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Language & Definitions
Mental Health Education · Master A–Z Index
Mental Health Topics A–Z
A broad, gentle and neurodivergent-aware index for exploring mental health conditions, symptoms, feelings, experiences, life pressures, neurodivergence, recovery, coping, wellbeing, support and related learning pathways.
Gentle Information Notice
You do not need to explore everything at once. Choose the word or topic that feels most useful today, skip anything you do not want to read, pause when you need to and return whenever you are ready.
Sensitive Topics Note
Some pathways include trauma, grief, eating disorders, self-harm, abuse, suicidal thoughts, crisis and other difficult experiences. Sensitive subjects should be approached carefully, with clear support pathways where appropriate.
Educational Notice
This page provides general education and plain-language information. Mental health terms can have specific clinical meanings, and individual experiences can vary considerably.
Diagnosis & Support Notice
An A–Z index cannot diagnose a condition or explain the cause of one symptom. Similar experiences can occur for different reasons, including mental health conditions, physical health, neurodivergence, stress and life circumstances.
At a Glance — What This Page Covers
You can enter this A–Z through a diagnosis, an everyday feeling, a symptom, a life situation or a support need. You do not need to know the “right” medical word before you begin.
Conditions & diagnoses
Anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, psychosis and other conditions.
Symptoms & experiences
Panic, numbness, intrusive thoughts, low mood, overwhelm, dissociation, worry, avoidance and more.
Neurodivergence
Autism, ADHD, masking, burnout, sensory overload, executive-function pressures and mental health overlap.
Life situations
Bereavement, bullying, caregiving, financial pressure, relationships, work, study and social isolation.
Coping & recovery
Grounding, emotional regulation, rest, safety planning, recovery, self-compassion and distress tolerance.
Learning & support
Diagnosis, mental health literacy, treatment, professional support, stigma and help-seeking.
Where Do I Start?
Start with what you already know. You can move between related terms without deciding for yourself which diagnosis explains an experience.
I know the condition name
Jump to its first letter and explore the relevant condition or diagnostic topic.
I know how I feel
Search everyday terms such as worried, numb, overwhelmed, exhausted, lonely or disconnected.
I am neurodivergent
Look for autism, ADHD, masking, burnout, sensory overload, shutdowns and related mental-health intersections.
I am not sure what overlaps
Use the symptom and overlap pathways rather than trying to work backwards from one experience to a diagnosis.
Learning Companions
Explore With Olive Owl & Twinkle Owl
Olive Owl and Twinkle Owl support the learning side of the Companion Universe. Here they help represent curiosity, understanding, study and taking unfamiliar information one step at a time.
Olive Owl supports learning, study, school, homework and life skills. Twinkle Owl brings learning support and study encouragement.
You never need to learn the whole A–Z at once. One useful word, one explanation or one helpful pathway is enough for today.
Find a Mental Health Topic
Search by diagnosis, symptom, everyday word, experience, neurodivergent topic, coping strategy or life situation.
Results narrow automatically while you type.
Condition / diagnosis
Symptom / experience
Neurodivergence
Coping / support
Life context
Mental Health Topics A–Z
Some entries deliberately overlap. A person might search for bereavement, grief or loss, for example. These discovery terms can eventually lead to the same core information rather than creating unnecessary duplicate pages.
A
A Topics
Abuse & Mental Health
Mental-health impacts of harmful, controlling or unsafe experiences.
Acute Stress Disorder
Trauma-related symptoms occurring soon after a traumatic event.
Addiction & Mental Health
Mental health, substance use and behavioural addiction pathways.
ADHD & Mental Health
Emotional wellbeing, executive-function pressures and mental-health overlap.
Adjustment Disorders
Significant distress or difficulty adapting after stressful life changes.
Agoraphobia
Fear or anxiety about situations where leaving or getting help may feel difficult.
Anger
Understanding anger, triggers, unmet needs and safer regulation.
Anorexia Nervosa
An eating disorder involving restriction and significant concerns around weight, shape or eating.
Anticipatory Anxiety
Anxiety about something expected or feared in the future.
Anxiety
Fear, worry, physical anxiety responses and related coping or support.
Anxiety Disorders
A broader pathway covering different anxiety-related conditions.
ARFID
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and related eating difficulties.
Attachment & Mental Health
Relationships, safety, connection and emotional development.
Avoidance
Avoiding thoughts, feelings, places, people or situations because of distress.
Autism & Mental Health
Autistic experiences, environments, support needs and emotional wellbeing.
Autistic Burnout
Prolonged exhaustion and reduced capacity associated with sustained autistic stress.
