Disclaimer:
This A–Z Mental Health Dictionary is created by My Mental Health and I to provide clear, relatable explanations of mental health terms in a way that feels human, accessible, and culturally grounded. It is not intended to replace professional diagnosis, treatment, or therapy. While we do our best to ensure accuracy, always consult a qualified mental health professional for medical advice or support.

A–Z Mental Health Dictionary

A

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

This is a condition that affects how someone focuses, pays attention, or controls their behaviour. People with ADHD might find it hard to sit still, focus on one thing at a time, or stay organized, and it’s not just kids. Adults can have it too, and it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unserious.

Anxiety

Anxiety is that intense, uneasy feeling we get when we’re worried or scared, even when we’re not sure why. It’s more than just being nervous; it’s when your heart races, your thoughts go into overdrive, and your body feels tense, like something bad is about to happen. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but when it becomes constant or starts affecting your daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder.

Antidepressants

These are medications that help manage symptoms of depression and sometimes anxiety. They work by balancing chemicals in the brain. For many people, they’re part of the healing journey, along with therapy and self-care.

B

Bipolar Disorder

This is a mental health condition where a person swings between extreme moods, feeling very high (mania) and very low (depression). It’s not just moodiness. These episodes can affect how a person functions in daily life, but with treatment, many people live full lives.

Burnout

Burnout happens when you’ve been under pressure or stress for too long, especially from work, school, caregiving, or even advocacy. You feel drained, emotionally empty, and like you’ve got nothing left to give.

C

Coping Mechanisms

These are the ways we deal with stress, pain, or difficult emotions. Some are healthy, like journaling, praying, or talking to someone. Some are harmful, like substance use or shutting down. The goal is to replace the harmful ones with healthier ways of coping.

Crisis

A mental health crisis is when someone is struggling so much that they can’t function or might be in danger (like wanting to harm themselves or others). In such moments, quick support, from a professional, helpline, or trusted person is very important.

D

Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a deep emptiness, hopelessness, or heaviness that lasts for weeks or months. You might lose interest in things you once loved, feel tired all the time, or feel like you’re just existing. It’s not a sign of weakness, and it can be treated.

Diagnosis

This is when a mental health professional names what you’re experiencing, like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, based on your symptoms. A diagnosis can help guide your treatment and give you clarity, but it doesn’t define who you are.

Dissociation

This is when someone feels disconnected from their thoughts, surroundings, or even their body. It’s like being “on autopilot” or watching life happen without feeling present. It often comes as a response to trauma or stress.

E

Eating Disorders

These are serious mental health conditions where someone has an unhealthy relationship with food, weight, or their body. It’s not about vanity, it’s often tied to control, trauma, or deeper emotional pain.

Emotion Regulation

This is your ability to manage your feelings without being overwhelmed by them. It’s not about “controlling” emotions or bottling them up, but learning how to sit with them, express them safely, and not let them control your actions.

F

Fatigue (Mental Fatigue)

This is not the regular tiredness you feel after a long day. Mental fatigue is that deep exhaustion that doesn’t go away with sleep. You feel drained mentally, emotionally, even spiritually. It can come from stress, burnout, or carrying too much emotionally for too long.

Fight or Flight Response

This is your body’s natural reaction to danger, real or imagined. You either want to run (flight), stand and face it (fight), or sometimes freeze. It’s your brain’s way of protecting you. But when it’s always “on,” like in anxiety or trauma, it can be exhausting.

G

Grief

Grief is the pain you feel when you lose someone or something important, a loved one, a job, a relationship, even a version of yourself. It doesn’t follow a strict pattern. Some days it hits hard, other days it’s quiet. There’s no right way to grieve,  just your way.

Grounding Techniques

These are simple methods used to bring you back to the present moment, especially when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or dissociating. For example, naming 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear… It helps calm your mind and body.

H

Hallucination

This is when someone sees, hears, smells, or feels things that aren’t actually there. It’s a symptom of some mental health conditions like schizophrenia. It’s not “madness”. It’s a serious health symptom that needs care, not shame.

Hopelessness

It’s that feeling that nothing will ever change, that no matter what you do, things won’t get better. It often shows up in depression or after a long period of hardship. It’s a dangerous emotion, but it’s also something you can overcome with the right support.

I

Imposter Syndrome

That feeling that you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve your achievements, even when there’s evidence that you do. It’s very common, especially among high-achievers, women, and young professionals. It lies to you, telling you you’re a fraud.

