Top 47 Slang For Mental Illness – Meaning & Usage

Mental health is an important topic that affects many individuals, and discussing it openly can help break down stigmas. In this article, we delve into the world of slang for mental illness, shedding light on how language can impact our perceptions and understanding of these conditions. Join us as we explore this sensitive yet crucial aspect of our society, and gain insight into the words used to describe mental health issues in contemporary culture.

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1. Crazy

This slang term is often used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or irrational. It can also be used to describe something that is extremely unusual or unexpected.

For example, someone might say, “She went crazy after her breakup and started vandalizing his car.”
In a discussion about a bizarre event, one might comment, “That’s crazy! I’ve never heard anything like that before.”
A person might describe a roller coaster as “crazy” if it has loops and twists that are thrilling and unexpected.

2. Loony

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or eccentric. It can also be used to describe something that is absurd or ridiculous.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s a bit loony, always talking to himself.”
In a conversation about a strange conspiracy theory, one might say, “That’s just loony! There’s no evidence to support that.”
A person might describe a comedy skit as “loony” if it involves outrageous and over-the-top humor.

3. Nutty

This slang term is similar to “crazy” and is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or eccentric. It can also be used to describe something that is strange or absurd.

For example, someone might say, “She’s a bit nutty, always coming up with wild ideas.”
In a discussion about a bizarre fashion trend, one might comment, “That’s so nutty! I can’t imagine wearing something like that.”
A person might describe a movie as “nutty” if it has a plot that is unpredictable and full of unexpected twists.

4. Bonkers

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or irrational. It can also be used to describe something that is extremely unusual or unexpected.

For instance, someone might say, “He went bonkers and started throwing things around the room.”
In a conversation about a strange phenomenon, one might say, “That’s absolutely bonkers! I can’t wrap my head around it.”
A person might describe a magic trick as “bonkers” if it involves impossible and mind-boggling illusions.

5. Nuts

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or irrational. It can also be used to describe something that is extremely unusual or unexpected.

For example, someone might say, “She’s acting nuts lately, talking to imaginary friends.”
In a discussion about a wild party, one might comment, “That party was nuts! People were dancing on tables and jumping into the pool.”
A person might describe a roller coaster as “nuts” if it has high speeds and intense drops.

6. Wacko

This term is used to describe someone who is perceived as being mentally ill or unstable. It is often used in a derogatory manner.

For example, “He’s a total wacko, always talking to himself.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “Are you going wacko or something?”
A person might describe a bizarre behavior as, “That’s some wacko stuff right there.”

7. Cuckoo

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally ill or behaving in a strange and irrational manner. It is derived from the sound of a cuckoo clock, which is often associated with madness.

For instance, “She went completely cuckoo after the breakup.”
In a joking manner, someone might say, “I must be cuckoo to believe that.”
A person might comment, “The stress of the situation is making me feel a bit cuckoo.”

8. Off the rocker

This phrase is used to describe someone who is behaving in a mentally unstable or irrational manner. It implies that the person has lost their grip on reality.

For example, “Ever since the accident, he’s been completely off his rocker.”
In a joking manner, someone might say, “I must be off my rocker to agree to that.”
A person might comment, “The stress of the situation is making me feel like I’m going off my rocker.”

9. Psycho

This term is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or exhibiting psychotic behavior. It is often used in a derogatory manner.

For instance, “Watch out for that guy, he’s a total psycho.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “You’re acting like a psycho.”
A person might comment, “She went psycho after losing her job.”

10. Lunatic

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally ill or behaving in an irrational and unpredictable manner. It is derived from the belief that the phases of the moon can affect a person’s mental state.

For example, “He’s a complete lunatic, you never know what he’ll do next.”
In a joking manner, someone might say, “I must be a lunatic to try that.”
A person might comment, “The stress of the situation is driving me a bit lunatic.”

11. Mad

In slang, “mad” is often used to describe someone who is angry or upset. However, it can also be used to describe someone who is mentally ill.

For example, “I’m so mad at my boss for giving me extra work.”
In a conversation about mental health, someone might say, “She’s been acting mad lately, I think she needs help.”
Another usage might be, “I feel mad all the time and I don’t know why.”

12. Schizo

A derogatory slang term for someone with schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by abnormal social behavior, disorganized speech, and hallucinations.

For instance, “He’s acting schizo again, talking to himself and seeing things.”
In a discussion about mental health stigma, someone might say, “Using ‘schizo’ as an insult contributes to the misunderstanding and discrimination against people with schizophrenia.”
Another example could be, “I can’t trust him, he’s schizo and might do something unpredictable.”

13. Bipolar

In slang, “bipolar” is often used to describe someone who has extreme mood swings or quickly changing emotions. However, it is important to note that bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness and using the term in this way can be insensitive.

