The Language of Mental Health

Let's face it: mental illness can be confusing.  Our symptoms make sure of that!  Add in the fact that doctors don't always have the time to fill us in on all the psychological jargon that we will hear used, quite repeatedly, throughout the rest of our treatment process.  Here you will find a few of the most common terms decoded:

Mental Health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. In this positive sense, mental health is the foundation for individual well-being and the effective functioning of a community.

Mental Illness is defined as “collectively all diagnosable mental disorders” or “health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning.” Under these definitions,substance use might be classified as either a mental health problem or a mental illness, depending on its intensity, duration, and effects.

Mental Health Promotion consists of interventions to enhance the ability to achieve developmentally appropriate tasks and a positive sense of self-esteem, mastery, well being, and social inclusion and to strengthen the ability to cope with adversity. This ability to cope is referred to as resilience.

Mental Health Treatment is the provision of specific intervention techniques by a professional for conditions identified in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). These interventions should have proven effectiveness, the ability to produce measurable changes in behaviors and symptoms, and should be person- and family-centered and culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Prevention is a step or set of steps along a continuum to promote individual, family, and community health; prevent mental and substance use disorders; support resilience and recovery; and prevent relapse. 

Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. People with mental illnesses can and do recover from these conditions, and hope plays an essential part in overcoming the internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles. Controlling or managing symptoms is part of this process. Reducing or eliminating substance use is critical for recovery from addiction.

Recovery Support Services include a focus on providing for the health, housing, vocational, and social support needs of people with mental health problems. These include peer- and family-operated services.

Substance Abuse is defined as the use of alcohol or drugs despite negative consequences.

Substance Use is defined as the consumption of low or infrequent doses of alcohol and other drugs, sometimes called experimental, casual, or social use.

Trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and physical,social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

Types of Mental Health Problems 

People can experience different types of mental health problems. Some can occur for a short time, and some occur over an on-going time period. Just as other health conditions, these are real and diagnosable health conditions that affect and are affected by functioning of the brain, an organ of the body just like the kidney, liver, or heart. Mental health problems can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. 

Common types can include: 

Anxiety Disorders 

People with anxiety disorders respond to certain objects or situations with fear and dread. Anxiety disorders can include obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders, phobias, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (overactivity).

Eating Disorders 

Eating disorders involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors involving weight and food. Eating disorders can include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.

Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders 

Mental illnesses and substance use disorders often occur together. Sometimes one disorder can be a contributing factor to or can exacerbate the other. Sometimes they simply occur at the same time.

Mood Disorders 

These disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness or periods of feeling overly happy, or fluctuating between extreme happiness and extreme sadness. Mood disorders can include depression, bipolar disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and compulsion to self-harm.

Personality Disorders 

People with personality disorders have extreme and inflexible personality traits that are distressing to the person and/or cause problems in work, school, or social relationships. Personality disorders can include antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Psychotic Disorders 

People with psychotic disorders hear,see, and believe things that aren’t real or true. An example of a psychotic disorder is schizophrenia.

Substance Use Disorders 

Substance use disorders involve the dependence on or abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, including the non-medical use of prescription drugs.

Suicidal Behavior 

Suicide is a serious problem that causes immeasurable pain,suffering, and loss to individuals, families and communities nationwide. Millions of people consider, plan, or attempt suicide each year; many die as a result.

Treatment for Mental Health Problems 

Most people who experience mental illnesses will improve if they receive appropriate supports, services, and treatment. The first step to getting the right treatment is to see a health care professional and review your symptoms and life circumstances.

Treatment options are tailored to each specific person and condition; however, the most common forms of treatment include:

Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” (sometimes called counseling)—teaches people strategies and gives them tools to deal with stress and uncomfortable thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy helps people manage their symptoms better and function at their best in everyday life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—helps people learn how to identify unhelpful thinking patterns, recognize and change inaccurate beliefs, relate to others in more positive ways, and change behaviors accordingly. CBT can be applied and adapted to treat many specific mental disorders.

Medications—used to treat the symptoms of many mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic-depressive illness), anxiety disorders, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Medications can also be used to manage the cravings and relapse associated with certain kinds of addictions. Sometimes medications are used with other treatments such as psychotherapy or counseling.

Rehabilitative services—include recovery-focused activities or treatment/therapeutic interventions such as assistance in improving or restoring daily living skills,social and leisure skills, grooming and personal hygiene skills, and meal preparation skills; other support resources; and/or medication education.

Sources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Community Conversations About Mental Health.  (2013).  Public Domain.