A

Abandonment issues: Feelings of fear or anxiety regarding being left or abandoned by others.

 

Acceptance: Acknowledging our own, or others, thoughts and feelings without judgment.

 

Acute trauma: Trauma experienced from a brief single event. Example: Car accident

 

Adaptive Coping: Healthy methods of dealing with stress and adversity.

 

Addiction: A compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects. 

 

Adulting: Informal term referring to the responsibilities and tasks associated with being a mature adult.

 

Advocacy: The act of supporting and speaking up for the rights and needs of individuals with mental health challenges.

 

Agoraphobia: An anxiety disorder characterized by fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult.

 

Altruism: A selfless concern for the well-being of others, often enhancing one’s own mental health.

 

Amygdala: An area of the brain responsible for emotional memories, responses to fear, emotions and arousal, as well as being involved in the release of hormones that prepare the body for action.

 

Anorexia Nervosa: a type of eating disorder that may include body dysmorphia, restricting of foods, or over-exercising..

 

Anti-anxiety medication: Medication used to manage anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation.

 

Antidepressant: Medication used to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve mood.

 

Anxiety: A feeling of unease, often characterized by excessive worry or fear.

 

Anxiety Disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear.

 

Aromatherapy: the practice of using essential aromatic plant oils to support mental wellness through inhalation, impacting the nervous system.

 

Art therapy: Self expression through art, dance, music, writing, or theatre to strengthen mind-body connections while creating a narrative of past traumatic events.

 

Asana: A sanskrit term often translated as “pose” or “posture”. It is one of the 8 limbs of Yoga.

 

Attachment: the Emotional bond between an infant, partner, or caregiver.

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: (ADHD) A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction 

and communication.

 

Autonomy: The right to make one’s own decisions and govern oneself.

 

B

Behavioral Therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on modifying harmful behaviors through reinforcement techniques.

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Binary (gender): the concept that there are only two genders: male and female, and that these genders are distinct and opposite, often based on biological sex assigned at birth.

Biofeedback: A technique that teaches control over bodily functions through monitoring physiological processes.

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BIPOC: Stands for Black, Indigenous, People Of Color.

 

Bipolar disorder: A mental health condition marked by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels.

​

Bisexual: is a sexual orientation that describes people who are attracted to more than one gender.

 

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): A disorder characterized by intense mood swings, unstable relationships, and an unstable sense of self.

 

Boundaries: Personal limits and guidelines for self-care and respect in relationships and interactions.

 

Brain: the center of adaptation, exploration, procreation, and civilization. It is the master control of you and your body.

 

Brain Stem: The area of the brain that relays messages from the body to the rest of the brain (cerebrum & cerebellum) and vice versa. It also helps control many of the body’s vital functions such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, sleep and arousal.

 

Bulimia Nervosa: an eating disorder characterized by excessive and repetitive uncontrollable eating (binges of large amounts of food) over a short period of time, which is then followed by actions that try to get rid of the calories consumed (e.g. vomiting, laxative abuse, excessive exercise). 

 

Burnout: Extreme exhaustion, both physical and emotional, caused by long-term exposure to chronic stress inducing situations. Burnout can present as disassociation, exhaustion, headaches, cynicism, etc. Examples: Working long hours, heavy workload, taking on too many tasks.

 

C

Catastrophizing: A cognitive distortion where individuals overestimate the potential negative outcomes of a situation.

 

Catharsis: The release of pent-up emotions or tensions through various therapeutic means, such as talking or creative outlets.

 

Cerebellum: THE  latin for “little brain”. It is part of the brain located at the back of the head. it’s  important for coordinating movement, controlling balance and muscle tone.

 

Cerebrum: the largest part of the brain responsible for “higher functions” such as concentration, reason and abstract thinking. It consists of two connected hemispheres (halves) that are divided into the following four lobes: frontal, occipital, parietal and temporal.

 

Codependency: An unhealthy relationship dynamic where individuals excessively rely on one another for emotional well-being. Can sometimes arise out of unresolved insecurities and a strong desire for approval.

 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A goal-oriented therapy that aims to establish the link between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. 

 

Cognitive distortions: Inaccurate or biased thought patterns that can negatively impact mental well-being.