For example, “She’s so bipolar, one moment she’s happy and the next she’s crying.”
In a conversation about mental health, someone might say, “Using ‘bipolar’ as an insult trivializes the struggles of people with bipolar disorder.”
Another usage might be, “I think I might be bipolar, my emotions are all over the place.”

14. Depressed

In slang, “depressed” is often used to describe feeling sad or down. However, it is important to distinguish between feeling down and clinical depression, which is a serious mental illness.

For instance, “I’m so depressed about failing my exam.”
In a discussion about mental health awareness, someone might say, “Using ‘depressed’ casually undermines the experiences of people with clinical depression.”
Another example could be, “I’ve been feeling really depressed lately, I think I need to seek help.”

15. Manic

In slang, “manic” is often used to describe someone who is energetic or hyperactive. However, it can also be used to describe the manic phase of bipolar disorder, which is characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior.

For example, “She’s so manic, she never stops talking and is always on the go.”
In a conversation about mental health, someone might say, “Using ‘manic’ to describe someone’s energetic behavior without considering the underlying mental health condition is dismissive.”
Another usage might be, “I feel so manic right now, I can’t control my thoughts and actions.”

16. OCD

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). It can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.

For example, someone might say, “I have OCD, so I have to check the door multiple times before leaving the house.”
A person might describe their experience by saying, “My OCD makes me constantly worry about germs and cleanliness.”
Another might say, “My OCD causes me to have intrusive thoughts that I can’t control.”

17. PTSD

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can cause intense flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

For instance, a veteran might say, “I have PTSD from my time in combat, and loud noises can trigger panic attacks.”
Someone might describe their symptoms by saying, “My PTSD makes it hard for me to sleep and causes me to constantly feel on edge.”
Another might say, “My therapist helps me manage my PTSD through therapy and medication.”

18. Loopy

This slang term is often used to describe someone who is acting in an erratic or unpredictable manner. It can be used to refer to someone who may be experiencing mental health symptoms.

For example, someone might say, “She’s been acting really loopy lately, talking to herself and laughing for no reason.”
A person might describe their own state by saying, “I feel so loopy when I haven’t slept for days.”
Another might say, “His behavior is so loopy, I can’t understand what he’s talking about.”

19. Unhinged

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or unpredictable in their behavior. It implies a loss of emotional control or stability.

For instance, someone might say, “He went completely unhinged and started yelling at everyone in the room.”
A person might describe their own mental state by saying, “I feel really unhinged right now, like I’m about to lose control.”
Another might say, “Her unhinged behavior is causing a lot of concern among her friends and family.”

20. Batty

This slang term is often used to describe someone who is acting in a crazy or insane manner. It can be used to refer to someone who may be experiencing mental health symptoms.

For example, someone might say, “She’s gone completely batty, talking to imaginary people and wearing mismatched clothes.”
A person might describe their own state by saying, “I feel a bit batty today, like my thoughts are all jumbled.”
Another might say, “His behavior has become increasingly batty, and it’s worrying his loved ones.”

21. Demented

This term is used to describe someone who is mentally ill or has lost their sanity. It can also be used more casually to refer to something that is absurd or nonsensical.

For example, “He’s completely demented, he thinks he can talk to animals.”
In a conversation about a bizarre situation, someone might say, “That’s just demented, I can’t believe it.”
A person might describe a horror movie as “demented” if it features twisted and disturbing themes.

22. Crazed

This word is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or irrational. It can also be used to describe intense excitement or enthusiasm.

For instance, “He went crazed after losing his job.”
In a discussion about a fanatical sports fan, someone might say, “They are absolutely crazed about their team.”
A person might refer to a character in a book as “crazed” if they exhibit erratic and unpredictable behavior.

23. Cracked

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or insane. It can also be used more lightheartedly to describe someone who is eccentric or peculiar.

For example, “He’s cracked, he believes he can fly.”
In a conversation about an odd behavior, someone might say, “That’s just cracked, I don’t understand it.”
A person might describe a comedian as “cracked” if they have a unique and offbeat sense of humor.

24. Unbalanced

This term is used to describe someone who is mentally disturbed or emotionally unstable. It can also be used to describe a situation or relationship that is not in a healthy or harmonious state.

For instance, “She’s unbalanced, she has frequent mood swings.”
In a discussion about a tumultuous friendship, someone might say, “Their relationship is completely unbalanced.”
A person might refer to a person’s decision as “unbalanced” if it seems irrational or impulsive.

25. Loony bin

This slang term is used to refer to a mental hospital or psychiatric facility. It is often used in a derogatory or dismissive manner.

