nervous breakdown; neurosis; illness from anxiety
Refers to a mental or physical condition caused by excessive worry or anxiety. Often used in contexts where stress leads to real health problems.
He developed a nervous breakdown from work stress.
Sometimes an illness from anxiety can be cured by taking an early rest.
Compound of 気 (ki, 'spirit, mind') + の (possessive particle) + 病 (yamai, 'illness'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term reflects the traditional Japanese concept that mental distress can cause physical sickness.