 

Cognitive load: the amount of information our working memory can process at one time. Cognitive load can be high when a task is complex, unfamiliar, or novel. Examples: navigating a complex website or completing a task while distracted.

 

Cognitive restructuring: The process of identifying and challenging negative or irrational thoughts and replacing them with more balanced and realistic ones.

 

Compassion: Deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with the wish to relieve it.

 

Compassion fatigue: Emotional exhaustion and reduced empathy experienced by individuals exposed to prolonged suffering or trauma of others.

Co-occurring disorders: The presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder

simultaneously.

 

Complex trauma: a form of trauma caused by  exposure to prolonged, repetitive, and/or multiple forms of abuse, violence, or neglect often invasive and interpersonal.

 

Coping skills: Mechanisms or strategies individuals use to manage stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions in their lives.

 

Counseling: A therapeutic approach that involves talking with a trained professional to explore and resolve personal challenges.

 

Crisis hotline: A phone service staffed with trained professionals who offer immediate assistance during mental health crises.

 

Chronic: something that is there most of the time for a long time. Often used to describe a disorder that lasts for years or more. This is the opposite of acute or temporary.

 

Chronic Trauma: Is defined as trauma from prolonged or repeated violence, abuse, or neglect.

 

D

Delusion: a disturbance of cognition where a person has fixed false beliefs that something has occurred or will occur that is not real. A common delusion is the belief that someone is trying to harm them, even though nobody is. Delusions are often associated with psychosis.

 

Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities.

Depressive Episode: describes a period of depression in MDD (major depressive disorder) or Bipolar Disorder. It includes at least 5 or more of these symptoms being present most of the time, mostly every day for 2 or more weeks: depressed mood, a clear decrease in interest or pleasure in most or all (once enjoyable) activities, a significant weight gain or loss without dieting or loss of appetite, unable to get enough sleep or too much sleep (Insomnia or Hypersomnia), slow movements or purposeless movements from mental tension such as, nervousness or restlessness, which is observable by others (also known as psychomotor agitation or retardation), feeling tired or having less than a normal amount of energy, feeling worthless or a lot of inappropriate guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness (have difficulties making decisions), recurrent (happening again and again) thoughts of death, suicidal ideation (thoughts and/or ideas about death or dying), suicide plan, or suicide attempt.

 

Diagnosis: a description that identifies a medical or mental condition or illness. A diagnosis is a medical act provided by doctors, psychologists and others trained in diagnosis. A diagnosis is not a label.

 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A therapeutic approach focused on regulating emotions and enhancing interpersonal skills.

 

Disorder: A disruption in normal bodily structure and function or psychological patterns.

 

Distress: mental or physical suffering. Distress is a part of normal life. Distress is not a mental disorder.

 

Dopamine: A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward.

 

Dual diagnosis: The presence of both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder in an individual.

 

Dyslexia: A neurodivergent  learning difference that affects how a person processes information, particularly when it comes to reading and writing.

E

Eating Disorders: are a group of mental conditions related to eating. People with (an) eating disorder(s) excessively control their eating, exercise and weight. These disorders include Bulimia, Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Eating disorders can be effectively treated using various psychological and medical treatments.

 

Ego: According to psychoanalytic theory, the part of the mind that mediates between desires and the real world.

 

Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT): a form of treatment for mental disorders in which improvements in the disorder are produced by the passage of an electric current through the brain. ETC is given with anesthetic and is most often used to treat severe mood disorders.

 

Electro-Encephalography (EEG): a technique that measures the electrical activity occurring in the brain by putting electrodes on top of a person’s scalp. It is often used to assess sleep disorders or to diagnose epilepsy.

 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A therapy technique often used to address trauma by processing disturbing memories.

 

Emotional Abuse: A form of abuse that involves undermining a person's sense of self-worth through verbal and non-verbal acts.

 

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): a somatic intervention that can significantly reduce physical and mental distress through self-stimulation of acupressure points on the body.

 

Emotional Inheritance of Trauma: the concept that Parents who have experienced trauma may transmit their  emotional pain or distress to their children, even if the child did not directly witness the traumatic event.

 

Emotional intelligence: (also known as Emotional Regulation) The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's emotions in a healthy and appropriate manner, as well as understand and empathize with others.

