The phrase "was beside oneself" refers to a state of extreme emotional turmoil or confusion. Antonyms for this term could include calm, composed, collected, serene, and tranquil. These words describe a state of inner peace and harmonious balance, which is the opposite of being beside oneself. Other antonyms for this term may include indifference, apathy, stoicism, and detachment, which signify a lack of emotional intensity altogether. In contrast, being beside oneself implies an overwhelming flood of feeling that threatens to overwhelm a person's rational faculties. By using antonyms, one can more clearly define what it means to be calm, composed, and in control.