Glossary
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Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a mental health condition where individuals feel a strong urge to pull out their own hair, often from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. This behaviour can lead to noticeable hair loss and distress, and individuals may struggle to stop despite repeated attempts.
Treatment
Treatment is the management and care provided to improve health, addressing specific diseases or conditions.
Trauma-informed care (TIC)
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a way of providing support that focuses on understanding a person’s past experiences rather than judging their behavior. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with you?” TIC asks, “What happened to you?” This approach helps ensure that people get the care they need based on what they have been through.
Trauma
Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, often resulting in lasting psychological impact. Such events can include accidents, natural disasters, or personal assaults, leading to emotional responses like anxiety, flashbacks, and heightened stress.
Therapy
Therapy is the treatment of physical, mental, or emotional problems through various methods.
Tolerance
Tolerance refers to the body’s reduced response to a drug after repeated use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Therapist
A therapist is a trained professional or skilled individual who provides treatment to help manage and overcome mental, emotional, or physical challenges.
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Sociopathy
Social phobia
Systemic racism
Racism that occurs at societal and organizational levels, giving rise to the other forms of racism. It is often pervasive and subtle, and not always intentional. It is embedded in societal and institutional policies, regulations, legislation and ideologies that perpetuate racial disadvantage.
Synapse or synaptic space
A synapse is like a tiny bridge between nerve cells (neurons) that helps them communicate. When one neuron wants to send a message to another, it releases special chemicals (neurotransmitters) into the gap between them. These chemicals cross the gap and tell the next neuron what to do, like passing a note in class. This process helps your brain control everything from moving your muscles to remembering things.
Systematic Desensitization
Systematic desensitization is a therapy technique that helps people gradually overcome fears or anxieties. It works by slowly exposing them to what they fear in a controlled way while they practice relaxation techniques.
Symptoms
Evidence or a sign of a health condition that the person with the condition notices themselves. An example for mental health might be low mood.
Supported decision-making
Supported decision-making is a way to help people make their own choices while getting the support they need. Instead of someone else making decisions for them (like in guardianship), the person stays in control but can get advice, information, and help from trusted supporters—such as family, friends, or professionals. Some provinces have laws recognizing this approach, allowing individuals to choose supporters who can help them understand options, communicate their choices, and make informed decisions while respecting their rights and independence.
Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts about ending one’s own life. These thoughts can range from fleeting considerations to detailed planning. \
Suicide survivors. Suicide survivors are those who have lost someone through suicide or someone who has survived a suicide attempt and may continue to experience thoughts of suicide or suicide-related behaviours
Suicide Attempt
A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with an intent to end their life, but they do not die because of their actions.
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Suicide
Suicide is defined as the act or instance of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally.
Substance use disorders
Substance use disorders are when someone has trouble controlling their use of drugs or alcohol, even when it causes problems in their life. They may have cravings, or keep using despite harm to their health, work, or relationships. It can be mild or severe and often requires support or treatment to overcome.
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Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body’s functions, making you feel more awake, alert, or energetic. They can be found in things like coffee, some medications, and certain drugs.
Stress
Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure or challenges. It can happen when you feel overwhelmed, worried, or under too much demand. Stress can be short-term, like before a big test, or long-term, like dealing with ongoing problems. Some stress can help you stay alert and motivated, but too much can harm your health.
Stigma: Stigma is when people are judged, treated unfairly, or looked down on because of something about them, like a health condition, background, or life situation. Stigma can make people feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help. It often comes from misunderstandings, stereotypes, or fear.
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Stepped-Care Models
A stepped-care approach to mental health treatment means that if someone is suffering more, they likely need more intensive treatment, and vice versa. “In other words, if you’re only experiencing mildly distressing mental health concerns, but are still able to function and meet your responsibilities you may only need to get your hands on some self-help materials like books, apps, or online programs to feel better,” says Dr. Jonathan Stea, a registered and practicing clinical psychologist and adjunct assistant professor at the University of Calgary in his book, Mind the Science. “If instead you’re experiencing severe psychopathology that feels overbearing and is interfering with aspects of your life, you may need a step up in the intensity and focus of treatment such as spending several nights in an inpatient psychiatric unit or attending a residential addiction program for weeks or month.”
