Glossary
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Anxiety
What it is: Anxiety is a state of worry, tension, unease, or fear that can affect the mind and body. It can show up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, irritability, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or feeling constantly on edge.
What it is not: Anxiety is not simply “overreacting,” being weak, or failing to cope well enough. It is also not the same thing as caring deeply about something, although the two can overlap.
MYTH: Anxiety is not always dramatic or obvious. Some people look calm, successful, and high functioning while feeling deeply anxious inside.
Attachment Style
What it is: Attachment style refers to patterns of emotional bonding, trust, closeness, and self protection that often develop through early relationships and later shape adult relationships.
What it is not: It is not a permanent life sentence or a fixed personality type. It does not fully define your worth, compatibility, or future in relationships.
MYTH: Knowing your attachment style does not automatically solve your relationship patterns. Awareness helps, but change still requires reflection, boundaries, and practice.
Avoidance
What it is: Avoidance is the habit of pulling away from thoughts, feelings, tasks, conversations, or situations that feel uncomfortable, threatening, or overwhelming.
What it is not: It is not always laziness or lack of care. Sometimes it is a short term self protection strategy that has become a long term pattern.
MYTH: Avoiding stress does not always make stress smaller. Often it makes fear, guilt, and overwhelm grow in the background.
B
Boundaries
What it is: Boundaries are the emotional, mental, physical, and relational limits that help protect your wellbeing, energy, time, and sense of self.
What it is not: Boundaries are not punishments, walls, or ways to control other people. They are not about being cold, harsh, or selfish.
MYTH: Healthy boundaries do not ruin good relationships. They usually make healthy relationships clearer, calmer, and more respectful.
Burnout
What it is: Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can happen after prolonged stress, pressure, overload, or chronic overextension.
What it is not: It is not just being tired after a busy week. It is also not a sign that you are not strong enough for your life or work.
MYTH: Burnout is not fixed by one weekend off or one self care ritual. Real recovery usually requires changes in workload, expectations, rest, and nervous system strain.
C
Cognitive Overload
What it is: Cognitive overload happens when your brain is carrying more information, decisions, pressure, or stimulation than it can process effectively in the moment.
What it is not: It is not proof that you are unintelligent, lazy, or incapable. It is often a sign that your mental bandwidth is overloaded.
MYTH: Being busy does not mean your brain can handle unlimited input. Productivity drops when your mind is overloaded for too long.
Compassion Fatigue
What it is: Compassion fatigue is the emotional and mental exhaustion that can build up when you are repeatedly caring for, supporting, or helping others who are struggling or in crisis. It often shows up as numbness, irritability, or feeling “over it” even when you still care.
What it is not: It is not a sign that you are heartless or do not care enough. It is also not the same as simple stress from a busy schedule.
MYTH: Compassion fatigue does not mean you are a bad caregiver or support person. It usually means your own emotional reserves need attention and replenishing.
Coping Mechanism
What it is: A coping mechanism is a thought, behavior, habit, or tool people use to manage stress, emotional discomfort, or difficult experiences.
What it is not: It is not automatically healthy just because it brings relief. Some coping strategies soothe in the short term but create bigger problems over time.
MYTH: Not all coping is healing. Numbing out, overworking, or shutting down can also be coping mechanisms.
D
Decision Fatigue
What it is: Decision fatigue is the mental exhaustion that builds after making too many choices, solving too many problems, or carrying too much responsibility without enough rest.
What it is not: It is not indecisiveness as a personality flaw. It is often a sign that your cognitive energy is depleted.
MYTH: Highly capable people still experience decision fatigue. Being smart or disciplined does not make the brain immune to overload.
Depression
What it is: Depression is more than sadness. It can involve low mood, emptiness, loss of interest, fatigue, hopelessness, slowed thinking, irritability, sleep changes, or difficulty functioning.
What it is not: It is not simply “a bad attitude,” laziness, or a lack of gratitude. It is also not the same as a brief emotional slump after a hard day.
MYTH: People with depression do not always look visibly miserable. Some keep working, socializing, and showing up while feeling numb or deeply unwell internally.
Dissociation
What it is: Dissociation is a feeling of disconnection from yourself, your body, your emotions, or your surroundings. Some people describe it as feeling unreal, foggy, distant, or emotionally absent.
What it is not: It is not the same as daydreaming or simply being distracted. It is also not a sign that someone is “crazy.”
