basket case
Plural
basket cases
1
a person who is always nervous or stressed and is therefore unable to have a calm and organized life
The idiom "basket case" has its origins in the aftermath of World War I, particularly during World War II. It was originally a term used in medical contexts to describe soldiers who had lost all four limbs and required a basket or crate to carry them. Over time, the term evolved to refer to someone who is mentally or emotionally unstable and unable to cope with the stresses of life.
- After the tragic accident, he became a basket case, unable to recover emotionally.
- If he seeks therapy and support, he may avoid becoming a basket case during difficult times.
- She's been so overwhelmed with work and family issues that she feels like a complete basket case.