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Specific Phobia
Specific Phobia is an anxiety disorder. It is an intense fear of a particular thing or situation, like heights, spiders, or flying. The fear is much stronger than the actual danger and can cause anxiety or panic. People with a specific phobia may go out of their way to avoid what they fear, even if it interferes with daily life.
Somatic
Somatic means “related to the body.” It is often used in medicine, psychology, and biology to describe physical sensations, movements, or conditions that affect the body rather than the mind. For example, somatic symptoms are physical symptoms like pain or fatigue that may not have a clear medical cause.
Social worker
A regulated professional who works to support clients’ social, mental, and physical well-being. They often provide counselling, therapy, and assist with navigating government services, benefits, and community resources to help clients overcome social and psychological obstacles.
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Social Anxiety Disorder
Sleep
Sleep is essential for mental health because it helps the brain rest, process emotions, and manage stress. Poor sleep can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and trouble thinking clearly. Long-term sleep problems can increase the risk of depression and other mental health issues. Getting enough quality sleep supports emotional balance, focus, and overall well-being.
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Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a medical imaging test that shows how blood flows and organs function inside the body. It uses a small, safe amount of radioactive material and a special camera to create 3D images. Doctors often use SPECT to check for brain disorders, heart problems, and certain types of cancer.
Serotonin
Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood, emotions, sleep, and appetite. It’s often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder is an Anxiety Disorder that can makes someone feel scared, upset or extreme worry about being away from a person they feel close to, like a parent, caregiver, or loved one. The fear can affect children and adults.
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a type of medicine that helps people feel better when they’re dealing with depression or anxiety. They work by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain called serotonin, which helps control mood, sleep, and emotions.
Normally, after serotonin is used by the brain, it gets reabsorbed (or “reuptaken”). SSRIs stop this from happening too quickly, which means there’s more serotonin available to help improve mood and reduce anxiety. Doctors often prescribe SSRIs to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood problems.
Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a type of medication that helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. They work by increasing the levels of two important chemicals in the brain: serotonin and noradrenaline. These chemicals help control mood, energy, and focus.
By stopping the brain from reabsorbing (or “reuptaking”) these chemicals too quickly, SNRIs help them stay active longer, which can improve mood and help people feel less anxious or depressed. Doctors prescribe SNRIs for conditions like depression, anxiety, and sometimes pain.
Self-help
Self-help can be a ‘light-touch’ self-guided treatment prescribed by your doctor, or it can be when people take steps to solve their own problems or improve their lives without needing a lot of help from others. It’s about learning new skills, finding information, or using tools and resources to feel better, or achieve goals. For example, someone might read books, watch videos, or use apps to manage stress, build confidence, or learn new habits. It’s about taking control of your own well-being and personal growth.
Self–harm
Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves on purpose, no matter the reason why. The harm can be minor or more serious, though generally, it is less severe and can also be referred to as “non-suicidal self-injury” (NSSI). Generally, self-harm is a way to cope with difficult feelings, stress, or painful experiences. It can include actions like cutting, burning, or hitting themselves without intent to die.
People who self-harm may do it to feel relief from emotional pain, express feelings they can’t put into words, or regain a sense of control. It’s important to know that self-harm is usually a sign of emotional distress and help is available for those who need it.
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Risk factor
A risk factor is something that increases the chances of getting a disease, disorder, or health problem. It could be things like lifestyle choices, family history, or environmental factors. For example, smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer because it raises the chances of developing the disease. While risk factors increase the chances of getting a disorder, but they do not cause the disorder.
Results
Results are the outcomes or findings from an experiment, test, or activity. They show what happened after you tried something, like the answers to questions you were trying to explore or the effects of a particular action. Results help you understand the impact (whether a success or no) of what you did.
Research
Research is the process of looking for new information or answers to questions by studying something carefully. It involves gathering facts, testing ideas, and exploring different methods to learn more about a topic. The goal of research is to discover new knowledge or better understand something.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques are methods used to help reduce stress and calm the body and mind. These can include activities like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching. The goal is to help you feel more peaceful and less anxious by relaxing your muscles and focusing your thoughts.
Recreation Therapy
Recreation therapy is a type of treatment that uses fun activities to help people improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. This can include sports, games, arts, crafts, or other hobbies. The goal of recreation therapy is to help people recover from illnesses or injuries, manage stress, and improve their overall quality of life. It helps individuals build skills, boost their mood, and become more independent through enjoyable activities that also promote healing and personal growth.