For example, “They sent him to the loony bin after his breakdown.”
In a conversation about mental health care, someone might say, “It’s important to provide support and resources instead of just sending people to the loony bin.”
A person might use the term “loony bin” sarcastically to criticize someone’s irrational behavior.

26. Cray-cray

This slang term is used to describe someone or something that is extremely irrational, wild, or bizarre. It is derived from the word “crazy” and is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner.

For example, “She’s acting cray-cray today, I wonder what’s going on.”
A person might say, “That party last night was cray-cray, there were people dancing on the tables.”
Another might comment, “The plot of that movie was so cray-cray, I couldn’t follow it.”

27. Loon

This slang term is used to refer to someone who is mentally unstable or crazy. It is derived from the word “lunatic” and is often used in a derogatory or mocking manner.

For instance, “Don’t listen to him, he’s a total loon.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe they let that loon run for public office.”
Another might comment, “She’s acting like a loon, talking to herself and laughing for no reason.”

28. Madhouse

This slang term is used to describe a chaotic or disorganized situation, often referring to a place or situation associated with mental illness. It is derived from the term “madhouse,” which is an outdated term for a psychiatric hospital.

For example, “The office was a madhouse today, everyone was running around in a panic.”
A person might say, “The shopping mall during the holiday season is like a madhouse.”
Another might comment, “The subway during rush hour is a madhouse, I can barely breathe in there.”

29. Schizoid

This slang term is used to describe someone who appears detached from reality or emotionally distant. It is derived from the term “schizoid,” which is a psychiatric term used to describe a personality disorder characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships.

For instance, “He’s always been a bit schizoid, never really connecting with others.”
A person might say, “I don’t understand her, she’s so schizoid, it’s like she’s in her own world.”
Another might comment, “His schizoid behavior makes it difficult to have a meaningful conversation with him.”

30. Mental case

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or emotionally erratic. It is derived from the term “mental case” and is often used in a derogatory or dismissive manner.

For example, “Don’t listen to him, he’s a total mental case.”
A person might say, “She’s always been a bit of a mental case, you never know how she’s going to react.”
Another might comment, “I can’t believe they hired that mental case, he’s completely unreliable.”

31. Sectioned

When someone is “sectioned,” it means they have been detained under the mental health act and admitted to a psychiatric hospital against their will.

For example, “After a suicide attempt, she was sectioned for her own safety.”
In a discussion about mental health, someone might say, “It’s important to respect the privacy and dignity of individuals who have been sectioned.”
A news article might report, “The number of people being sectioned has increased in recent years due to the lack of mental health resources.”

32. Fruitcake

This slang term is used to describe someone who is perceived as being crazy or mentally unstable.

For instance, “He’s a total fruitcake, always talking to himself and wearing mismatched socks.”
In a comedic context, someone might say, “I must be a fruitcake for thinking I could fit into those skinny jeans.”
A person discussing a strange behavior might say, “That guy on the bus was a real fruitcake, singing loudly and dancing in the aisle.”

33. Psycho ward

This term refers to a psychiatric ward or unit where individuals with mental illnesses are treated.

For example, “She spent a week in the psycho ward after experiencing a severe mental breakdown.”
In a discussion about mental health facilities, someone might ask, “Do you know if there are any good psycho wards in this area?”
A news report might mention, “The psycho ward at the local hospital is facing overcrowding due to increased demand for mental health services.”

34. Mad as a hatter

This phrase originated from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and refers to someone who is completely insane or crazy.

For instance, “He was ranting and raving, mad as a hatter.”
In a casual conversation, someone might say, “That idea is mad as a hatter, it will never work.”
A person describing someone’s erratic behavior might say, “She’s acting mad as a hatter, talking to imaginary friends and wearing mismatched shoes.”

35. Cracked up

This slang term is used to describe someone who is mentally disturbed or emotionally unstable.

For example, “After the traumatic event, she was completely cracked up and couldn’t function.”
In a casual conversation, someone might say, “I’m so stressed, I feel like I’m going to crack up.”
A person discussing a friend’s unusual behavior might say, “Lately, she’s been acting really cracked up, crying for no reason and isolating herself.”

36. Cuckoo’s nest

This term refers to a psychiatric hospital or institution. It is derived from the title of the novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey, which portrays the oppressive environment of a mental institution.

For example, someone might say, “After experiencing a breakdown, he was admitted to the cuckoo’s nest for treatment.”
In a discussion about mental health, a person might mention, “There is still a stigma associated with being sent to the cuckoo’s nest.”
Another might use the term figuratively and say, “My office feels like a cuckoo’s nest with all the chaos and dysfunction.”