B
B Topics
Bereavement
Emotional experiences following the death of someone important.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Recurrent episodes of binge eating accompanied by distress.
Bipolar Disorder
Mood episodes involving depression and periods of mania or hypomania.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Significant distress and preoccupation with perceived appearance differences.
Body Image
Thoughts, beliefs and feelings about the body and appearance.
Borderline Personality Disorder / BPD
Stigma-aware learning about emotional, identity and relationship experiences associated with BPD.
Burnout
Exhaustion and reduced capacity after prolonged demands or stress.
Bullying & Mental Health
Mental-health impacts of repeated mistreatment, intimidation or exclusion.
Bulimia Nervosa
An eating disorder involving binge eating and compensatory behaviours.
C
C Topics
Caregiver / Carer Stress
Emotional and practical strain experienced by people supporting others.
Childhood Mental Health
Age-aware mental-health learning and support for children.
Chronic Illness & Mental Health
Emotional wellbeing alongside long-term physical-health conditions.
Chronic Stress
Long-lasting stress and its effects on emotional and everyday functioning.
Compulsions
Repeated behaviours or mental acts performed in response to distress or obsessional fears.
Complex PTSD / C-PTSD
Trauma-related difficulties associated with prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences.
Concentration Difficulties
Problems focusing or sustaining attention that may have many possible causes.
Confidence
Developing greater trust in abilities, decisions and personal strengths.
Coping Skills
Practical strategies for responding to difficult emotions and situations.
Crisis Planning
Preparing support steps, contacts and safety information before crisis periods.
Cyclothymia
Recurring periods of depressive and hypomanic symptoms over time.
D
D Topics
Delusions
Strongly held beliefs that can occur in some mental-health conditions and require careful professional assessment.
Depression
Persistent low mood or reduced interest accompanied by other emotional, cognitive or physical changes.
Depressive Disorders
A broader pathway to different depressive conditions and presentations.
Derealisation
Feeling that surroundings are unreal, distant or dreamlike.
Depersonalisation
Feeling detached from oneself, one's body or one's experiences.
Disability & Mental Health
Mental health, accessibility, barriers, participation and disability-related experiences.
Dissociation
Disconnection involving thoughts, memory, identity, body or surroundings.
Disordered Eating
Eating-related patterns that may cause distress without assuming a specific diagnosis.
Distress Tolerance
Skills for safely navigating intense emotion or difficult periods.
E
E Topics
Eating Disorders
A gateway to eating-disorder education, signs, support and recovery information.
Emotional Dysregulation
Difficulty managing emotional intensity, duration or expression.
Emotional Exhaustion
Feeling emotionally depleted after prolonged stress or demand.
Emotional Numbness
Feeling flat, disconnected or unable to access expected emotions.
Emotional Regulation
Recognising emotions and finding supportive ways to respond.
Emotional Wellbeing
Connection, awareness and supports that contribute to emotional wellbeing.
Executive Function & Mental Health
How planning, starting, memory, switching and regulation demands can interact with wellbeing.
Exhaustion & Mental Health
Reduced energy in the context of stress, burnout or mental-health difficulties.
F
F Topics
Family & Mental Health
Mental health, communication, relationships and support within families and whānau.
Fear
Understanding fear responses and when fear significantly affects daily life.
Fear of Judgement
Worry about criticism, rejection or how others may evaluate us.
Financial Stress & Mental Health
Mental-health effects of money pressure, debt, insecurity and financial uncertainty.
Flashbacks
Trauma-related experiences in which past events may feel unusually present or immediate.
Frustration
Understanding frustration, blocked goals, unmet needs and regulation.
Functional Impact
How mental-health difficulties may affect daily activities, relationships, learning or work.
G
G Topics
Generalised Anxiety Disorder / GAD
Persistent or difficult-to-control worry across several areas of life.
Grief
Emotional responses to death, endings, change and other significant losses.
Grounding
Strategies that can help reconnect attention with the present moment.
Guilt
Understanding guilt and separating useful responsibility from excessive self-blame.
H
H Topics
Hallucinations
Sensory experiences that occur without a corresponding external stimulus and may have different causes.
Health Anxiety
Persistent anxiety about illness, health or physical sensations.
Helplessness
Feeling unable to influence a difficult situation or find a way forward.
Hoarding Disorder
Persistent difficulty discarding possessions that causes significant accumulation and difficulty.
Hopelessness
Feeling that things cannot improve or that no useful way forward exists.
Hyperarousal
A heightened state of activation or alertness that can occur with stress or trauma.
Hypervigilance
Persistent scanning for danger or potential threats.
