Glossary

Active listening skills involve fully concentrating on, understanding, and responding to what another person is saying. It includes techniques such as paraphrasing, reflecting, and empathizing to demonstrate understanding and empathy.

Addiction recovery refers to the process of overcoming substance abuse or addictive behaviors and achieving physical, emotional, and social well-being. It often involves therapy, support groups, lifestyle changes, and ongoing self-care.

An ADHD counsellor is a mental health professional who specialises in working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD. These counsellors may provide therapy, support, and guidance to help individuals manage their symptoms, address related challenges, and develop coping strategies. They may also offer psychoeducation to clients and their families about ADHD and its treatment options.

ADHD symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms may manifest as difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, being easily distracted, or forgetting important tasks. Hyperactivity symptoms may involve excessive fidgeting, restlessness, or difficulty staying seated. Impulsivity symptoms may include acting without considering consequences, interrupting others, or speaking out of turn.

ADHD-related challenges encompass a range of difficulties that individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) commonly experience in various aspects of their lives. These challenges can impact academic performance, social interactions, work productivity, and overall well-being. Some ADHD-related challenges include:

1. Difficulty Sustaining Attention: Individuals with ADHD often struggle to maintain focus and attention for extended periods, especially on tasks that are repetitive or uninteresting. This challenge can affect academic performance, work productivity, and the ability to complete tasks efficiently.
2. Impulsivity: Impulsivity refers to acting on impulse without fully considering the consequences. Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their impulses, leading to impulsive behaviors such as interrupting others, blurting out answers, or making hasty decisions.
3. Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity involves excessive movement and restlessness. While hyperactivity is more commonly associated with ADHD in children, it can also manifest as feelings of inner restlessness or an inability to sit still in adolescents and adults with ADHD.
4. Disorganisation: Disorganisation is a common challenge for individuals with ADHD, leading to difficulties with time management, prioritisation, and organisation of tasks and belongings. This can result in missed deadlines, forgetfulness, and difficulty maintaining order in daily routines.
5. Procrastination: Procrastination is the tendency to delay or postpone tasks, often until the last minute. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with procrastination due to difficulties with task initiation, time management, and prioritisation.
6. Forgetfulness: Forgetfulness is a common symptom of ADHD, affecting both short-term and long-term memory. Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty remembering appointments, deadlines, and important details, leading to missed obligations and disorganisation.
7. Time Management Challenges: Time management difficulties are common among individuals with ADHD, who may struggle with estimating time, planning and prioritising tasks, and adhering to schedules. This can result in chronic lateness, missed appointments, and feelings of being overwhelmed by deadlines.
8. Social Challenges: ADHD-related challenges can impact social interactions and relationships. Impulsivity, inattention, and difficulty with social cues may contribute to misunderstandings, conflicts, and difficulties maintaining friendships or romantic relationships.
9. Academic and Work Challenges:** In academic and work settings, individuals with ADHD may face challenges such as poor concentration, disorganisation, procrastination, and difficulty completing tasks on time. These challenges can affect academic performance, job satisfaction, and career advancement.
10. Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with regulating their emotions, leading to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty coping with stress. Emotional dysregulation can impact relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Addressing ADHD-related challenges often involves a multimodal approach that may include behavioral interventions, medication management, therapy, and support from family, educators, and mental health professionals. Developing coping strategies, organisational skills, and self-awareness can also help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

Attention-deficit refers to difficulty sustaining attention, staying focused, or staying on task for extended periods. Individuals with ADHD may have trouble paying attention to details, organizing tasks, following instructions, or completing activities without becoming easily distracted. For example, a student with ADHD may struggle to concentrate on homework assignments and frequently daydream during class.

Behavioral symptoms are observable actions, habits, or responses that are influenced by mental health conditions or emotional states. These may include withdrawal from social interactions, changes in appetite or sleep, substance abuse, self-harm, or agitation.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Career aspirations are individuals' goals, ambitions, or desired achievements related to their professional life and career path. They may include objectives such as job satisfaction, advancement, or making a meaningful contribution to society.

The causes of depression are multifactorial and may involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Common risk factors for depression include genetics, brain chemistry, trauma or stress, chronic medical conditions, substance abuse, and life events such as loss or trauma.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors to promote positive change. CBT helps individuals develop coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and adaptive ways of thinking to address a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD.

Chronic or excessive stress refers to prolonged periods of heightened physiological or psychological arousal in response to stressors. This ongoing stress can lead to negative health outcomes and increase the risk of developing mental health conditions

Cognitive symptoms involve changes or disturbances in thinking processes, perception, memory, and concentration. These may include difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, memory problems, negative self-talk, or distorted thinking patterns.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors to promote positive change. It is widely used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Communication breakdowns occur when there is a failure to effectively convey or understand messages between individuals or within relationships. They can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and relationship problems.