 

Emotional regulation skills: Strategies used to manage and control emotional responses to various situations and events.

 

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

 

Empowerment: The process of increasing one's confidence, autonomy, and ability to make decisions related to their own mental health.

 

Epigenetics of trauma: Trauma can alter gene expression, leading to changes in the body’s physiological response to stress that may be passed onto future generations.

 

Essential Oils: Plant extracts used in aromatherapy to promote emotional well-being.

 

Euphoria:  a much exaggerated sense of happiness or joy. In a mental disorder this can be found in Bipolar Disorder.

 

Eustress: Positive stress that motivates and helps individuals perform under pressure.

 

Exposure therapy: A technique in CBT used to help individuals confront their fears.

 

Extraversion: a personality type where someone is very outgoing and sociable. People with this personality feature are often called “extroverts”.

 

F

Family therapy: A type of therapy that involves family members in the therapeutic process to improve communication and resolve conflicts.

 

FOMO: A pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent.

 

Frontal lobe: An area of the brain that  is  important in controlling movement, planning behaviour (actions), reasoning, emotions, and problem solving.

 

Functional Impairment: a state in which a person is not functioning as they usually would or not functioning well in one or more areas of life (i.e. family, friends, intimate relationships, work, school) 

 

G

Gender identity: is a person’s internal, personal sense of being a man or a woman (or boy or girl.) For some people, their gender identity does not fit neatly into those two choices.

​

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): a mental disorder which is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about numerous possible events (not any single, specific event) that leads to problems with daily functioning. People with GAD worry all the time and experience many physical symptoms because of the worry (headaches, stomach aches, sore muscles, etc.) GAD can be effectively treated with psychological therapies or medications.

 

Generational trauma: (also known as intergenerational or trans-generational trauma) the transmission of traumatic experiences from one generation to the next. It can transmit to the next generation by direct exposure, learned behaviors, epigenetics, or emotional inheritance.

 

Genetic disposition: the probability that a disorder may be due to genetic factors passed on from parents to their children.

 

Grandiosity: having a highly exaggerated and unsubstantiated belief in your importance, ideas or abilities. Unrealistic amounts of grandiosity can be found in Mania and Hypomania.

 

Gratitude:  Recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, which can enhance well-being.

 

Gratitude practice: The intentional act of expressing or reflecting on things one is thankful for, often associated with increased well-being.

 

Gray matter: Grey matter is an essential type of tissue in the brain and spinal cord. It plays a significant role in mental functions, memory, emotions and movement.

 

Grounding techniques: Exercises used to help individuals stay connected to the present moment and reduce anxiety or distress. Examples: breathing exercises, mindful walking, object focus, 5-4-3-2-1 technique.

 

Grief: a normal emotion of  deep sorrow experienced after losing someone or something significant. Grief is not a mental disorder.

 

H

Hallucination: a disturbance of how your brain perceives the world. A person with a hallucination experiences senses that aren’t real (i.e. sound, sight, smell, taste, or touch). For example, a person with psychosis is hallucinating if they hear voices that aren’t occurring in reality.

 

Healing: The process of recovery from emotional, psychological, or physical wounds.

 

Health:a state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing and not just the absence of disease or infirmity. It includes mental health.

 

Healthy coping mechanisms: Adaptive strategies individuals employ to manage stress, emotions, and challenging situations in a positive and constructive manner. Examples: creating healthy boundaries, journaling, getting regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques.

 

Help lines: Services offering immediate support and assistance for mental health crises.

​

Heterosexual: people who are sexually or romantically attracted to people of the opposite sex.

 

Hippocampus: An area of the brain  involved in turning emotional information into memory, learning, and regulating (controlling) emotional responses.

 

Holistic: Approaching health and healing by considering the entire person—body, mind, and spirit.

 

Holistic therapy: A psychological perspective that emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-actualization.

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Homophobia: A culturally produced fear of or prejudice against homosexuals that sometimes manifests itself in legal restrictions or, in extreme cases, bullying or even violence against homosexuals (sometimes called “gay bashing”).

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Homosexuality: One who is sexually or romantically attracted to people of their same sex.

 

Hormones: chemicals formed in one part of the body and carried to another body part or organ where they have an impact on how that part functions. They are important in growth, development, mood, and metabolism (food uptake and breakdown). 

