Mental Health A-Z
A
Disorder marked by attention problems such as daydreaming, difficulty focusing, being easily distracted, fidgeting, or restlessness. For more, see Opens in a new tabAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Ages 11 to 21
Groups that provide specific support to students who identify as belonging to communities such as LGBTQ+, students of color, and students of faith.
The section of the brain that processes emotional experiences quickly, such as those that are fear-based or rewarding.
Feeling extremely worried or afraid much of the time, or repeatedly feeling panicky. For more, see Opens in a new tabAnxiety.
Component of the body’s nervous system that regulates involuntary functions and includes the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system.
B
A mental health condition characterized by wide mood swings and shifts in an individual’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from high (manic) to low (depressed). Bipolar disorder was previously referred to as manic depressive illness or manic depression. For more, see Opens in a new tabBipolar disorder.
C
A technique used to reduce stress and promote relaxation during moments of anxiety or tension. These strategies can include deep breathing, visualization, or grounding exercises to help someone feel in control of their emotions.
Clinical psychologists with specialized training who conduct detailed neuropsychological evaluations. This includes assessing general intellectual abilities, language, attention, memory, and emotional and behavioral functioning. Pediatric neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists who have special training in the way the brain develops in childhood and adolescence.
Nonprescribing mental health professionals who provide a range of social work services, including diagnosing and treating mental health conditions and behavioral issues.
A type of therapy that helps people understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and reactions, and teaches helpful coping strategies. For more, see Opens in a new tabWhat is cognitive behavioral therapy?
The shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that characterize a particular group or society. It plays a role in shaping how individuals within that culture interpret the world, interact with others, and solve problems. Cultural perspective can influence various aspects of life, including communication styles, traditions, and perceptions of health and well-being.
The ability to recognize another person’s distress combined with a genuine desire to help relieve that suffering.
Things a person can do to manage stress and maintain emotional balance during challenging situations. Examples of coping strategies include doing physical activity, spending time outdoors, and doing breathing exercises.
When two individuals each work to manage their own emotions to facilitate a more positive exchange during conflict or stress. For a parent, this might mean taking a minute to calm oneself before helping a child to self-regulate. For more, see Co-regulation.
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is a crucial hormone involved in sleep, metabolism, immune function, inflammation regulation, blood pressure control, and the body’s response to stress. It is the “fight, flight, or freeze” hormone that can keep you on “high alert.”
Bullying that takes place through digital technology such as text messaging or social media.
D
A day outpatient treatment program for mental health care and education. These programs may include individual and group therapy, as well as other therapeutic approaches and structured activities for skill building.
An approach to help defuse the intensity of a conflict or potentially volatile situation to enable a resolution or less emotionally charged communication. There are a variety of ways to help ease tension and high emotions that can de-escalate difficult emotions or situations and help avoid a mental health crisis. For more, see De-escalation.
Profound sadness, despair, or loss of enjoyment lasting at least two weeks. For more, see Opens in a new tabDepression overview.
The type of condition a person has. Diagnosis is also the process of figuring out which disease or condition explains a person’s symptoms.
A state of emotional, psychological, or physical suffering that can impact an individual’s overall well-being.
E
Someone younger than legal age — known as the age of majority, usually between 18 and 21 depending on the state — who has some or all of the rights of an adult in terms of privacy, legal and medical decision-making, and financial independence. Emancipation is granted through legal proceedings in a court or under state law if a minor meets certain criteria.
Strong, physiological reactions, often sparked by an event, individual, or thought. Emotions usually last seconds or minutes. Examples include joy, anger, disgust, or fear. For more, see Emotions vs. moods.
Recognizing and understanding the emotions, perspectives, and experiences of others while responding in a compassionate and supportive manner.
Chemicals released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress. Endorphins play a role in pain relief and help improve mood and reduce stress.
For more see Endorphins: The brain's natural pain reliever.
F
Complex mental health conditions that include dysfunctional eating behaviors and/or concerns about body weight or shape. These disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, and others.
The ability to adapt to new situations, changes in plans, and unexpected challenges.
An immediate, involuntary physiological response to a very stressful situation, causing hormonal changes, rapid heartbeat, and quickened breathing. For more, see Fight, flight, or freeze.
G
Small everyday experiences or moments that evoke feelings such as being centered, happy, or calm.
A way to focus on the present moment by bringing attention to sensory experiences in the environment, thereby redirecting attention away from distressing thoughts and feelings. For examples, see Grounding Exercises.
H
Acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal law governs health care data, establishes guidelines to protect the confidentiality of individuals’ health information, and regulates how identifiable information can be used or shared.
The section of the brain that coordinates the endocrine system. The hypothalamus signals the autonomic nervous system to activate during a stress response. For more, see Fight, flight, or freeze.
I
An individual’s view of who they are as a person that may include interests, culture, family, and preferences. One’s identity can influence their behavior and social interactions, including how one experiences mental health challenges and seeks care.
Acute treatment in a hospital or a specialized facility for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis that requires urgent intervention, close care, and 24-hour support. Goals are safety and stabilization. Length of stay averages seven to 10 days.
Granting permission to receive a treatment, therapy, medication, or service after being fully informed of potential risks, benefits, side effects, and alternative options.
Intentionally or unintentionally not accepting or recognizing — or directly refuting — the validity of someone’s feelings, experiences, or perspectives, which can cause emotional distress.
L
Licensed professionals who can independently practice clinical social work, including evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions.
Licensed professionals who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders under the continued clinical supervision of an LICSW.
