Mental Health Glossary, Plain English Terms for Anxiety, Mood, and Stress

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Mental health language can feel intimidating. Here is a simple glossary for common terms that come up when men talk about anxiety, mood, and sexual confidence.

Common terms

  • Anxiety, a state of worry and alertness that can affect sleep and body tension
  • Panic, sudden intense fear with physical symptoms such as racing heart and short breath
  • Depression, persistent low mood or low motivation that affects energy and interest
  • Rumination, looping thoughts that are hard to switch off
  • Avoidance, pulling away from situations that trigger fear or shame
  • Burnout, prolonged stress state with exhaustion and reduced capacity
  • Grounding, techniques to return attention to the present moment

When to seek urgent support

If you have thoughts of self harm, feel unsafe, or your symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent help.

Privacy matters

A quick note on safety.  This article is general information, it is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. If you feel unsafe, have thoughts of self harm, or your symptoms are severe or worsening, seek urgent help. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services.

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