Understanding the nuances of psychological and mental health vocabulary in English can enhance communication and foster empathy. Here are some essential terms and phrases to help discuss and convey matters related to mental health.

Anxiety
Refers to a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It may cause someone to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress.
She felt a wave of anxiety before stepping onto the stage to speak.

Depression
A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
After his dog passed away, he experienced a period of deep depression.

Therapy
A treatment aimed at relieving or healing disorders, typically involving a systemic interaction with a therapist.
She has been making great progress since starting her weekly therapy sessions.

Resilience
The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. In psychological terms, it refers to an individual’s ability to bounce back from stressful situations.
His resilience allowed him to overcome the grief and continue with his life.

Psychosis
A severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are impaired to the point where contact is lost with external reality.
The patient was diagnosed with psychosis after he started hallucinating and expressing delusional thoughts.

Stigma
A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person, often relating to mental health issues.
They’re working to combat the stigma associated with mental illnesses in their community.

Trauma
Deeply distressing or disturbing experiences which can have long-lasting psychological effects.
The car accident was a significant trauma that affected her for years.

Burnout
A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.
After working 12-hour shifts for several months, she began to feel the effects of burnout.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
A chronic and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over.
He knew his OCD was getting worse when he spent hours each day washing his hands.

Bipolar Disorder
A mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Her bipolar disorder sometimes made it difficult for her to manage her daily tasks.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
A disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
The veteran was diagnosed with PTSD after returning from a traumatic tour of duty.

Psychiatrist
A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental disorders.
He decided to consult a psychiatrist to get a better understanding of his condition.

Counselor
A person trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems.
I have an appointment with my counselor to talk about the stress I have been feeling at work.

Mindfulness
A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
She practices mindfulness to help deal with her daily anxiety.

Understanding and using this specialized vocabulary can facilitate more accurate and sensitive conversations around mental health, reducing misunderstandings and fostering a more inclusive environment. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, or simply someone interested in the topic, knowing these terms is vital to participating in the discourse on mental well-being.