 

Hypomanic Phase (hypomania): a milder form of a manic phase. It is usually a part of bipolar disorder. Hypomania can be effectively treated with medication and psychological therapies.

 

Hypothalamus: An area of the brain which communicates with the limbic system to influence behaviour and emotions, controlling body functions such as temperature, sleep, appetite, sexual drive, stress reactions. Also helps control hormone release from the pituitary gland of the brain-endocrine system.

 

I

Introversion: a person to mostly focus on their inner selves and less on their social surroundings. People that have this personality characteristic are often called “introverts”.

 

Interpersonal therapy: A short-term therapy focused on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns.

 

Intervention: ​​ Actions taken to improve a situation or prevent it from getting worse, especially a medical disorder .

 

Involuntary status: a term used to describe someone who has been admitted into a psychiatric facility (usually a hospital) against their will or without their consent, under the authority and protection of the law.

 

J

Journaling: The practice of writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a form of self-reflection and emotional expression.

 

Judgement: The ability to form opinions about someone or something; may lead to stigma in mental health contexts.

 

K

Ketamine: an anesthetic and pain-killing drug with a long-standing record of safety. It has been used in the military as a quick, effective painkiller in the field since the 1960s. 

Recently, doctors have been using ketamine to alleviate symptoms from a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Ketamine blocks pain receptors in your brain and calms the HPA axis. Ketamine may also create healthy new synapses (connections between nerves) in your brain. For PTSD, ketamine is given at extremely low, sub-anesthetic doses to avoid complications such as excessive sleepiness and hallucinations.

 

L

Learned Behaviors of Trauma:trauma that may be based on by  Parents or caregivers who have experienced their own trauma may. They may pass this on in a number of ways including  unhealthy coping mechanisms, beliefs, and attitudes to their children.

LGBTQIA+ : Abbreviation for  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and additional undefined sexuality

 

LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy: An approach that affirms and respects the identities of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

 

Limbic system: An area of the brain that helps control emotions, memory, motivation, appetite, and arousal. The center for the “fight or flight” response to perceived danger. 

 

M

Manic Phase: one of the two phases of bipolar disorder (the other is Depression). It is a period of time during which the person with mania experiences very high energy and excessive activity elevated to the point where they may have difficulty controlling themselves or acting in an expected manner.

 

Meditation: A practice involving focusing the mind to achieve mental clarity and calmness. It is considered the 7th limb of Yoga.

 

Mental health: The state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being not just the absence of mental or behavioural disorder. It does not mean lack of distress. A person can have a mental disorder and mental health at the same time.

 

Mental Health Issue: a broad term used to describe mental distress, mental suffering or mental disorder. It is so broad that many researchers and health professionals think it is meaningless. We advise not using this term, but instead being clear about what you are talking about.

 

Mental health literacy: The knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions, treatments, and resources.

 

Mind-body connection: The relationship between an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and physical health.

 

Mindfulness: the practice of being in a state of nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment and one’s thoughts and feelings, often achieved through meditation or breathing exercises.

 

Mindset: A person's attitudes, beliefs, and way of thinking that shapes their behavior and perceptions.

 

Mindset shift: A change in one's perspective or way of thinking, often leading to personal growth or increased well-being.

 

Mind-wandering: The tendency of the mind to drift away from the present moment and engage in unrelated thoughts.

 

Mood: the current  inner emotional feeling experienced by a person.

 

Mood Disorders: a group of mental disorders related to problems in how the brain is controlling emotions. A person with a mood disorder experiences an abnormal change in mood. These include: major depressive disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Dysthymia.

 

Mood stabilizers: medicines used to help normalize mood. They are usually used to treat Bipolar Disorder. Some of these are: lithium, valproate, carbamazepine. Some of these medicines are also commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy.

 

N

Narcissistic: a quality or trait of a person who interprets and regards everything in relation to their own self and not to other people. It is associated with an unrealistic and highly inflated self worth.

 

Narcissistic personality Disorder: A disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others.

 

Narrative therapy: A form of therapy that seeks to help individuals rewrite their personal stories.

 

Nature bathing: inspired by the Japanese practice of “forest bathing”, nature bathing encourages the participant to be present in their body and focus on the sensations around them.