MYTH: Dissociation is not always dramatic. It can be subtle and still affect focus, presence, and daily functioning.
E
Emotional Regulation
What it is: Emotional regulation is the ability to notice, process, express, and manage emotions without becoming completely controlled by them.
What it is not: It is not suppressing feelings, pretending to be fine, or never getting upset. Healthy regulation includes feeling emotions without being ruled by every impulse.
MYTH: Emotional regulation does not mean becoming less emotional. It means becoming more steady, aware, and skillful with emotions.
Executive Function
What it is: Executive function refers to mental skills that help you plan, prioritize, organize, remember, initiate tasks, and follow through.
What it is not: It is not just about intelligence or ambition. A person can be highly intelligent and still struggle badly with executive function under stress.
MYTH: Executive function problems are not always laziness or poor discipline. Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and overload can all affect them.
F
Fight or Flight
What it is: Fight or flight is the body’s automatic stress response to perceived danger. It prepares you to confront, escape, or react quickly when something feels threatening.
What it is not: It is not always a rational response to actual danger. The nervous system can react strongly even when the threat is emotional, social, or remembered rather than immediate.
MYTH: If your body reacts strongly, that does not automatically mean you are in true danger. Sometimes your stress system is activated, not your actual safety.
Freeze Response
What it is: The freeze response is a stress reaction where the body and mind feel stuck, numb, or unable to move or respond. Instead of fighting or running, you may shut down, go blank, or feel paralyzed.
What it is not: It is not “doing nothing on purpose,” being lazy, or choosing not to act. It is an automatic survival response, not a moral decision.
MYTH: Freezing is not a weaker response than fight or flight. It is one of the ways the nervous system tries to cope with overwhelming threat.
G
Gaslighting
What it is: Gaslighting is a manipulative pattern where someone causes another person to doubt their memory, perception, feelings, or sense of reality.
What it is not: It is not the same as ordinary disagreement, poor communication, or someone simply remembering events differently.
MYTH: Not every uncomfortable interaction is gaslighting. The term should be used carefully so it does not lose meaning.
Grounding
What it is: Grounding is a set of techniques that help bring attention back to the present moment when someone feels overwhelmed, panicked, dissociated, or mentally flooded.
What it is not: It is not a magical fix that instantly removes distress. It is a support tool that helps the body and mind regain steadiness.
MYTH: Grounding is not only for panic attacks. It can also help during stress spirals, intrusive thoughts, emotional flooding, or shutdown.
H
Hypervigilance
What it is: Hypervigilance is a state of being overly alert, watchful, or tense, often because the mind and body are scanning for possible danger or problems.
What it is not: It is not simply being observant or responsible. It often comes from chronic stress, trauma, or prolonged emotional insecurity.
MYTH: Hypervigilance is not a useful superpower in every situation. It can be exhausting and can make rest, trust, and focus much harder.
High Functioning Anxiety
What it is: High functioning anxiety describes a pattern where someone appears capable, productive, and composed on the outside while managing significant anxiety internally. They may overperform, overprepare, or overthink to cope.
What it is not: It is not “fake anxiety” or just being driven and ambitious. It is also not less valid than anxiety that is more visible.
MYTH: If someone is successful and high achieving, that does not mean they are not struggling with anxiety. The anxiety may be part of what fuels the overperforming.
I
Intrusive Thoughts
What it is: Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that enter the mind suddenly and often feel disturbing, repetitive, or out of character.
What it is not: They are not the same as intentions, desires, or secret wishes. Having an intrusive thought does not mean you want to act on it.
MYTH: Intrusive thoughts are not proof of who you are. Many people experience them, especially during anxiety, stress, or OCD related distress.
Imposter Syndrome
What it is: Imposter syndrome is the ongoing feeling that you are a fraud, that your success is undeserved, and that you will be “found out,” even when there is clear evidence of your competence.
What it is not: It is not humility or simply being modest. It is also not an accurate measure of your actual skills or value.
MYTH: Imposter syndrome is not something only beginners feel. Many experienced, accomplished people continue to struggle with it at every level of success.
J
Journaling
What it is: Journaling is the practice of writing down your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and reflections to better understand yourself, process emotions, and track patterns over time.
What it is not: It is not just keeping a perfect diary of events or writing beautifully for other people to read. It does not have to look pretty or be done every day to be useful.
MYTH: Journaling is not only for “creative” or “emotional” people. It can be a practical mental health tool for anyone who wants more clarity, self awareness, and emotional regulation.
