Mental Health Glossary (A–Z)
Clear, gentle definitions for mental health terms — explained in everyday language.
Welcome
Learn at your own pace
This page gathers everyday terms used in mental health — in calm, supportive language. You can read straight through, jump by letter, or come back later when it feels right.
“Even a small light can guide us through the dark.”
A gentle reminder
Language around mental health can feel personal. Please read at your own pace. You may pause, rest, or return later. There is no rush here.
Your feelings are valid. You matter. You are not alone.
A
Letter A
- Anxiety
- Body and mind’s alarm system that can feel like worry, tension, or fear — sometimes with a racing heart or tight chest. Example: “My anxiety spikes in crowded places, so I use headphones and take short breaks.”
- Affirmations
- Short, kind phrases you repeat to support your mindset and confidence. Example: “I’m learning at my own pace.”
- Aftercare
- Support and steps you use after a tough moment or crisis to help you recover safely. Example: “After the panic attack, my aftercare plan is water, a quiet room, and texting my support person.”
B
Letter B
- Burnout
- Emotional and physical exhaustion from long-term stress or overload. Example: “I’m protecting my weekends to recover from burnout.”
- Boundaries
- Limits you set to protect your energy, time, and wellbeing. Example: “I can’t talk right now, but I can text later this evening.”
C
Letter C
- Crisis Plan (Safety Plan)
- A short, personal guide for tough moments — signs to watch for, coping steps, people to contact, and emergency numbers. Example: “My plan is on my phone so I can follow it when I feel overwhelmed.”
- Coping Skills
- Tools and actions that help you steady your body and thoughts — like breathing, grounding, music, or movement. Example: “Music and a short walk help me reset.”
D
Letter D
- Depression
- More than sadness — can include low mood, low energy, sleep/appetite changes, and loss of interest. Example: “Depression makes mornings hard, so I plan gentle starts.”
- Distress Tolerance
- Skills to get through intense feelings safely until they pass. Example: “I splash cool water and name five things I see.”
G
Letter G
- Grounding
- Bringing attention to the present using your senses — sight, sound, touch, taste, smell. Example: “5-4-3-2-1: I name 5 things I can see, 4 I can feel, 3 I can hear, 2 I can smell, 1 I can taste.”
- Grief
- Natural response to loss, which can include sadness, numbness, anger, or confusion — and can come in waves. Example: “I’m giving myself permission to grieve without a timeline.”
I
Letter I
- Intrusive Thoughts
- Unwanted thoughts that pop in suddenly; having them does not mean you will act on them. Example: “I notice the thought, breathe, and let it pass without judging myself.”
- Insomnia
- Sleep difficulties like trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Example: “I keep a wind-down routine and dim my screens after 9pm.”
M
Letter M
- Mindfulness
- Paying gentle attention to the present moment — thoughts, feelings, and body — without judging it. Example: “I notice my feet on the floor and the sound of the rain.”
- Masking (non-clinical)
- Hiding or changing parts of yourself to fit in or feel safer socially. Example: “Unmasking with close friends helps me relax.”
P
Letter P
- Panic Attack
- A sudden surge of intense fear with body sensations like fast heartbeat, dizziness, or breathlessness; it usually passes within minutes. Example: “I remind myself: this is scary but not dangerous; I slow my breathing.”
- Post-Event Care
- Kind steps you take after a hard moment — rest, food, water, safe company. Example: “After hard days, I plan an early night and ask a friend to check in.”
S
Letter S
- Self-Compassion
- Being kind to yourself in tough moments, like you would to a friend. Example: “This is hard, and I’m doing my best.”
- Self-Harm (non-graphic)
- Hurting oneself to cope with intense feelings. If this applies to you or someone you know, consider reaching out to a trusted person or a local helpline for support. Example: “When urges rise, I use my safety plan and contact my support person.”
- Safety Plan
- Simple steps you prepare ahead of time for crisis moments — warning signs, coping tools, safe people, and emergency contacts. Example: “My plan is printed and saved in my notes app.”
T
Letter T
- Triggers
- Things that spark strong reactions or memories — sounds, places, topics, or sensations. Example: “I let friends know noisy restaurants can be triggering for me.”
- Therapy
- Talking or activity-based support (like CBT, counselling, art/music therapy) that helps you understand feelings and build coping skills. Example: “My therapist helped me build a weekly routine.”
U
Letter U
- Urgent Support
- If you feel unsafe or unable to cope, contact a local helpline or emergency service. You deserve immediate support and care. Example: “I text a helpline when speaking feels hard.”
Thank you for learning with care
If this page helped, you might also like the other glossaries in this series.
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