 

Negative symptoms: are symptoms of Schizophrenia that follow a lessening of executive functioning (conscious choice, intention, decision making; problem solving) in the brain. 

 

Neglect: The failure to provide for the  basic needs of a dependent person (i.e children, developmentally disabled adults, elderly), leading to emotional and psychological harm.

 

Nervous breakdown: An outdated term previously used to describe acute mental distress or emotional exhaustion.

 

Neurodevelopment: how the brain grows and changes over time.

 

Neurodivergent: a term used to describe people whose brains process information differently than what is considered typical. It is not a diagnosis, but rather a way of describing how people's brains work.

 

Neuron (nerve cell): a unique type of cell found in the brain and the spinal cord that processes and transmits information within the nervous system. 

 

Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

 

Neuroscience: the scientific study of the brain and the nervous system.

 

Neurotransmission: the process that occurs when a neuron releases special chemicals called neurotransmitters that relay a signal to another neuron across the synapse (a gap between parts of nerve cells).

 

Neurotransmitters: chemicals used to communicate messages that are being sent from one brain cell to another in the spaces between those cells. When the production, release, or uptake of any of these chemicals is impaired the brain may show problems in how it is working. Some examples of neurotransmitters are: dopamine, serotonin, noradrenalin, etc.

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Non-Binary:  Refers to a gender identity that falls outside of the traditional binary of male and female, encompassing a wide range of identities, including but not limited to agender, bigender, genderfluid, and genderqueer. 

 

O

Obsessions: repetitive, persistent, unwanted thoughts that the person cannot stop and which cause significant distress and impair the person’s ability to function. Mild and occasional obsessive thoughts are normal, but when they become severe and persistent they can be part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repeating behaviors (compulsions).

 

Occipital lobe: an area of the brain  responsible for vision.

 

Occupational Therapist: a trained health professional that focuses on increasing a person’s independent functioning, improving social skills, and preventing disability using self-care, employment, and recreational (fun) activities. For example, helping someone with a mental or physical disability develop job competencies or improve their daily living skills.

 

Overgeneralization: A cognitive distortion where a person concludes a general rule based on a single incident.

 

P

Panic attack: A sudden and intense episode of fear or anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. This is an episode caused by the brain believing the body is in significant danger and reacting with all of the autonomic processes necessary to keep the body safe - increased heart rate, increased respiration, flood of adrenaline to prepare for fight or flight, etc. 

 

Panic Disorder: a mental disorder. A person with panic disorder has panic attacks, expects and fears the attacks and avoids going to places where escape may be difficult if a panic attack happens. Sometimes, people with Panic Disorder can develop Agoraphobia. Panic Disorder can be effectively treated with psychological therapies and/or medications.

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Pansexuality: is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction to individuals of all genders, regardless of their gender identity or expression. 

 

Paranoia: An irrational and persistent feeling that people are out to get you or that you are being persecuted.

​

parasympathetic nervous system (PNS): is a part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting "rest and digest" activities. 

 

Parietal lobe: an area of the brain responsible for recognition (i.e. knowing what things are), body movement in space, as well as taste and some touch.

 

Patient advocate: a person who helps a patient (or a patient’s family) with problems and complaints in relation to care or help that they are getting from any agency or institution (hospital, clinic, psychiatric clinic, etc.) Patient advocates can speak on behalf of the patient (or family) and can often be helpful during times of disagreement between the patient (or family) and health care professionals. Many hospitals employ people who act as patient advocates

 

Peer support: Support from others who have experienced or are experiencing similar mental health challenges.

 

Peer support specialist: A person who uses their own experiences of recovery from mental illness to support others facing similar challenges.

 

Perception:the mental process of becoming aware of or recognizing information that comes from the five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch or taste. Proprioception (knowing where your body parts are without looking) is also a type of perception.

 

Personal Boundaries: Limits that individuals set for themselves in relationships, important for mental health.

 

Personality Disorders: a general term for a group of behavioural disorders characterized by lifelong behaviour patterns. People with Personality Disorders don’t adjust or function well in changing social environments. Signs of these patterns may include poor judgment, emotional control, impulse control, relationship functioning, etc.

 

Phobia: An excessive, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.

 

Play therapy: A therapeutic approach that uses play to help children express their feelings and experiences.