Recovery
Recovery is the process of getting better after facing a challenge, illness, or difficult experience. It can refer to both physical health, like healing from an injury, and mental health, like working through stress, anxiety, or depression. A person with a mental disorder can feel mentally healthy – even if they still have a mental disorder. Recovery means gradually feeling better, finding ways to cope with difficulties, and improving your overall well-being. It’s different for everyone, and it often takes time, support, and effort.
Racialization
is the process by which people are judged and categorized into races primarily using differences in physical appearance. In this process, societies construct races as “real,” different and unequal in ways that pertain to economic, political and social life.
Jurisdictional Principles
Rules set by a province or region that explain or control how something happens or works and how these elements affect people, property, and circumstances in its geographical territory.
Jurisdictions
In Canada, jurisdictions refer to the different levels of government authority and administrative regions. Canada is a federal country with a multi-tiered system of governance, meaning that jurisdictional authority is divided among different levels of government, including federal, provincial/territorial, municipal, and Indigenous governments.
Each level has specific powers and responsibilities, allowing for governance tailored to various aspects of Canadian life and regions. For example, different mental health care professionals may be regulated by certifying bodies, such as a health college. The level of certification and educational requirements can differ by jurisdiction. For example, in Canada, registered psychiatric nurses are regulated in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon by different provincial or territorial governing bodies.
Here’s a brief overview of the key jurisdictions:
Federal Government:
- Authority: The federal government has jurisdiction over national and international matters, including defence, immigration, trade, and criminal law. It also oversees issues that cross provincial boundaries or affect the country as a whole.
- Responsibilities: The federal government is responsible for policies and laws impacting people in Canada, such as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, national security, and federal taxes.
Provincial and Territorial Governments:
- Authority: Each of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories has its own government with jurisdiction over a range of areas that are not exclusively federal. This includes education, health care, transportation, and natural resources.
- Responsibilities: Provincial and territorial governments handle local matters such as public education, health services, and the administration of justice within their respective regions. They also manage provincial/territorial taxation and certain aspects of economic regulation.
Municipal Governments:
- Authority: Municipalities are local governments that operate within the boundaries of provinces and territories. They handle local issues and provide services at the community level.
- Responsibilities: Municipal governments are responsible for local services and infrastructure, including public transportation, administration of social services, water supply, waste management, zoning and land use, and local policing.
Indigenous Governments:
- Authority: Indigenous governments include First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments with jurisdiction over certain aspects of governance on Indigenous lands and within Indigenous communities.
- Responsibilities: These governments manage various community matters such as land and resource management, education, and cultural preservation, often under agreements or treaties with the federal and provincial/territorial governments.
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Judgment
Judgement is the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions. Judgement can be impaired or affected by mental health conditions.
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Joy
A positive emotional state, often associated with well-being and mental health.
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Jitteriness
Jitteriness refers to a feeling of nervousness, restlessness, or shakiness. It’s often described as an uncomfortable physical state where a person may experience involuntary trembling, fidgeting, or an inability to sit still. A range of issues can cause jitteriness, and it is typically temporary. If it persists, it may indicate an underlying health condition, such as stress, anxiety or other medical concerns, and warrant consultation with a healthcare provider. Also referred to as jumpiness.
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Dysthymic Disorder
Dysthymic Disorder, now more commonly called Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), is a type of chronic depression. It involves long-lasting, low-grade depressive symptoms that can affect a person’s daily life and overall well-being.
Symptoms of PDD are like those of major depressive disorder but are usually less severe. They include:
- persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
- loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- changes in appetite or weight
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- low energy or fatigue
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- thoughts of death
- suicidal ideation
Dual diagnosis
Dual diagnosis refers to the condition of having both a mental health disorder and a developmental disability simultaneously. A dual diagnosis can complicate treatment and impact overall well-being.
DSM-5-TR
The DSM-5-TR stands for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. It is a comprehensive manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental health disorders.
Double Depression
Double depression refers to a situation where an individual experiences both major depressive disorder (MDD) and persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia.
Distress
Distress refers to a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It can be emotional, psychological, or physical and often occurs when someone is overwhelmed or unable to cope with the demands or challenges, they are facing. Distress is not a mental disorder.
