Crisis Intervention Terms

adjective feeling or showing a lack of power or ability; unable to help oneself; powerless

• The helpless child was found wandering the streets alone.
• I felt so helpless when my car broke down on the side of the road.
• I was totally helpless when my phone died and I couldn't call for a ride.
• She felt like a helpless bystander as the argument escalated.

noun a state of mental distress or impairment that can occur when a person is unable to cope with stress or anxiety

• The patient was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a severe nervous breakdown.
• She had a nervous breakdown after failing her final exam.
• I can't handle this stress anymore, I feel like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
• The constant pressure at work felt like it was pushing him towards a nervous breakdown.