Positive symptoms: symptoms found in psychosis, often in Schizophrenia. They include hallucinations, delusions, loose associations (unclear connections between ideas or disorganized flow of conversation topics), ambivalence (wanting to act one way but act in a way that is opposite to that), or unstable or quickly changing emotions.

 

Postpartum Depression:  A form of clinical depression that can affect women after childbirth.

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event in which they felt scared or helpless and during which they were in danger of death or severe injury. People who develop PTSD may experience flashback memories or nightmares of the event and might avoid things that remind them of the event. During these episodes their brain signals to the body that it is the same degree of danger that it was during the original trauma. 

 

Preventative care :Health care aiming to prevent disease and maintain overall well-being rather than treating conditions after they arise.

 

Prognosis: an educated guess, based on previous evidence and scientific study, of how the disorder will affect the person over time. Your health provider will estimate the length of time the disorder will be present and how it may affect you. A prognosis can change over time. For example, if a treatment is very helpful then the prognosis may improve.

 

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, Primarily involves prescribing psychotropic medications.

 

Psychiatry: The branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, primarily with medication. .

 

Psychodynamic therapy: A therapeutic approach that focuses on exploring unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and patterns in relationships.

 

Psychologist: A professional who studies the human mind and behavior, often providing therapy or conducting research.

 

Psychosis: A severe mental condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality, often involving 

delusions or hallucinations.

 

Psychosocial: The interaction between psychological factors and social factors, influencing mental health.

 

Psychosomatic: Referring to physical symptoms that are influenced or caused by mental or emotional factors.

 

Psychotherapy: A form of therapy that uses psychological techniques to improve a person's mental health.

 

Psychotropic medications: Drugs used to treat mental health disorders, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.

 

Q

R

Racism: a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

​

Receptor: a special part of a neuron where different chemicals from other neurons (neurotransmitters) or medicines attach, leading to messages going between neurons being sent or blocked.

 

Recovery: The process of restoring and regaining overall health and well-being from a mental health condition.

 

Recreation Therapist: a professional that is trained in the specific area of therapy that uses recreational and leisure methods, such as games and activities, to improve a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and relationship functioning.

 

Recreation Therapy: a type of therapy that uses methods such as games and group activities to improve a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and relationship functioning.

 

Relapse: when a person with a mental disorder who has been in remission or recovery gets sick again.

 

Reflexology: A therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet or hands to promote healing.

 

Regulation: The ability to manage emotional responses in healthful ways.

 

Relaxation Techniques: Strategies designed to reduce stress and promote physical and emotional well-being.

 

Remission: when a person’s symptoms decrease and they return to their usual state after having an active phase of a disorder.

 

Resilience: The ability to bounce back and adapt to stressful situations.

 

Risk factor:  anything that increases a person’s chances of getting a disorder (can be aspects of a person’s health, genetics, lifestyle or environment). Remember, risk factors increase a person’s chances of getting a disorder – they do not cause the disorder. And, risk factors can be weak or strong. So having a specific risk factor may or may not be important for the person.

 

Rumination: Repetitive and obsessive overthinking, often focused on negative thoughts or experiences.

Acceptance

 

S

Schizoaffective Disorder: a psychotic disorder that has symptoms of both Schizophrenia and a major mood disorder. People with Schizoaffective disorder can be effectively treated with medications and other additional treatments.

 

Schizophrenia: A chronic mental disorder characterized by distorted thoughts, hallucinations, and difficulty distinguishing reality from imagination.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): a type of Major Depressive Disorder that usually happens to people only or mostly at certain times of year (for example: winter).

 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): a group of medications used to treat depression. These medications work mainly in the serotonin system of the brain.

 

Self-care: Actions individuals take to promote their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

 

Self-compassion: Extending kindness, understanding, and support towards oneself, especially in times of

struggle or self-criticism.

 

Self-esteem: A person's overall subjective evaluation of their worth and value. Examples: High self esteem, low self esteem, defensive, fragile, and healthy self esteem.

 

Self–harm: any injury that a person inflicts on themselves without the intent to die. Examples of self-harming behaviours include: burning or cutting following an emotionally upsetting event, burning or cutting as a method of manipulation or threat, burning or cutting as a way of consolidating and concentrating physical pain so as to distract from psychological pain.  