Distinctions-based
The term “distinctions-based” generally refers to an approach or perspective that emphasizes recognizing and understanding differences or unique characteristics among entities, concepts, or situations. It involves focusing on the distinctions that set things apart rather than treating them as uniform or similar. For example, a distinctions-based approach aims to avoid conflating Indigenous Peoples within Canada, and instead recognizes First Nations, Inuit and Métis as separate groups, each with their own diverse cultures, traditions, communities and histories.
Disorder
A disorder is a condition characterized by a disruption in normal functioning, whether physical, mental, or emotional. It can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities, maintain health, or interact with others. Disorders can vary in severity and impact, and they often require diagnosis and management by healthcare professionals. A disorder is often used as another name for illness.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis identifies a disease, condition, or problem based on a person’s symptoms, medical history, and sometimes laboratory tests or other evaluations. In North America, mental health diagnoses are based on guidelines set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). A diagnosis is a formal identification made by a healthcare professional to determine what is causing a person’s health issues or symptoms.
Depression (clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD))
Depression is a mental health condition that makes you feel very sad, hopeless, or uninterested in things you used to enjoy. While many people go through periods when they feel sad, these feelings are a regular part of life. Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a severe and persistent mental health condition. It involves a prolonged and intense sadness or loss of interest, significantly affecting a person’s daily life. Clinical depression is diagnosed by a mental health professional based on specific criteria and typically requires treatment.
Depression is treatable; some treatments include:
- Psychotherapy: also known as counselling or talk therapy, helps individuals understand and manage their feelings and thoughts.
- Pharmacotherapy: medications such as antidepressants can help balance chemicals in the brain and alleviate symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: in coordination with other treatments, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep can improve mood and overall well-being.
Learn more at CAMH, Depression
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Depressive Episode: A depressive episode is a period during which an individual experiences a range of depression symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s mood, thoughts, behavior, and overall functioning. Key characteristics of a depressive episode include:
- Persistent low mood: a continuous feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure: reduced interest or enjoyment in activities that were previously enjoyable or engaging.
- Changes in appetite or weight: significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits.
- Sleep disturbances: problems with sleeping, such as insomnia or sleeping too much.
- Fatigue or low energy: feeling excessively tired or lacking energy, even after rest.
- Difficulty concentrating, trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: experiencing intense feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
- Thoughts of death or Suicide: recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or attempts
Learn more at CAMH, Depression
Depressant
A depressant is a type of drug that slows down the activity of the brain and nervous system. It makes you feel more relaxed, calm, or sleepy. Common depressants include alcohol, some medications, and drugs like benzodiazepines. They can help with anxiety or sleep problems, but they can also make you feel sluggish or affect your coordination.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa, also known as bulimia, is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating (eating large quantities of food over a brief period) and followed by attempts to prevent weight gain through various methods such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise.
People with bulimia often experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, and distress about their eating behaviours, which can perpetuate the cycle of bingeing and purging. This disorder can have severe physical and psychological consequences, including electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, dental issues, depression, and anxiety.
Treatment for bulimia nervosa typically involves a combination of therapy, nutritional counselling, and sometimes medication. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in helping individuals address the underlying thoughts and behaviours driving their eating disorder and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Nutritional counselling aims to establish regular eating patterns and address any nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage co-existing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Early intervention is crucial in the successful treatment of bulimia nervosa to prevent long-term complications and improve overall well-being.
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Prise de décision assistée
La prise de décision assistée est une manière d’aider les gens à faire leurs propres choix tout en obtenant le soutien dont ils ont besoin. Plutôt que de confier la prise de décisions à quelqu’un d’autre (comme lors d’une tutelle), la personne conserve le contrôle, mais peut recevoir des conseils, de l’information et de l’aide de la part de gens de confiance, comme des membres de la famille, des amis ou des professionnels. Certaines provinces disposent de lois reconnaissant cette démarche, permettant aux personnes de choisir des accompagnateurs qui peuvent les aider à comprendre les options, à exprimer leurs choix et à prendre des décisions éclairées tout en respectant leurs droits et leur indépendance.
Pensées suicidaires
Les pensées suicidaires sont des pensées concernant le fait de mettre fin à sa propre vie. Ces pensées peuvent aller de considérations passagères à une planification détaillée.