Coping mechanisms are adaptive strategies or behaviors that individuals use to manage stress, adversity, or emotional distress. They can be healthy or unhealthy and may include seeking social support, problem-solving, or avoidance.

Coping strategies are adaptive behaviors, thoughts, or actions that individuals use to manage stress, adversity, or emotional distress. Coping strategies may be problem-focused (addressing the source of stress), emotion-focused (managing emotional reactions), or meaning-focused (finding purpose or positive meaning in difficult situations). Examples include seeking social support, practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in hobbies, and setting boundaries.

Counselling for marriage, also known as couples therapy or marriage counseling, is a form of therapy that helps couples address relationship issues, improve communication, and strengthen their bond.

A counselling therapist is a mental health professional who specialises in providing therapy for individuals experiencing depression. These therapists may use various therapeutic approaches to help clients manage symptoms, address underlying issues, and improve coping skills.

Depression is a mental health disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often leading to difficulties in daily functioning.

Depression therapy refers to the therapeutic interventions aimed at treating depression and alleviating its symptoms. This may include individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of approaches tailored to the individual's needs.

Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and control one's emotions in response to internal and external stimuli. Individuals with ADHD may experience difficulties regulating their emotions, leading to impulsivity, mood swings, and emotional reactivity. For example, a person with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their temper or may become easily overwhelmed by strong emotions such as frustration or excitement.

Emotional symptoms are subjective experiences related to mood, affect, and emotional well-being. These may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, anger, or hopelessness.

Family counselling is a form of therapy that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within families. It addresses issues such as parenting, sibling dynamics, and family transitions.

Feelings of sadness refer to the emotional experience of unhappiness, sorrow, or grief. While sadness is a normal human emotion, prolonged or intense feelings of sadness may indicate depression or other mental health concerns.

Gender identity is a deeply-held sense of one's own gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth. Gender identity is diverse and may include male, female, non-binary, genderqueer, transgender, and other identities. It is an intrinsic aspect of a person's self-concept and may influence their expression, behavior, and social interactions.

Grief is the natural response to loss, typically involving intense emotional pain, sadness, and longing for what has been lost. It can occur in response to the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or other significant losses.

A history of depression refers to a person's past experiences with depression, including previous episodes, treatments received, and responses to therapy or medication. Understanding one's history of depression can inform current treatment decisions and help identify effective interventions.

Hyperactivity refers to excessive or restless physical activity and movement. It is a common symptom of ADHD and may include fidgeting, impulsivity, and difficulty staying still or focused

The impact of depression refers to the profound effects that depression can have on an individual's life, including disruptions in relationships, work or school performance, physical health, and overall quality of life.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a time-limited, evidence-based therapy focused on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing interpersonal issues that contribute to depression. IPT aims to identify and address interpersonal conflicts, role transitions, grief, and social isolation.

Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing, or disturbing thoughts or images that repeatedly enter an individual's mind. They may be irrational, disturbing, or contrary to one's values or beliefs.

Lacking self-esteem describes a state in which individuals have low confidence, self-doubt, and negative self-perceptions. It can result in feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and difficulty asserting oneself.

LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other identities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. LGBTQ+ individuals may face unique challenges related to identity, discrimination, and mental health, and may benefit from culturally competent support and resources.

LGBTQ+-affirming refers to practices, policies, and environments that validate, support, and affirm the identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Affirming mental health care acknowledges and addresses the specific needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ clients in a non-judgmental and inclusive manner.

Managing ADHD involves implementing strategies and interventions to minimise symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance quality of life. This may include behavioral interventions such as creating structured routines, setting clear goals and expectations, using organisational tools like planners or reminders, and implementing strategies to improve time management and task completion.

Medication for ADHD typically includes stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) or amphetamine (e.g., Adderall), as well as non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) or guanfacine (Intuniv). These medications can help improve attention, concentration, and impulse control by affecting neurotransmitter levels in the brain. However, medication is often used in conjunction with other therapies and interventions for comprehensive ADHD management.

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how individuals think, feel, and behave, as well as how they cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions

Mental health care encompasses a range of services and interventions aimed at promoting psychological well-being, preventing mental health problems, and treating mental health disorders. This may include therapy, medication management, support groups, psychoeducation, and community resources.

A mental health condition refers to a broad range of disorders that affect mood, thinking, behavior, and overall well-being. These conditions can include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and others.

A mental health condition refers to a broad range of disorders that affect mood, thinking, behavior, and overall well-being. These conditions may include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others.