K
Kindling (in Mental Health)
What it is: In mental health, “kindling” is the idea that repeated episodes of a condition, such as depression or certain mood episodes, can make future episodes more likely or more easily triggered over time.
What it is not: It is not a guarantee that you will always get worse or that you cannot improve. It is a concept, not a prediction of your personal future.
MYTH: Kindling does not mean treatment or prevention is pointless. Early support, ongoing care, and lifestyle changes can still make a significant difference.
L
Lived Experience
What it is: Lived experience refers to the personal, direct experience of mental health challenges, recovery, or related struggles. It is the knowledge gained by going through something yourself.
What it is not: It is not the same as professional training or a clinical qualification, and it does not replace medical or therapeutic expertise.
MYTH: Lived experience is not “less valuable” than professional knowledge. Both can be powerful and complementary, especially when used with care and boundaries.
M
Mood
What it is: Mood is the emotional tone or feeling state that shapes how you feel over a period of time. It can shift based on stress, environment, physical state, relationships, and mental health.
What it is not: It is not exactly the same as a fleeting emotion in a single moment. Mood tends to be broader and longer lasting than a quick reaction.
MYTH: Being in a low mood does not automatically mean someone has depression. Mood changes can happen for many reasons and vary in intensity and duration.
N
Nervous System
What it is: The nervous system is the body’s communication network that helps control stress responses, alertness, energy, rest, and how the body reacts to internal and external experiences.
What it is not: It is not just an abstract wellness buzzword. It refers to real body based processes that affect emotions, tension, attention, and recovery.
MYTH: You cannot “hack” your nervous system into permanent calm. Regulation is usually built through repetition, safety, rest, and consistent supportive habits.
O
OCD
What it is: OCD, or obsessive compulsive disorder, involves unwanted recurring thoughts, fears, or urges, along with mental or physical behaviors a person may feel driven to do to reduce distress.
What it is not: It is not simply liking things clean, neat, or organized. Casual misuse of the term can minimize a serious and often exhausting condition.
MYTH: OCD is not always visible hand washing or checking. It can also be mental, hidden, and centered around disturbing thoughts rather than obvious rituals.
P
Panic Attack
What it is: A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or distress that can include rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shaking, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a sense of losing control.
What it is not: It is not the same as ordinary stress or a vague moment of nervousness. It is also not “being dramatic.”
MYTH: Panic attacks do not always happen because of a visible crisis. They can happen unexpectedly, even in ordinary settings.
People Pleasing
What it is: People pleasing is the habit of prioritizing approval, harmony, or other people’s comfort in ways that repeatedly override your own needs, truth, or boundaries.
What it is not: It is not the same as being kind, generous, or considerate. The difference is that people pleasing often comes with fear, resentment, or self abandonment.
MYTH: People pleasing is not “just being nice.” It can be a stress response rooted in fear of conflict, rejection, or disapproval.
Perfectionism
What it is: Perfectionism is the pressure to meet unrealistically high standards, avoid mistakes, and maintain control in ways that are often tied to self worth or fear of failure.
What it is not: It is not the same as having high standards, caring about quality, or wanting to do well.
MYTH: Perfectionism does not always improve performance. It often creates procrastination, anxiety, burnout, and chronic dissatisfaction.
Q
Quality of Life
What it is: Quality of life describes your overall sense of wellbeing and satisfaction with life, including emotional health, relationships, daily functioning, environment, and ability to enjoy your day to day reality.
What it is not: It is not defined only by income, status, or visible achievements. You can have outward success and still have a low quality of life if you feel unwell or deeply unhappy.
MYTH: Quality of life is not selfish to care about. Wanting a life that feels livable and meaningful is a core part of mental and emotional health.
R
Regulation
What it is: Regulation refers to the process of helping the mind and body return to a steadier state after stress, activation, or emotional upset.
What it is not: It is not emotional numbness or robotic control. It is not about never feeling stressed in the first place.
MYTH: Regulation is not one technique. It is usually a combination of awareness, body based tools, routines, boundaries, and support.
Relapse
What it is: Relapse is a return to a previous pattern, behavior, symptom pattern, or condition after a period of improvement or recovery.
What it is not: It is not proof that all progress was fake or lost. It does not erase the work someone has already done.
MYTH: Relapse is not always the end of recovery. For many people, it is a setback that can be learned from and addressed with support.
Rumination
What it is: Rumination is the repeated cycle of overthinking distressing thoughts, feelings, problems, or past situations without reaching relief or resolution.
