​

Mental Health Glossary (A–Z)

Welcome to our Mental Health Glossary — a simple, plain-English guide to common terms you may come across when talking about stress, anxiety, counselling, and wellbeing.

This page is designed to help you feel more confident and informed about mental health, whether you’re looking for personal support or exploring ways to improve wellbeing in the workplace.

Jump to Section:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H–I | J–L | M | N–O | P | Q–R | S | T | U–Z

A

Addiction – A strong dependence on a substance or behaviour (like alcohol, drugs, or gambling) that continues despite harmful consequences.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) – A neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, organisation, and impulse control.

Anxiety – Persistent worry, fear, or nervousness that can affect daily life; symptoms may include racing thoughts, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping.

Avoidance – A coping strategy where someone steers clear of situations, thoughts, or feelings that cause anxiety or distress.

B

Bereavement – The process of grief and mourning after the loss of a loved one.

Boundaries – Healthy limits we set with ourselves and others to protect our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Burnout – Emotional and physical exhaustion often caused by long-term stress, usually related to work or caregiving.

C

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) – A type of talking therapy that helps people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.

Coping Strategies – Tools and techniques people use to manage stress, emotions, and challenges.

Counselling – A confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional. (See our Counselling Services page)

D

Depression – A persistent low mood that impacts energy, motivation, and enjoyment of life.

Dissociation – A mental state of feeling disconnected from thoughts, feelings, or surroundings, often linked to trauma.

E

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – A workplace benefit providing confidential counselling and support for staff. (See our Corporate Wellbeing Support page)

F

Fight, Flight, Freeze Response – The body’s natural survival response to stress or perceived danger.

G

Gratitude – Focusing on and appreciating the positives in life, which can improve mood and resilience.

Grief – The natural emotional response to loss, which can include sadness, anger, or numbness.

Grounding Techniques – Practical methods (like focusing on breathing or the senses) used to manage anxiety or flashbacks.

H–I

Insomnia – Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality rest.

Intrusive Thoughts – Unwanted, distressing thoughts or images that enter the mind, often linked to anxiety or OCD.

J–L

Low Self-Esteem – A negative view of oneself, often involving self-criticism or lack of confidence.

M

Mental Health – A person’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing — how we think, feel, and cope with life.

Mindfulness – The practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity.

N–O

Neurodivergent – A term for people whose brains work differently, such as those with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – A condition involving repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviours (compulsions).

P

Panic Attack – A sudden surge of intense fear, often with physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or shortness of breath.

Perfectionism – The constant drive to meet unrealistically high standards, often linked to stress and self-criticism.

Postnatal Depression – Depression that develops after childbirth, affecting mood, bonding, and energy.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – A mental health condition that can follow trauma, with symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

Q–R

Reframing – A technique that involves looking at a situation from a different, more helpful perspective.

Resilience – The ability to bounce back from challenges, setbacks, or difficult experiences.

S

Self-Care – Actions we take to look after our physical, emotional, and mental health.

Self-Compassion – Treating ourselves with the same kindness we would offer to a friend.

Shame – A painful feeling of being flawed or unworthy, often rooted in past experiences.

Sleep Hygiene – Healthy habits that promote good-quality sleep, like reducing screen time and keeping a routine.

Stress – The body’s reaction to pressure, challenges, or change; prolonged stress can impact mental and physical health. (Read our Stress Management Tips blog)

Stigma – Negative attitudes or stereotypes about mental health that stop people from seeking support.

Suicidal Thoughts – Thoughts about ending one’s life; a sign of deep distress that requires immediate support. (If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek urgent help.)

T

Therapy – Professional treatment that helps people explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviours to improve wellbeing.

Trauma – An emotional response to deeply distressing experiences, which may affect long-term mental health.

U–Z

Wellbeing – A broad sense of health, balance, and satisfaction across emotional, physical, and social aspects of life.

Window of Tolerance – A term describing the emotional zone where a person can function well, handle stress, and stay balanced. (See our Window of Tolerance Guide)

​