Licensed mental health counselors who provide mental health and substance use care. LPCs must have a master's degree, complete hours of supervised experience, and pass relevant exams. They may work with individuals or with families, depending on their training.
Licensed professionals who may provide substance use diagnosis, counseling, treatment planning, and referrals. Their education and training varies.
M
A situation in which an individual is in serious emotional distress and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, click I need help.
A licensed professional who has specialized training in identifying and treating mental health conditions. The types of support offered vary depending on their licensing, training, and years of experience.
The principle mandated by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which requires that health insurance plans offer the same coverage for mental health conditions as for physical health conditions.
A term that encompasses an individual’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social well-being. For more, see What is mental wellness?
A positive or negative state of mind that can last hours, days, or longer. Mood can influence an individual's perceptions, thoughts, and interactions, and affect how they view themselves and the attitudes and behaviors of others. For more, see Emotions vs. moods.
N
Complex disorders that affect the growth and development of the brain and are often associated with impairments in cognitive and motor functions, communication, and adaptive behavior. These include intellectual disability, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disorder, and motor disorders.
Often called neuropsych testing, these tests evaluate a person’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional function — including memory, attention, problem-solving skills, language, and executive functions. Together, these tests can help identify conditions affecting brain function, and help in creating targeted interventions and treatment plans.
Language that communicates in a neutral and impartial way and avoids words and expressions that reflect personal judgments, opinions, or biases about individuals, situations, or behaviors.
A communication signal that does not involve spoken or written words. Examples of nonverbal cues include facial expressions, body language, eye contact, gestures, postures, and proximity (physical distance).
O
A mental health condition characterized by recurrent and unwanted thoughts, urges, or impulses, which are typically upsetting and difficult to control. The obsessions result in repetitive behaviors or mental acts — compulsions — in an attempt to alleviate the distress. For more, see Opens in a new linkObsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Therapy appointments that occur face-to-face at a provider’s location or via telehealth through a virtual session. Sessions are generally on a recurring basis, such as once a week or every other week..
P
The part of the automatic nervous system that promotes the "rest and digest" response that calms the body down after a stress response.
Licensed physicians (MDs or DOs) who can evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications, and may provide therapy.
Registered nurses with advanced training and certification who can evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions, and may provide therapy. They are qualified to provide and monitor medications (regulations vary by state).
Licensed professionals who can evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions; assess someone’s mental state, emotional processes, and behavior; and provide therapy. Clinical psychologists with more specialized training can also complete more detailed psychological and neuropsychological assessments.
R
The process of managing and adjusting one’s feelings, experiences, and expressions.
Methods used to relieve stress and tension and promote a state of calmness. Common techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises.
Working to heal a relationship rupture through active listening, acknowledgment of hurt feelings, and apology when appropriate. For more, see Repair.
Short-term live-in care to help diagnose and/or treat challenging mental health symptoms and conditions, or behavior that is dangerous to oneself or others. Residential programs can also assist when full-time supervision is needed if medications aren’t working well or need to be adjusted, though it is less intensive than inpatient hospitalization. The length of stay may vary from a few weeks to a month or longer. Individuals receive specialized care and therapies focused on stabilization and skill-building for successful reintegration into home and community.
The ability to handle difficulties and move forward.
A disruption or breakdown in a relationship that can result in tension, miscommunication, or a loss of trust. Common causes of rupture include misunderstandings, unmet expectations, emotional disconnects, or differences in personality or communication styles. Importantly, it also is a dynamic that may be able to be repaired depending on the situation and follow-up efforts.
A willingness to engage in actions or activities where the outcome could potentially result in physical or mental harm, danger, or negative consequences to oneself or others. Examples of risk-taking behaviors include reckless driving and unsafe sexual practices.
Constant thinking about negative feelings and experiences.
S
A licensed professional who specializes in mental wellness for school-age children and families. A school psychologist can conduct assessments like evaluations for special education accommodations, provide counseling, run prevention programming, coordinate with school staff, and consult with both health care and mental health providers outside of the school system.
A trained and licensed mental health professional who can assist with concerns around mental health or behavior. School social workers consult with caregivers, as well as teachers or administrators, to help support students. They can help identify mental health services and resources, manage care coordination and referrals outside of school, and may also provide individual or group counseling.
A certified or licensed professional with varied training and degrees depending on state and school district requirements. School counselors work with students on academic planning, achievement, and goal-setting. They also help guide students in making post–high school choices, such as work, military service, or further education. At some schools, these counselors also focus on emotions and interpersonal skills or mental health programming.
A registered nurse who provides medical care in the school setting. This may include mental health care, or a school nurse may refer you to another resource.
Often referred to as self-injury or self-abuse, self-harm is deliberate, self-inflicted injury to one’s physical body without the intention of death. Self-harm is a maladaptive way of coping with emotional or psychological distress, and can take various forms such as cutting, burning, or biting oneself.
The ability to appropriately manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a variety of situations, including those that may be emotionally challenging.
Negative attitudes, beliefs, or perceptions about certain behaviors, traits, conditions, or groups of people. Stigma toward mental health conditions and treatment can cause or increase feelings of shame, isolation, or self-doubt. It may also keep individuals from seeking mental health care. Stigma can be both societal and internalized.
Patterns of symptoms caused by recurrent misuse of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications despite negative effects on mental and physical health, relationships, and other aspects of day-to-day function.
The part of the automatic nervous system that triggers the fight, flight, or freeze response, providing the body with a burst of energy so that it can respond to perceived dangers.
V
Actively recognizing and acknowledging someone's thoughts, feelings, or experiences as real and understandable without expressing agreement or disagreement.
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