Modèles de soins par paliers
Dans une approche de soins par paliers en santé mentale, plus une personne souffre, plus elle est susceptible de recevoir un traitement intensif, et vice versa. « En d’autres mots, si vous n’éprouvez que des problèmes de santé mentale légèrement perturbants, mais que vous êtes tout de même capable de fonctionner et de remplir vos responsabilités, vous n’aurez peut-être besoin que de vous procurer du matériel d’auto-assistance comme des livres, des applications ou des programmes en ligne pour vous sentir mieux, explique Jonathan Stea, psychologue clinicien agréé et professeur adjoint à l’Université de Calgary, dans son livre Mind the Science. En revanche, si vous souffrez d’une psychopathologie sévère qui vous accable et perturbe divers aspects de votre vie, vous pourriez avoir besoin d’un traitement plus intensif et ciblé, comme passer plusieurs nuits dans une unité psychiatrique ou suivre un programme résidentiel de traitement des dépendances pendant plusieurs semaines ou mois. »
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Phobie spécifique
La phobie spécifique est un trouble anxieux. Elle consiste en une peur intense d’une chose ou d’une situation particulière, comme les hauteurs, les araignées ou l’avion. La peur est beaucoup plus forte que le danger réel et peut provoquer de l’anxiété ou de la panique. Les personnes atteintes de phobie spécifique peuvent faire des efforts considérables pour éviter ce qu’elles craignent, même si cela perturbe leur vie quotidienne.
Phobie sociale
Voir Trouble d’anxiété sociale.
Self-determination
A principle that concerns a person’s or nation’s right to determine and have control over their own future, political status, culture, economy and independence.
Sectioning
Sectioning is the process of legally detaining someone in a hospital for mental health treatment when they are considered a danger to themselves or others. It is done under mental health laws, where a doctor or legal authority decides that the person needs help but is unable or unwilling to seek treatment on their own. The person can be kept in the hospital for a set period for evaluation and care.
Hospitalisation sous contrainte
L’hospitalisation sous contrainte est le processus de placement en détention légale d’une personne dans un hôpital pour un traitement en santé mentale lorsqu’elle est considérée comme un danger pour elle-même ou pour autrui. Elle est réalisée en vertu des lois sur la santé mentale, lorsqu’un médecin ou une autorité légale établit que la personne a besoin d’aide, mais qu’elle est incapable ou qu’elle refuse de demander un traitement par elle-même. La personne peut être maintenue à l’hôpital pour une durée déterminée afin d’être évaluée et prise en charge.
Secondary traumatic stress
Secondary traumatic stress is currently not listed as a diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11. It occurs when someone experiences stress or emotional strain after hearing about or witnessing the trauma of others. It often happens to people who care for or work with those who have gone through difficult experiences, like doctors, therapists, or first responders. It can cause feelings like anxiety, sadness, or being overwhelmed, similar to what the person directly affected by the trauma might feel.
Schizophrenia
Symptoms of active schizophrenia can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and/or behaviour, and impaired cognitive ability. The severity, duration, and frequency of these symptoms can cause social and occupational challenges. The Quality Standards are intended to ensure there is a minimum standard of care for adults living with schizophrenia in hospital and community settings in Canada.
Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, programs and treatments are available to help manage symptoms. Reducing public misunderstanding and the stigma associated with the disease can increase support for adults living with this illness.
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Safety
Safety is about creating environments—both physical and psychological—that protect individuals from harm while supporting their well-being. It involves preventing self-harm, suicide, abuse, neglect, and exposure to triggers that may worsen mental health conditions. Safety also includes ensuring access to appropriate care, maintaining confidentiality, fostering supportive relationships, and reducing stigma.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that happens at certain times of the year, usually in the fall and winter when there is less sunlight. People with SAD may feel sad, tired, have trouble concentrating, and lose interest in things they usually enjoy. It’s believed to be linked to changes in daylight affecting mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. Treatment can include light therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication to help manage symptoms.
