a eu une crise de nerfs au travailShe had a mental breakdown at work
- Il a connu un effondrement mental après la perte de son emploiHe experienced a mental breakdown after losing his job
- Elle est au bord de l'épuisement psychologiqueShe is on the brink of a mental breakdown
- Elle a fait une dépression nerveuse.She had a nervous breakdown.
- Il fait une dépression nerveuse depuis un mois.He has been having a nervous breakdown for a month.
- Cette dépression nerveuse l'a beaucoup épuisé.This nervous breakdown has left him very exhausted.
- Elle a peur de faire une dépression nerveuse.She is afraid of having a nervous breakdown.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are discussing a mutual friend's health.
- ManonEst-ce que tu sais pourquoi Marc est parti ?Do you know why Marc left?
- GabrielIl a fait une dépression nerveuse à cause du travail.He had a nervous breakdown because of work.
- ManonC'est terrible, il était tellement stressé.That's terrible, he was so stressed.
- GabrielOui, il a vraiment besoin de repos.Yes, he really needs some rest.