Mental health counselling involves the therapeutic process of addressing mental health concerns, improving coping skills, and promoting emotional well-being through talk therapy, counseling techniques, and supportive interventions.

A mental health professional is an individual trained and licensed to provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and support for mental health concerns. This may include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed counselors, social workers, and psychiatric nurses.

Mindfulness is a mental practice that involves intentionally paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and body scans, help individuals cultivate awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional regulation.

Negative thought patterns are habitual ways of thinking that contribute to feelings of distress, low self-esteem, and pessimism. Examples include catastrophising (expecting the worst), black-and-white thinking (seeing situations as all good or all bad), and self-criticism (harshly judging oneself). Therapy can help individuals identify and challenge these patterns to promote more balanced and constructive thinking.

Persistent fear refers to an ongoing or recurrent sense of apprehension, anxiety, or dread. It may be associated with specific phobias, anxiety disorders, or trauma-related conditions.

Persistent feelings of sadness are a hallmark symptom of depression, characterized by enduring emotional distress, hopelessness, or despair that lasts for an extended period. These feelings may impact daily functioning and quality of life.

Physical symptoms refer to bodily sensations or changes that accompany mental health conditions or emotional distress. These may include headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, stomach problems, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, or physical manifestations of stress.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of trauma-related stimuli.

Psychiatric disorders are mental health conditions characterized by significant disturbances in mood, thought, or behavior. These disorders may require medical or psychological intervention for diagnosis and treatment.

Psychological symptoms refer to mental or emotional manifestations of distress or dysfunction, such as changes in mood, cognition, perception, or behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a therapeutic approach that involves exploring thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and interpersonal dynamics to promote insight, growth, and healing. Psychotherapy can be effective in treating a variety of mental health concerns, including depression.

Self-awareness involves having insight into one's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses. It includes recognising one's own ADHD symptoms, understanding how they impact daily functioning, and being mindful of personal triggers or challenges. For example, a person with ADHD who is self-aware may recognize when they are becoming overwhelmed and take proactive steps to manage their stress levels.

Self-care refers to intentional actions and practices that individuals engage in to promote their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This may include activities such as exercise, relaxation techniques, hobbies, socialising, seeking support, and setting boundaries.

Self-esteem refers to the subjective evaluation of one's own worth, value, and competence. It encompasses feelings of self-worth, confidence, and self-acceptance.

Self-imposed pressure refers to the internal expectations, standards, or demands that individuals place on themselves, often leading to stress, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy. This pressure may arise from perfectionism, fear of failure, or internalized beliefs about success and worthiness. Managing self-imposed pressure involves practicing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, and challenging unhelpful thoughts or beliefs.

Sexual orientation refers to an individual's enduring pattern of romantic, emotional, and/or sexual attraction to others. Common sexual orientations include heterosexual (attraction to the opposite gender), homosexual (attraction to the same gender), bisexual (attraction to both genders), and pansexual (attraction to individuals regardless of gender).

Solution-focused therapy is a strengths-based therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and amplifying clients' existing resources, strengths, and solutions rather than dwelling on problems or deficits. This brief and goal-oriented therapy helps clients clarify their goals, explore potential solutions, and develop actionable steps to achieve positive change.

Spiritual experiences are subjective encounters or phenomena that provide individuals with a sense of connection to something greater than themselves. They may include moments of awe, transcendence, or inner peace.

Stress management refers to techniques and strategies used to cope with and reduce the effects of stress on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It includes practices such as relaxation, mindfulness, and time management.

Stress triggers are events, situations, or stimuli that elicit a stress response in individuals, leading to feelings of tension, anxiety, or overwhelm. Common stress triggers include work deadlines, financial difficulties, relationship conflicts, and major life changes.

Symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Symptoms of stress can manifest in various ways, affecting both the body and mind. Physical symptoms may include headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, digestive issues, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Emotional symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, mood swings, and feelings of overwhelm. Cognitive symptoms may involve racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and negative thinking patterns. Behavioral symptoms may include withdrawal from social activities, increased substance use, procrastination, and changes in communication or interpersonal relationships.

Therapies for depression include various evidence-based approaches aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving functioning. Common therapies for depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), psychodynamic therapy, behavioral activation, and mindfulness-based therapies.

A therapist is a trained professional who provides mental health support, guidance, and therapy to individuals, couples, families, or groups. Therapists may have different credentials and specialties, such as counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or marriage and family therapists, and may use various therapeutic approaches depending on their training and the needs of their clients.

Traumas are deeply distressing or disturbing events that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, leading to intense emotional reactions, feelings of helplessness, and lasting psychological effects.

Treating depression involves a comprehensive approach that may include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and social support. The goal is to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance overall well-being. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and preferences.