J

Judgement (Fear of Being Judged)

One of the biggest reasons people don’t talk about mental health is the fear of being judged, called weak, dramatic, or “mad.” This fear makes people suffer in silence. Breaking that stigma starts with creating spaces where people feel safe to share without shame.

K

Kindness (to Self and Others)

Kindness isn’t just about being nice to people. It’s also about being gentle with yourself, especially when you’re struggling mentally. Sometimes, speaking to yourself kindly is one of the best mental health practices. And when we show kindness to others, we help build a more understanding and supportive community.

L

Loneliness

You can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Loneliness is the emotional pain of feeling disconnected or unseen. It’s not about having company, it’s about feeling understood and supported. Chronic loneliness can affect your mental and even physical health.

Low Mood

This is when you feel down, unmotivated, or unhappy for a short time. It’s normal, we all have off days. But when it lasts for weeks or affects your ability to function, it might be a sign of something deeper like depression.

M

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, not in yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s worries. It helps reduce stress and anxiety. You can practice it through deep breathing, meditation, or even just taking a mindful walk without distractions.

Mood Swings

This is when your emotions change quickly, from happy to sad, calm to irritated. Everyone has mood shifts, but when they’re extreme or happen often, it may be linked to conditions like bipolar disorder or emotional dysregulation.

N

Neurosis

This is an old term that used to describe mental health issues like anxiety or obsessive thinking,  basically, conditions that don’t include psychosis. Though it’s not used much in professional diagnoses anymore, people still say things like “neurotic” to describe being overly anxious or worried.

O

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

OCD isn’t just about being neat or liking things a certain way. It’s a condition where someone has unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feels the need to repeat certain actions (compulsions) to feel better. It can be very distressing and isn’t something to joke about.

P

Panic Attack

This is a sudden rush of intense fear or anxiety that comes out of nowhere. Your heart might beat fast, your chest may feel tight, and you may even think you’re dying. But it usually passes within minutes. It’s scary, but it’s not life-threatening.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can happen after someone goes through something very traumatic like abuse, an accident, or violence. People with PTSD may relive the experience, avoid reminders, or feel constantly on edge. It’s not weakness, it’s a response to something the brain found deeply distressing.

Psychosis

Psychosis is when someone loses touch with reality. They may see or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations) or believe things that aren’t true (delusions). It’s a symptom, not a personality flaw, and it needs professional help.

Q

Quiet Time (Mental Reset)

Sometimes the brain needs rest just like the body. Quiet time, no noise, no screens, just you and peace, can help reset your mind. It’s underrated but very powerful for your mental well-being.

R

Rumination

This is when your mind keeps going over something negative again and again, like a stuck record. It can make anxiety or depression worse. You deserve peace, sometimes you have to interrupt the cycle and give yourself permission to let go.

S

Self-Care

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and skincare routines. It’s also setting boundaries, saying no, sleeping well, and eating right. It’s doing what your mind and body need, even when it’s not cute or Instagram-worthy.

Stigma

Stigma is the shame or discrimination people face for having mental health struggles. In many African homes, it’s still hard to talk openly. But breaking that silence is the first step to healing.

Schizophrenia

A serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People may hear voices, have unusual beliefs, or struggle with focus. With the right treatment and support, they can live meaningful lives.

T

Therapy

Therapy is not only for “crazy” people. It’s a safe space where you can talk through your feelings and get help to make sense of them. Just like you see a doctor when your body is sick, therapy helps when your mind is overwhelmed.

U

Unhelpful Coping Mechanisms

These are things we do to feel better in the moment, like overeating, avoiding people, or turning to substances, but they cause more harm in the long run. Recognizing them is the first step toward choosing better ways to cope.

V

Vulnerability

Being open about your struggles doesn’t make you weak, it actually takes strength. Vulnerability is saying, “This is hard,” without pretending to have it all together. That’s how healing starts.

W

Well-being

Well-being is more than just not being sick. It’s about feeling okay in your body, your mind, and your relationships. It’s about feeling like life makes sense and you can manage whatever comes.

X

Xanax

Xanax is a drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It’s just one example of psychiatric medication. These drugs aren’t bad, they’re tools to help balance brain chemistry. But they must always be prescribed and used wisely.

Y

Yoga

Yoga, breathing exercises, and stretching can help calm the mind. They’re not only for fit people or a luxury, they’re simple ways to release tension and connect with your body.

Z

Zoning Out

Sometimes, when overwhelmed, the mind “checks out” to cope. You may find yourself staring into space or feeling distant. It’s the brain’s way of protecting itself, but if it happens too often, it may be a sign to seek help.