What it is not: It is not the same as healthy reflection or problem solving. Reflection helps you understand and move forward, while rumination often keeps you stuck.
MYTH: Thinking about a problem more does not always solve it. Rumination can increase anxiety, guilt, and hopelessness instead.
S
Self Esteem
What it is: Self esteem is your overall sense of value, worth, and regard for yourself. It affects how you see yourself, what you tolerate, and how you move through the world.
What it is not: It is not arrogance, vanity, or thinking you are better than other people.
MYTH: Self esteem is not built only by praise. It often grows through integrity, self respect, consistency, and keeping promises to yourself.
Self Sabotage
What it is: Self sabotage refers to patterns where a person blocks, delays, undermines, or disrupts their own goals, wellbeing, or progress, often without fully understanding why.
What it is not: It is not always conscious or intentional. It is also not proof that someone does not truly want a better life.
MYTH: Self sabotage is not just laziness. It can be linked to fear, shame, low self worth, trauma, or discomfort with change.
Stigma
What it is: Stigma refers to negative beliefs, stereotypes, attitudes, or social judgments directed toward people with mental health conditions or emotional struggles. It can prevent people from seeking help or speaking openly.
What it is not: It is not the same as a diagnosis or a symptom. It is a social response that can create shame, silence, or discrimination.
MYTH: Stigma is not harmless language. It can shape whether people feel safe enough to ask for support or continue treatment.
T
Trigger
What it is: A trigger is something that activates a strong emotional, mental, or physical reaction because it connects to stress, fear, trauma, grief, or a painful past experience.
What it is not: It is not just anything that feels mildly unpleasant or annoying.
MYTH: Being triggered is not attention seeking or weakness. It can be a real nervous system reaction that deserves understanding and skillful support.
U
Unmanaged Stress
What it is: Unmanaged stress is ongoing stress that is not being addressed, processed, or balanced with rest, recovery, and support. Over time, it can affect mood, sleep, health, relationships, and work.
What it is not: It is not just having a busy week. It is the pattern of staying in overdrive without enough regulation or repair.
MYTH: Unmanaged stress is not something you can simply “power through” forever. Ignoring it can lead to burnout, health issues, and emotional shutdown.
V
Vulnerability
What it is: Vulnerability is the state of being open, honest, and real about your feelings, needs, and limits, especially when there is some emotional risk in being seen that way.
What it is not: It is not oversharing without boundaries, nor is it exposing every private detail to everyone. It is not weakness or a lack of strength.
MYTH: Vulnerability is not the opposite of strength. It often requires courage, self awareness, and self respect to be appropriately vulnerable.
W
Work Life Boundaries
What it is: Work life boundaries are the limits and agreements you set around your time, availability, energy, and responsibilities so that work does not consume your entire life or mental health.
What it is not: They are not laziness, lack of ambition, or refusing to be a “team player.” They also are not static rules that can never be adjusted.
MYTH: Strong work life boundaries do not mean you care less about your career. They often help you sustain your performance and wellbeing over the long term.
X
Xenophobia (as it relates to mental health)
What it is: Xenophobia is fear, distrust, or hostility toward people who are perceived as “foreign” or from a different background. Experiencing xenophobia or discrimination can harm a person’s mental health and sense of safety.
What it is not: It is not just a simple “personal preference” about who you like. It involves prejudice and can contribute to social exclusion and emotional harm.
MYTH: Xenophobia does not only affect the people targeted. It also shapes communities, workplaces, and overall mental health climates by increasing stress and reducing trust.
Y
Yearning (Emotional)
What it is: Emotional yearning is a deep, ongoing sense of longing or desire for something that feels missing, such as connection, safety, recognition, or a different way of living.
What it is not: It is not the same as a passing wish or a casual want. It is also not a sign that you are ungrateful for what you already have.
MYTH: Yearning does not mean you are “too needy.” It often points to real unmet needs that deserve attention, compassion, and, where possible, action.
Z
Zoning Out
What it is: Zoning out is a common experience where attention drifts away from the present moment. You may feel distant, unfocused, or on “autopilot,” especially when tired, stressed, or overloaded.
What it is not: It is not always dissociation or a clinical problem. Sometimes it is just a sign that your brain is tired, bored, or overstimulated.
MYTH: Zoning out is not always a character flaw or rudeness. It can be a signal that you need rest, grounding, or a change in pace.