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Glossary

Simple explanations of common mental health terms. For understanding, not for diagnosis.

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Anxietyউদ্বেগ

A feeling of worry and restlessness in the face of danger or uncertainty. At normal levels it keeps us alert; when excessive and long-lasting, it gets in the way of daily life.

Depressionবিষণ্ণতা

Low mood or loss of interest for at least two weeks in a row, along with changes in sleep, appetite, energy and concentration. It is treatable.

Panic attackপ্যানিক অ্যাটাক

A sudden surge of intense fear that peaks within minutes. It can bring a pounding heart, breathlessness, dizziness and fear of dying. The first time, see a doctor to rule out physical causes.

OCDওসিডি

Unwanted thoughts keep coming back (obsessions), and to ease the distress a person feels driven to repeat certain actions (compulsions), such as washing hands or checking locks again and again.

Insomniaঅনিদ্রা

Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, which affects functioning during the day.

Burnoutবার্নআউট

Exhaustion from prolonged workplace stress: extreme tiredness, cynicism and distance from work, and reduced effectiveness. The World Health Organization describes it as an occupational phenomenon, not an illness.

PTSDপিটিএসডি

After a terrifying event: nightmares, reliving the event (flashbacks), avoiding reminders and feeling constantly on guard, lasting for a long time.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)সিবিটি

A psychotherapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour to change harmful thoughts and habits. Research-proven for anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Mindfulnessমাইন্ডফুলনেস

The practice of paying attention to the present moment without judging: noticing your breath, body, thoughts and surroundings as they are.

Stressমানসিক চাপ

The mind and body's response when demands feel greater than your resources. Short-term stress can help; long-term stress does harm.

Psychotherapyসাইকোথেরাপি

Treatment through regular conversations with a trained professional to work on problems with thoughts, feelings and behaviour. CBT is a well-known type of psychotherapy.

Psychiatristসাইকিয়াট্রিস্ট

A medical doctor specialising in mental illness. After MBBS they complete specialist training in psychiatry, make diagnoses and can prescribe medication.

Clinical psychologistক্লিনিক্যাল সাইকোলজিস্ট

A professional with advanced training in psychology who provides psychological assessment and psychotherapy. They do not prescribe medication.

Bipolar disorderবাইপোলার ডিসঅর্ডার

Major swings in mood: periods of depression and periods of unusual elation and energy (mania), when the need for sleep drops and risky behaviour increases. Needs treatment from a psychiatrist.

Schizophreniaসিজোফ্রেনিয়া

A serious mental illness in which the connection with reality is disrupted: hearing things others don't (hallucinations), false beliefs (delusions), disorganised thinking. With regular treatment many people lead normal lives.

Self-esteemআত্মমর্যাদা

Your overall evaluation of yourself: how valuable and capable you feel.

Social anxietyসোশ্যাল অ্যানজাইটি

Intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in front of others, which leads people to avoid social situations.

ADHDএডিএইচডি

Difficulty sustaining attention, excessive restlessness and impulsive behaviour, starting in childhood and affecting study, work and relationships.

Autism spectrumঅটিজম স্পেকট্রাম

A difference in neurodevelopment, with differences in social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests. The degree varies from person to person.

Groundingগ্রাউন্ডিং

A technique for returning to the present moment using the senses when overwhelmed by intense anxiety or painful memories, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method.

Resilienceমানসিক দৃঢ়তা

The ability to adapt and bounce back after hardship, loss or stress. It can be strengthened with practice.

Griefশোক

The natural response to losing someone or something important: pain, disbelief, anger, guilt. If grief is long and intense and life comes to a halt, it is time to seek help.