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Mental Health Resources

Know Your Mental Health

A Complete Guide to Mental Health Terms, Conditions, and Therapies

Understanding mental health is the first step toward emotional wellbeing. Many individuals search online for answers when they experience emotional distress, anxiety, stress, or changes in behaviour, but often encounter complex medical language.

This page is created as a mental health glossary to explain commonly used mental health terms, psychological conditions, and therapy approaches in simple, clear language. At Dr Tulika Mind Care, our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in seeking professional mental health care.

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Why Understanding Mental Health Terms Is Important

Knowing commonly used mental health conditions, symptoms, and therapy-related terms helps you:

  • Recognise early signs of emotional or psychological distress
  • Communicate clearly during counselling or therapy sessions
  • Reduce fear and stigma around mental health issues
  • Make informed decisions about mental health treatment

Mental Health Glossary (A–Z)

A
Adjustment Disorder

A stress-related condition that occurs when a person has difficulty coping with a significant life change such as divorce, job loss, relocation, or illness. It is commonly associated with stress management issues and emotional overwhelm.

Anxiety Disorder

A group of mental health conditions involving persistent and excessive fear, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety. These conditions often require structured anxiety counselling or therapy.

B
Behavioural Therapy

A type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhealthy or unhelpful behaviours through structured therapeutic techniques.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

A mental health condition characterised by emotional instability, impulsive behaviour, intense relationships, and fear of abandonment. Personality disorder treatment focuses on emotional regulation and coping skills.

Burnout

A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, especially related to work or caregiving. Workplace stress and chronic pressure are common contributors.

Boundaries

Healthy limits set to protect emotional energy and personal wellbeing. Establishing boundaries helps maintain balance in relationships and prevents emotional exhaustion.

C
Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Refers to emotional, psychological, and behavioural wellbeing in children and teenagers. Early child counselling and adolescent therapy support healthy development.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured and evidence-based form of CBT therapy that helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviours. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.

Counselling

Counselling services provide a supportive space to discuss emotional challenges, relationship issues, stress, or personal growth with a trained mental health professional.

D
Depression

A mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating. Effective depression treatment can significantly improve quality of life.

E
Emotional Regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotions in a healthy way. Difficulties with emotional control are common in anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders.

Emotional Wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing refers to understanding, managing, and expressing emotions positively. It is a key component of overall mental health.

G
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A condition involving chronic and excessive worry about everyday situations, often accompanied by fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep difficulties. GAD treatment focuses on therapy and coping strategies.

Gratitude Practice

A habit of acknowledging and appreciating positive aspects of life. Regular gratitude practice can improve mood, resilience, and overall mental health.

Grief Counselling

Professional grief therapy that helps individuals process emotional pain after the loss of a loved one and adjust to life changes.

I
Insomnia

A sleep disorder where a person has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Insomnia often impacts mental wellbeing and emotional balance.

M
Mental Health Assessment

A structured mental health consultation conducted by a professional to evaluate emotional, behavioural, and psychological symptoms and guide treatment planning.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness therapy involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It helps reduce stress, improve emotional clarity, and support mental resilience.

Mood Disorder

A category of mental health conditions that primarily affect emotional state, including depression and bipolar disorder.

O
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A condition involving recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. OCD therapy helps manage symptoms effectively.

P
Panic Attack

A sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fear of losing control. Panic disorder treatment focuses on anxiety management.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A trauma-related condition that may develop after a distressing event, causing flashbacks, emotional distress, and avoidance behaviours. Trauma therap supports emotional healing.

Psychotherapy

Professional support from a trained therapist to help address emotional, behavioural, and relational challenges. Psychotherapy provides tools for coping, growth, and mental wellness.

S
Self-Care

Mental health self-care includes activities that support emotional and psychological wellbeing, such as healthy routines, relaxation, and setting boundaries.

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem reflects how a person views and values themselves. Low self-esteem can impact confidence, relationships, and emotional health.

Social Anxiety

A type of anxiety disorder involving intense fear of social situations due to concerns about judgment or embarrassment. Social anxiety treatment helps build confidence and coping skills.

Stress

Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges. While short-term stress can be helpful, chronic stress negatively affects mental health and physical wellbeing.

T
Therapeutic Alliance

The professional relationship between a client and therapist built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. A strong therapeutic relationship improves treatment outcomes.

Trauma

Trauma is an emotional response to deeply distressing experiences. Unresolved trauma can affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviour over time.

W
Work-Life Balance

The practice of managing personal and professional responsibilities in a way that reduces stress and promotes overall wellbeing. Proper work-life balance supports mental clarity and emotional health.

Workplace Stress

Emotional or mental strain caused by job-related pressure, workload, or work environment. Stress management therapy can prevent burnout and improve wellbeing.

When Should You Seek Mental Health Support?

If symptoms such as persistent anxiety, mood changes, emotional distress, sleep problems, or difficulty coping with daily life continue for more than two weeks, seeking professional mental health counselling is strongly recommended. Early intervention leads to better recovery and long-term emotional stability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If emotional or mental health concerns are affecting your daily life, speaking with a qualified mental health professional can help you understand what you’re experiencing and explore supportive ways forward.

When life gets messy,
Reaching out for help is brave