I
I Topics
Identity & Mental Health
Self-understanding, identity, belonging and emotional wellbeing.
Imposter Feelings
Persistent doubts about ability, achievement or deserving success.
Insomnia
Persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or obtaining restorative sleep.
Intrusive Thoughts
Unwanted thoughts, images or impulses that can feel upsetting or difficult to dismiss.
Irritability
Increased sensitivity to frustration, stimulation or stress.
Isolation
Reduced social contact or participation and its possible effects on wellbeing.
J
J Topics
Journaling for Mental Health
Using writing to reflect, notice patterns, express feelings or plan support.
Journey Through Recovery
Recovery as personal, non-linear and different for each person.
K
K Topics
Kindness & Self-Compassion
Responding to difficulty with greater patience, care and self-respect.
Knowledge & Mental Health Literacy
Understanding mental-health language, concepts, support and help-seeking.
L
L Topics
Loneliness
Feeling that meaningful connection or companionship is missing.
Loss
A broad pathway for bereavement, endings, transitions and significant change.
Loss of Interest / Enjoyment
Reduced interest or pleasure in activities that would usually feel meaningful or enjoyable.
Low Energy
Reduced energy that may occur for many mental, physical or situational reasons.
Low Mood
Feeling sad, flat or low without assuming a particular diagnosis.
Low Self-Esteem
Difficulties with self-worth or beliefs about personal value.
M
M Topics
Major Depressive Disorder
A clinical depressive disorder involving persistent symptoms and significant impact.
Mania
A period of substantially elevated, expansive or irritable mood and increased activity associated with bipolar disorders.
Masking & Mental Health
The emotional and energy costs of hiding, suppressing or compensating for natural traits.
Meltdowns
Intense responses when stress, demands or sensory input exceed available capacity.
Mental Fatigue
Reduced cognitive energy, concentration or processing capacity.
Mental Health & Disability
Accessibility, support, participation and disability-related mental-health experiences.
Mental Health Literacy
Understanding mental-health concepts, support options and help-seeking language.
Mental Health Stigma
Stereotypes, discrimination and respectful ways of talking about mental health.
Mood Disorders
A broad pathway to conditions involving significant disturbances in mood.
Motivation Difficulties
Difficulty starting or sustaining activity for many possible reasons.
N
N Topics
Neurodivergence & Mental Health
Mental health across different neurotypes, needs, environments and life experiences.
Neurodivergent Burnout
Burnout considered through neurodivergent demands, environments and support needs.
Nightmares
Distressing dreams and possible connections with stress, trauma and sleep.
Numbness
Feeling emotionally flat, disconnected or unable to access expected emotions.
O
O Topics
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / OCD
Obsessions, compulsions, distress and support pathways.
Obsessions
Recurring unwanted thoughts, images or urges that cause significant distress.
Overthinking
Repeated analysis or worry that becomes difficult to disengage from.
Overwhelm
When emotional, sensory, cognitive or practical demands exceed available capacity.
P
P Topics
Panic Attacks
Sudden periods of intense fear or physical anxiety symptoms.
Panic Disorder
Recurring panic attacks with ongoing concern or behavioural change linked to them.
Paranoia
Intense suspiciousness or beliefs about threat that may occur in different contexts.
People-Pleasing
Patterns of prioritising others' approval or needs at significant personal cost.
Perfectionism
Very high standards, fear of mistakes and pressure around performance or worth.
Perinatal Mental Health
Mental health during pregnancy and the period surrounding birth and early parenthood.
Personality Disorders
Stigma-aware education about personality disorder diagnoses and experiences.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
A longer-lasting depressive condition characterised by ongoing low mood and related symptoms.
Phobias
Intense fear linked with particular objects, situations or experiences.
PMDD & Mental Health
A severe cyclical mood-related condition connected with the menstrual cycle.
Postnatal / Postpartum Mental Health
Mental-health experiences during the period after childbirth.
Postpartum Depression
Depression occurring during the period after childbirth.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress symptoms, understanding, care and recovery pathways.
Psychosis
A mental state involving significant changes in perception, beliefs or thinking.
Q
Q Topics
Quality of Life & Mental Health
How health, environment, relationships, participation and support influence everyday wellbeing.
Questions About Mental Health
A plain-language pathway for common questions, misunderstandings and starting points.
R
R Topics
Racing Thoughts
Thoughts that feel unusually fast, numerous or difficult to slow down.
Recovery
Personal recovery, adaptation, rebuilding and living meaningfully with changing needs.