Learn More:
- Canadian Psychological Association Fact Sheet: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Depression with Seasonal Pattern)
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia (such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking) with mood disorder symptoms (such as depression or mania). This means a person may experience changes in their thoughts, emotions, and behavior that affect their daily life. The condition can vary in severity and may come and go over time. Treatment often includes medication, therapy, and support to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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Facteur de risque
Un facteur de risque est un élément qui augmente les risques de contracter une maladie, un trouble ou un problème de santé. Il peut s’agir de choix de mode de vie, d’antécédents familiaux ou de facteurs environnementaux. Par exemple, le tabagisme est un facteur de risque pour le cancer du poumon, car il augmente les risques de développer la maladie. Les facteurs de risque augmentent les risques de développer une maladie, mais ils n’en sont pas la cause.
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations or challenges. It means staying strong, adapting, and recovering when faced with stress, setbacks, or adversity. Resilient people can keep going even when things are tough. You can improve resilience by building a positive mindset, staying connected with supportive people, and learning to manage stress.
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Remission
Remission is when the symptoms of a disease, like cancer or a mental health condition, decrease or go away for a period. It doesn’t necessarily mean the disease is completely gone, but the person feels better, and the symptoms are less noticeable.
Relapse
A relapse is when someone who has been recovering from a health issue, like an illness, addiction, or mental health condition, experiences a return of symptoms or behaviors they were trying to improve or stop. It means going back to old habits or problems after a period of feeling better. A relapse can be frustrating, but it’s a normal part of the recovery process, and it’s important to get support to get back on track.
Recreation Therapist
A recreational therapist is a health-care or human service professional who helps people improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being through activities and recreation. They use things like sports, games, arts, and crafts to help people feel better, recover from illness or injury, or manage mental health challenges. Their goal is to help people enjoy life more, stay active, and build skills that improve their daily life.
Receptor
A receptor is a special structure on the surface of cells that acts like a lock. It receives signals from chemicals, like hormones or neurotransmitters, that act like keys. When the right “key” (signal) fits into the “lock” (receptor), it triggers a response in the cell, such as sending a message to the brain or starting a physical action in the body. Receptors help the body communicate and respond to different changes, like stress or food intake.
Race
il s’agit d’un concept social utilisé pour juger et classer les gens en fonction de différences perçues dans l’apparence physique, de manière à créer et à maintenir des écarts de pouvoir au sein des hiérarchies sociales. Il n’existe aucun fondement biologique scientifiquement prouvé pouvant attester de l’existence de groupes raciaux distincts.
Low self-esteem
A negative perception of oneself, which is often linked to mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
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Loneliness
A feeling of sadness or distress due to social isolation or lack of meaningful connections, which can impact mental health.
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Locus of control
A psychological concept that refers to an individual’s belief about how much control they have over events affecting them, which influences mental health and coping strategies.
Lived experience/Living experience
According to Daniel Chandler and Rod Munday in the Oxford dictionary, lived or living experience is personal knowledge about the world gained through “direct, first-hand involvement in everyday events rather than through representations constructed by other people.”
The term has also been defined as “the experiences of people on whom a social issue or combination of issues has had a direct impact. Lived and living experience are terms often used to describe people who have experienced or are experiencing mental illness or for people who have experienced or are experiencing substance use and addiction.
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Lethargy
A state of tiredness or lack of energy or enthusiasm. Unlike fatigue, lethargy indicates something that is affecting the brain or level of consciousness. This term is not often used today in medical settings as it lacks clarity. For example, it does not indicate what functions of the brain are impacted or to what degree they are impacted.
Knowledge Translation (KT)
KT refers to taking research findings, knowledge, and evidence-based practices and effectively translating them into real-world applications. It involves making scientific or expert knowledge accessible, understandable, and usable for various audiences, including policymakers, health-care providers, and the general public.
KT aims to bridge the gap between what is known (research) and what is done (practice or policy), ensuring that research results are implemented to improve outcomes in areas like health, education, and public policy. Effective KT includes clear communication, adaptation to different audiences, and active collaboration between researchers and knowledge users.
KT is important in fields like health care, where translating the latest research into practice can improve patient care, inform public health decisions, and reduce disparities.
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Kleptomania
Kleptomania is a mental health disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to repeatedly steal items, often unrelated to personal needs or monetary value. It falls under the category of impulse-control disorders. Kleptomania is a rare but serious disorder.
Kinetics
Refers to the study of motion and the forces that affect it, which can be related to physical movements and their impacts on mental health.
Kinesiology
The scientific study of body movement. This study area can provide insights into how physical activity and movement influence psychological well-being.
