Mental Health Vocabulary
20 Mental Health Vocabulary Words with Meanings and Examples
1. Mental Health: The overall well-being of an individual’s mind, emotions, and behaviors.
- Example: It’s important to prioritize mental health just as much as physical health.
2. Mental Illness: A medical condition that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
- Example: Depression is a common mental illness.
3. Anxiety: A feeling of worry, fear, or unease.
- Example: Anxiety can be a normal response to stress, but it can also become a mental health disorder.
4. Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.
- Example: Depression can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
5. Bipolar Disorder: A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania and depression.
- Example: People with bipolar disorder may experience periods of high energy and euphoria followed by periods of low energy and sadness.
6. Schizophrenia: A severe mental health condition characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
- Example: Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that can affect a person’s ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, and relate to others.
7. Panic Attack: A sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
- Example: Panic attacks can be a debilitating symptom of anxiety disorders.
8. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A mental health condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
- Example: People with OCD often engage in repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety.
9. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition that develops after a person experiences a traumatic event.
- Example: PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating.
10. Phobia: An irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.
- Example: A person with a phobia may avoid situations that trigger their fear.
11. Stigma: A negative attitude or belief about a person or group based on their mental health condition.
- Example: Stigma can prevent people with mental health conditions from seeking help.
12. Therapy: Treatment for mental health conditions, often involving talking to a mental health professional.
- Example: Therapy can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
13. Medication: Drugs used to treat mental health conditions.
- Example: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers are examples of medications used to treat mental health conditions.
14. Self-Care: Activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
- Example: Self-care activities can include exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones.
15. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from adversity.
- Example: Building resilience can help people cope with stress and challenges.
16. Mental Health Awareness: The promotion of understanding and acceptance of mental health conditions.
- Example: Mental health awareness campaigns aim to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help.
17. Suicide Prevention: Efforts to prevent people from taking their own lives.
- Example: Suicide prevention hotlines and crisis intervention services provide support to individuals in distress.
18. Stigma: A negative attitude or belief about a person or group based on their mental health condition.
- Example: Stigma can prevent people with mental health conditions from seeking help.
19. Therapy: Treatment for mental health conditions, often involving talking to a mental health professional.
- Example: Therapy can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
20. Medication: Drugs used to treat mental health conditions.
- Example: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers are examples of medications used to treat mental health conditions.
Sources and related content