Rejection Sensitivity
Strong emotional responses to perceived criticism, rejection or exclusion.
Relationship Breakdown & Mental Health
Emotional effects of separation, breakup, conflict or major relationship change.
Relationships & Mental Health
Communication, boundaries, connection and emotional wellbeing in relationships.
Repetitive Thoughts
Thoughts that return repeatedly and may be difficult to shift attention away from.
Resilience
Adaptation and support in response to challenge, change or adversity.
Rest & Mental Health
Rest, pacing and sustainable recovery as part of wellbeing.
Rumination
Repeatedly returning to distressing thoughts, memories or concerns.
S
S Topics
Safety Planning
Preparing practical steps, contacts and support for periods of increased distress or risk.
Seasonal Affective Disorder / SAD
A depressive pattern associated with particular seasons.
Schizoaffective Disorder
A condition involving psychotic symptoms alongside significant mood episodes.
Schizophrenia
A complex mental-health condition affecting thinking, perception, emotion and functioning.
School & Study Stress
Mental-health pressures associated with learning, workload, expectations and education environments.
Self-Care
Everyday actions that may support physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Self-Compassion
Responding to personal difficulty with care rather than harsh self-judgement.
Self-Esteem
Beliefs and feelings about personal worth and value.
Self-Harm
Sensitive educational information with clear safety and support pathways.
Sensory Overload & Mental Health
How intense sensory input can affect regulation, stress, distress and capacity.
Separation Anxiety
Significant fear or distress concerning separation from important attachment figures.
Shame
Painful feelings about oneself that may affect identity, connection and wellbeing.
Shutdowns
Reduced communication, interaction or functioning associated with overload or distress.
Sleep & Mental Health
Connections between sleep, emotional regulation, mental health and daily functioning.
Social Anxiety
Significant anxiety related to social situations or perceived evaluation.
Social Media & Mental Health
Online connection, comparison, boundaries and digital wellbeing.
Stress
Understanding stress responses, demands, available capacity and coping.
Substance Use & Mental Health
Educational information about substance use, mental health and support.
Suicidal Thoughts & Safety
A sensitive safety-focused pathway to crisis information and professional support.
T
T Topics
Therapy & Counselling
General education about talking therapies, counselling and therapeutic support.
Trauma
Gentle education about traumatic experiences, impacts and support.
Trauma-Related Disorders
A broader pathway to PTSD, acute stress and related trauma diagnoses.
Trauma Responses
Ways minds and bodies may respond during or after perceived threat.
Treatment & Support
A general educational overview of professional, community and self-management supports.
Triggers
Experiences or reminders that activate strong emotional, sensory or trauma-related responses.
U
U Topics
Uncertainty & Mental Health
How uncertainty can interact with worry, stress, control and emotional regulation.
Understanding Diagnosis
What diagnosis can mean, its limitations and why assessment is individual.
Understanding Symptoms & Overlap
Why similar symptoms can appear across different conditions and experiences.
Unmasking & Mental Health
Authenticity, identity, safety, energy and support when reducing masking.
V
V Topics
Values & Mental Health
Personal values and how they can support meaningful choices and wellbeing.
Violence, Abuse & Mental Health
Sensitive information about the mental-health impacts of harmful or unsafe experiences.
Vulnerability & Protective Factors
Factors that may increase difficulty or strengthen coping, safety and wellbeing.
W
W Topics
Wellbeing
A broad pathway for emotional, psychological, social and everyday wellbeing.
Withdrawal
Pulling away from activities or people, which may occur for many different reasons.
Workplace Mental Health
Wellbeing, accessibility, communication, boundaries and support in employment.
Work Stress
Mental-health pressures related to workload, environment, expectations or employment insecurity.
Worry
Everyday or persistent worry and strategies for responding to it.
X
X Topics
This letter is intentionally open.
There is no need to invent a mental-health condition or force
an unrelated term simply to fill every letter. Relevant future
terminology can be added here without changing the page structure.
Y
Y Topics
Young Adults & Mental Health
Mental health during changing independence, education, work and relationships.
Young People & Mental Health
Age-aware mental-health information and support pathways for young people.
Z
Z Topics
Zoning Out
A plain-language discovery term that may connect with attention,
fatigue, overload or dissociative experiences. It is not
presented here as a diagnosis.
I Know What It Feels Like — But I Don't Know the Term
You do not need clinical language before you can start learning. These everyday descriptions can help you find related areas. They are pathways for exploration, not diagnostic shortcuts.
“Everything feels too much.”
Overwhelm · Sensory Overload · Stress · Burnout
Overwhelm · Sensory Overload · Stress · Burnout
“My brain won't switch off.”