 

Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Therapy: (SMART) a modality geared toward children and teens who have experienced complex trauma. SMART utilizes sensory input, movement, and play to help children develop a stronger sense of self, build relationships, and process traumatic experiences.

 

Separation Anxiety Disorder:  An Anxiety Disorder diagnosed in children which makes it very hard for them to be away from their parent or caregiver.. People with Separation Anxiety Disorder can often be helped with psychological treatments.

 

Serotonin: A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite.

 

Social anxiety: A persistent fear of social situations, it might include anIntense fear or anxiety about being judged or evaluated in social situations, often leading to avoidance.

 

Social support: A group or network of trusted caring individuals providing emotional support, assistance, encouragement, companionship and informational assistance to someone in need. Examples: friends, family, gym group, congregation, peer group.

 

Social Worker: a professional who is educated to deal with social, emotional, and environmental problems that may be associated with a disorder or disability. Services provided by social workers may include case management (connecting patients with programs that meet their needs), counselling, human service management, social welfare policy analysis, and policy and practice development.

 

Sociopath (or psychopath): a person with antisocial personality disorder  - a mental health condition in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong.- 

 

Sociopathy:the behavior patterns and personality traits a sociopath displays such as superficial (fake) charm, having a lack of remorse (doesn’t feel badly/guilty about doing something wrong), and others.

 

Somatic: relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind. For example: sore muscles, fatigue, and headache are all somatic (also known as physical) sensations.

 

Somatic Breathwork: This is a modality that involves the manipulation of the breath to bring one into a sense of calm.

 

Somatic Experience: Therapy focused on the connection between the mind and whole body, particularly in relation to trauma.

 

Sound Healing: (Sound Bathing) an ancient somatic technique tracking back 40,000 years and is a form of focused awareness type meditation.

 

Stereotypes: Oversimplified ideas about groups, often leading to misunderstandings and stigma in mental health.

 

St. John’s Wort: an herb that some people think can help treat Depression.

 

Stigma: Negative attitudes or stereotypes that lead to discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions.

 

Stress:the body’s reaction when forces such as infections or toxins disrupt the body’s normal physiological equilibrium (homeostasis). Psychological stress develops in response to when a person perceives a threat, real or imagined, and determines whether they have the skills or resources to cope with the perceived threat. Stress is necessary for learning how to adapt. Too much stress can lead to a variety of health problems.

 

Stimulants: a group of medications that improve various aspects of brain function: such as: alertness, concentration, etc. They are often used to treat ADHD.

 

Substance Abuse Disorder: A condition characterized by an individual's compulsive pattern of use of substances despite negative consequences.

 

Suicidal ideation: Thoughts or discussions about suicide, which require immediate attention and intervention.

 

Suicidal intervention: Immediate action taken to address and prevent self-harm or suicidal behavior.

 

Supported decision making: the process in which a vulnerable person is provided advice, support, and assistance by their support network so they can make and communicate their own decisions.

 

Support group: A gathering of individuals facing similar challenges, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and offering support.

 

Support system: A network of individuals who provide emotional, practical, and sometimes financial support.

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Sympathetic nervous system (SNS): is a network of nerves that controls the body's "fight-or-flight" response. It's part of the autonomic nervous system, which also includes the parasympathetic nervous system (PANS). 

 

Symptom: an occurrence of any type experienced by a person that differs from their normal in structure, behaviour, sensation, emotion or cognition that indicates illness or disease.

 

Synapse or synaptic space: a space between neurons (nerve cells). Neurons release chemicals into this space that regulate how messages in the brain operate.

 

Syndrome: a collection of signs (what a person observes about another person) and symptoms (what a person experiences) that describes a disease.

 

Systematic Desensitization: a type of psychological treatment which gradually introduces things that a person fears so that they gradually overcome their fears.

 

T

Tai Chi: an ancient Chinese martial art. Initially developed for combat and self-defense. It involves a physical practice of  slow movements and postures.

 

Talk Therapy: A general term for therapy that involves talking to a trained mental health professional.

 

Teen mental health: a teen’s state of emotional and spiritual wellbeing and not just the absence of disease. Focusing to improve the mental health and ability of teens’ academic, social, physical, and other functioning will, in turn, increase their ability to contribute to society in the short term and in the long term in meaningful ways. It is based on the brain’s ability to adapt.