37. Looney tunes

This slang term is used to describe someone who is crazy or mentally unstable. It is derived from the cartoon series “Looney Tunes,” which features characters with exaggerated and unpredictable behavior.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s acting like he’s gone looney tunes.”
In a conversation about a person’s erratic behavior, one might comment, “She’s been a bit looney tunes lately.”
Another might use the term humorously and say, “I must be going looney tunes because I can’t find my car keys.”

38. Nutcase

This term is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or crazy. It is a colloquial and informal way to refer to a person who exhibits irrational or bizarre behavior.

For example, someone might say, “Stay away from him, he’s a total nutcase.”
In a discussion about a person’s unusual habits, one might comment, “She’s a bit of a nutcase, always collecting strange things.”
Another might use the term affectionately and say, “My best friend is a total nutcase, but I love her anyway.”

39. Crazypants

This slang term is used to emphasize someone’s craziness or irrational behavior. It is a playful and exaggerated way to describe someone who behaves in an extremely unpredictable or bizarre manner.

For instance, someone might say, “I can’t believe she did that, she’s absolutely crazypants.”
In a conversation about a person’s outrageous actions, one might comment, “He always comes up with the most crazypants ideas.”
Another might use the term jokingly and say, “I must have put on my crazypants today because I can’t stop laughing.”

40. Nutjob

This term is used to describe someone who is crazy, eccentric, or mentally unstable. It is a slang term that is often used in a derogatory or dismissive manner.

For example, someone might say, “I can’t believe he believes in conspiracy theories, he’s a total nutjob.”
In a discussion about a person’s unusual interests, one might comment, “She’s a bit of a nutjob when it comes to collecting vintage toys.”
Another might use the term lightheartedly and say, “We’re all a little nutjob in our own ways, aren’t we?”

41. Fruit loop

This term is often used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or exhibits irrational behavior. It is derived from the cereal brand “Froot Loops,” which is known for its colorful and quirky characters.

For example, someone might say, “That guy is a total fruit loop, always talking to himself.”
In a conversation about eccentric individuals, one might comment, “She’s a bit of a fruit loop, but she’s harmless.”
A person describing their own mental state might say, “Sometimes I feel like a fruit loop, my thoughts are all over the place.”

42. One fry short of a Happy Meal

This phrase implies that someone is lacking intelligence or mental capacity. It humorously suggests that they are missing something essential, like a fry from a Happy Meal.

For instance, if someone makes a foolish mistake, you might jokingly say, “Looks like he’s one fry short of a Happy Meal.”
In a lighthearted conversation about absent-mindedness, one might say, “I’m always losing my keys. I guess I’m one fry short of a Happy Meal.”
A person might self-deprecatingly say, “I forget things all the time. I’m definitely one fry short of a Happy Meal.”

43. Out of your mind

This phrase suggests that someone is acting in a way that is considered abnormal or illogical. It implies that their thoughts or behavior are not within the realm of sanity.

For example, if someone proposes an outrageous idea, you might say, “Are you out of your mind? That’s never going to work.”
In a discussion about risky behavior, one might comment, “Jumping off a cliff? You must be out of your mind!”
A person expressing disbelief might exclaim, “You paid $500 for a T-shirt? You’re out of your mind!”

44. Touched

This term is often used to describe someone who is slightly crazy or peculiar. It suggests that the person’s mental state is not entirely stable or normal.

For instance, if someone exhibits odd behavior, you might say, “She’s a bit touched, always talking to herself.”
In a conversation about unusual habits, one might comment, “He’s a little touched, but he’s harmless.”
A person might jokingly describe themselves by saying, “I’m a bit touched in the head, but it keeps things interesting.”

45. Bats in the belfry

This phrase implies that someone is mentally unstable or insane. It originates from the idea of bats flying around inside a church’s bell tower, representing chaos and disorder.

For example, if someone behaves irrationally, you might say, “He’s got bats in the belfry, always talking to imaginary people.”
In a discussion about eccentric individuals, one might comment, “She’s got a few bats in the belfry, but she’s harmless.”
A person describing their own mental state might say, “Sometimes I feel like I’ve got bats in the belfry, my thoughts are all over the place.”

46. Crackpot

This term is used to describe someone who is considered mentally unstable or eccentric. It is often used in a derogatory manner.

For example, “Don’t listen to him, he’s just a crackpot.”
In a discussion about conspiracy theories, someone might say, “That theory is pure crackpot.”
A person might jokingly refer to themselves as a crackpot, saying, “I must be a crackpot for believing in aliens.”

47. Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs

This phrase is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or acting in an irrational manner. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted context.

For instance, “She’s gone cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!”
In a conversation about someone’s erratic behavior, a person might say, “He’s acting like he’s cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.”
A person might use this phrase to describe themselves when they’re feeling a bit crazy, saying, “I’m feeling cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs today.”