What is the word for someone who is in a condition of being stressed so that they are in a constant state of "the straw that broke the camel's back?"
I'm looking for a specific word, not a broad term. Informal is fine, so long as it doesn't sound silly, but I'd prefer formal. This is for an academic paper.
Examples:
"Ever since the CEO's business started failing, she's been in an irritable depression, because she yells at and blames her employees for every minor problem."
"My friend is irritably depressed from not getting a job. She just stays at home and yells at her mom for being unsupportive."
Examples of words to avoid:
- worn-out
- frayed
- enervated
A "worn-out" person seems describe someone who is traditionally depressed. Someone who doesn't do much. Someone who internalizes their problems and blames themselves, instead of externalizing their problems and blaming others.
The words (to me) "irate" and "irritable" specify permanent traits about a person instead of a temporary, but long-lasting condition that are not tied into depression. Are they the words I'm looking for?
Best Answer
snappy is an informal British term. It's the adjectival form of 'to snap;'
From http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/snap;