 

Temporal lobe: an area of the brain  important in the processing (i.e. knowing what things mean) and recognition (i.e. knowing what things are) of sounds as well as, the recognition and memory of objects and faces.

 

Thalamus: an area of the brain that receives information from all parts of the nervous system and relays it to the appropriate parts of the brain that deal with sensation and motor (movement) signals. It also helps to regulate sleep and wakefulness.

 

Therapeutic alliance: The collaborative bond between therapist and client, essential for successful therapy outcomes.

 

Therapist: A licensed professional who provides guidance and support to individuals facing mental health 

Challenges.

 

Therapy: the treatment of disease or disorder by any method.

 

Tolerance: A condition that occurs when the body gets used to a medicine so that either more medicine is needed or different medicine is needed.

 

Transference: A phenomenon in therapy where clients project feelings about important people in their lives onto the therapist.

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Transgender: is a term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

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Transphobia or transmisia: are when people have deeply rooted negative beliefs about what it means to be transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming.

 

Trauma: a term defined as a lasting emotional response to living through a distressing event or series of events. There are four main categories: Acute, chronic, complex, and generational.

 

Trauma Bonding: A strong emotional attachment that can develop from cycles of abuse or trauma.

 

Trauma-informed care: Approaches that recognize and respond to the impact of traumatic experiences on 

Individuals.

 

Treatment: medical, psychological, social or surgical management and care of a patient.

 

Trichotillomania: a mental disorder and subcategory of obsessive compulsive disorder. . People with Trichotillomania pull out their hair over and over again leaving noticeable hair loss. The person usually experiences tension before pulling the hair or if they try to stop themselves from pulling the hair and feel either pleasure or relief when pulling the hair out.

 

Trigger: Something that activates distressing emotions or memories, often associated with trauma.

 

Trigger management: Strategies and skills used to minimize the impact and potential harm of triggers on mental well-being.

 

Trigger Warning: A notification alerting individuals that content may be distressing or potentially traumatic.

 

U

 

V

Validation: A therapeutic act of acknowledging and accepting someone's feelings, experiences, or thoughts as valid and important.

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Vagus nerve: is an integral part of your autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your body after you've been in a stressful situation. This part of your nervous system controls the things your body does without your conscious input, such as breathing, digesting food, and sweating. 

The vagus nerve carries signals from your brain to other parts of your body, like your heart or intestines, to initiate this process.

 

Violence: emotional, sexual and/or physical abuse towards someone usually in an effort to gain power or control of another person or group of people.

 

Vulnerability: The willingness to show emotional openness and risk exposure to criticism or harm.

 

Voluntary admission: being admitted as a patient to a mental health unit for treatment (usually in a hospital) based on a person’s agreement to be admitted.

 

Voluntary patient: a person who stays in a psychiatric facility (usually a hospital) by their own consent or with the consent of the substitute decision maker.

 

W

​​Well-being: The state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.

 

Wellness: An active process of making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.

 

Wellness plan: A personalized set of strategies and goals focused on maintaining mental and physical well-being.

 

Withdrawal: a physical  response to a sudden stopping of use of a medication or drug. Symptoms of withdrawal can include: nausea, chills, cramps, diarrhea, hallucinations, etc. Withdrawal often occurs in addiction / substance dependence but most people who experience it are not addicted. Another meaning of withdrawal is the self directed avoidance of social contact. This can be seen in some mental disorders such as: Depression, Schizophrenia, Panic Disorder, etc.

 

X

Xenophobia: is the fear or dislike of people, ideas, or things perceived as foreign or strange, rooted in the belief that there's a conflict between an "in-group" and an "out-group". 

 

Y

Yoga: the word itself is derived from the Sanskrit word, ’Yuj’, loosely translated to mean “union”, “to yoke”, “to join”. This is an ancient hindu practice with the philosophy of connecting the body, breath, and mind.

 

Yoga Therapy: The use of yoga practices and philosophies as a therapeutic intervention for mental and physical health.

 

Z

Zoning out: A colloquial term referring to a loss of focus or a temporary disconnect from reality, often as a response to stress or anxiety.