Worry · Rumination · Racing Thoughts · Overthinking · Anxiety
Worry · Rumination · Racing Thoughts · Overthinking · Anxiety
“I feel unreal.”
Derealisation · Dissociation · Depersonalisation
Derealisation · Dissociation · Depersonalisation
“I don't feel like myself.”
Dissociation · Low Mood · Burnout · Identity & Mental Health
Dissociation · Low Mood · Burnout · Identity & Mental Health
“I feel nothing.”
Emotional Numbness · Depression · Dissociation · Exhaustion
Emotional Numbness · Depression · Dissociation · Exhaustion
“I can't stop thinking about it.”
Rumination · Obsessions · Intrusive Thoughts · Anxiety
Rumination · Obsessions · Intrusive Thoughts · Anxiety
“I can't get started.”
Motivation Difficulties · ADHD & Mental Health · Depression · Mental Fatigue
Motivation Difficulties · ADHD & Mental Health · Depression · Mental Fatigue
“I keep expecting something bad to happen.”
Anticipatory Anxiety · Hypervigilance · Anxiety · Trauma Responses
Anticipatory Anxiety · Hypervigilance · Anxiety · Trauma Responses
“I'm always on edge.”
Hyperarousal · Hypervigilance · Stress · Anxiety
Hyperarousal · Hypervigilance · Stress · Anxiety
“I feel like I'm pretending all day.”
Masking · Unmasking · Autistic Burnout · Neurodivergent Burnout
Masking · Unmasking · Autistic Burnout · Neurodivergent Burnout
“People are judging me.”
Social Anxiety · Fear of Judgement · Rejection Sensitivity · Low Self-Esteem
Social Anxiety · Fear of Judgement · Rejection Sensitivity · Low Self-Esteem
“I keep replaying what happened.”
Rumination · Trauma · Flashbacks · Intrusive Thoughts
Rumination · Trauma · Flashbacks · Intrusive Thoughts
“I'm exhausted from coping.”
Burnout · Emotional Exhaustion · Mental Fatigue · Rest & Mental Health
Burnout · Emotional Exhaustion · Mental Fatigue · Rest & Mental Health
“I don't want to see anyone.”
Withdrawal · Isolation · Depression · Overwhelm · Burnout
Withdrawal · Isolation · Depression · Overwhelm · Burnout
“I feel like a failure.”
Low Self-Esteem · Shame · Guilt · Perfectionism · Depression
Low Self-Esteem · Shame · Guilt · Perfectionism · Depression
“I don't feel safe.”
Trauma · Hypervigilance · Safety Planning · Crisis Support
Trauma · Hypervigilance · Safety Planning · Crisis Support
Trusted Information Beyond Aspie Answers
Aspie Answers can help you learn and find pathways, while established health organisations can provide additional clinical and public-health information.
Healthify NZ
New Zealand health information covering mental-health conditions, symptoms, self-care and treatment information.
Visit Healthify NZ ↗World Health Organization
International information about mental health, mental disorders and related public-health topics.
Visit WHO Mental Health ↗
Growing Resource Library
Resources, Downloads & Collections
Topic pages can connect to the most useful resources without copying the same material across multiple parts of the site.
- Plain-language mental-health guides
- Conditions and symptoms explainers
- Study guides and educational packs
- Reflection sheets and journals
- Grounding and calming tools
- Emotional-regulation worksheets
- Coping-skills resources
- Burnout and recovery supports
- Safety-planning resources where appropriate
- Family and supporter resources
- Teacher and education resources where relevant
- Neurodivergent-friendly versions
- Easy Read versions where appropriate
- Large Print versions where appropriate
- Low Ink and Black & White editions where useful
- Companion editions where a Companion genuinely fits
Looking for the Meaning of a Mental Health Term?
The Topics A–Z and the Mental Health Glossary serve different purposes. This page helps you discover subject areas. The Glossary & Definitions branch will explain individual words, clinical terms, abbreviations and related language in more detail.
- plain-language meaning
- clinical or formal meaning where appropriate
- abbreviations and alternative wording
- “you may also hear...” terminology
- related concepts
- similar but different terms
- neurodivergent context where relevant
- stigma-aware language notes
- links back to relevant Topics A–Z pages
We will wire the final Glossary & Definitions destination here once that master branch URL is locked, rather than guessing now and creating another cleanup job later.
Need Support Rather Than General Information?
This A–Z is an educational index. If you are looking for services, professional support, crisis information or urgent help, use the relevant Aspie Answers support pathways instead of relying on a general topic page.