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Principes régissant les compétences
Règles établies par une province ou une région qui expliquent ou contrôlent la façon dont les choses se produisent ou fonctionnent et comment ces éléments affectent les personnes, les biens et la conjoncture sur son territoire géographique.
Agitation
Jitteriness refers to a feeling of nervousness, restlessness, or shakiness. It’s often described as an uncomfortable physical state where a person may experience involuntary trembling, fidgeting, or an inability to sit still. A range of issues can cause jitteriness, and it is typically temporary. If it persists, it may indicate an underlying health condition, such as stress, anxiety or other medical concerns, and warrant consultation with a healthcare provider. Also referred to as jumpiness.
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Jealousy
An emotion that can impact mental health, especially in extreme cases where it may lead to anxiety or depression. It can also be a symptom of mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
Jaded
A feeling of exhaustion or disillusionment, which may impact mental health, leading to feelings of apathy or burnout:
Learn more:
- Canadian Psychological Association – Insomnia Fact Sheet
Principes régissant les compétences
Règles établies par une province ou une région qui expliquent ou contrôlent la façon dont les choses se produisent ou fonctionnent et comment ces éléments affectent les personnes, les biens et la conjoncture sur son territoire géographique.
Isolation
Isolation or social isolation means a lack of social interaction and connection with others. This can be either physical, such as spending time alone or being cut off from social networks, or emotional, where a person feels disconnected or unsupported, even in the presence of others.
Isolation can be voluntary (a personal choice to withdraw) or involuntary (due to circumstances like illness, aging, or societal exclusion). Prolonged isolation can have significant negative impacts on health, it can contribute to heart disease, anxiety, depression, poor sleep and impaired executive function.
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Intrusive thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts, that are often distressing. According to Anxiety Canada, several well-conducted studies have discovered that close to 100% of the general population has intrusive and disturbing thoughts, images or ideas.
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Introversion
Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a preference for spending time alone or in low-stimulation environments rather than seeking extensive social interactions. Individuals who identify as introverts often find their energy drained by social activities and restored through solitary or quieter pursuits.
Intervention
An intervention is a structured action or strategy designed to improve or address an individual’s mental health condition or psychological well-being. This can involve various approaches, such as therapy, counseling, medical treatments, support programs, or crisis management techniques.
Interventions are typically used to:
- Prevent the onset of mental health issues.
- Address existing mental health conditions.
- Reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Support individuals in crisis situations.
Interpersonal Racism
Racism that occurs when an individual experiences discriminatory behaviour from others.
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
IPT is a structured, time-limited therapy designed to help individuals improve their interpersonal relationships and resolve issues that are contributing to their emotional distress. It focuses on the connection between mood disorders and problematic relationships or life events.
IPT is effective in treating depression, especially when combined with medication. It is also useful for individuals dealing with anxiety bulimia nervosa, chronic fatigue and mood disorders such as bipolar and dysthymic disorders.
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International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (ICD)
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a system developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify and code diseases, health conditions, and related issues. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive framework for global understanding and categorizing health problems.
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Internalized Racism
The acceptance by a marginalized racialized group of negative messages concerning their abilities and worth.
An individual who has internalized negative stereotypes about their racial group might doubt their abilities in professional settings, leading to decreased job performance and missed opportunities. Addressing internalized racism through counseling and community support can help rebuild confidence and challenge harmful beliefs.
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disability (ID) is a term used to describe a range of conditions characterized by limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. This affects a person’s ability to learn, reason, solve problems, and perform everyday activities. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of intellectual testing, assessments of adaptive behavior, and evaluations of developmental history.
A child diagnosed with intellectual disability may need special education services to help with learning and daily living skills. They might work with educators and therapists to develop strategies that support their individual needs and improve their quality of life.
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Insomnia
Insomnia is a condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep despite having the opportunity to sleep. This can lead to various negative effects on a person’s daily functioning and overall health.
In essence, insomnia involves difficulty with sleep that can impact overall well-being. Effective management often requires a combination of lifestyle changes, behavioral strategies, and, in some cases, medical treatment.
Learn more:
- Canadian Psychological Association – Insomnia Fact Sheet
Watch our webinar
In Toward Quality Mental Health Care: Dismantling Structural Stigma, health-care experts explore the stigma-free and inclusive dimension of the Quality Mental Health Care Framework, focusing on the crucial concept of structural stigma.