VI. Glossary

  1. Anxiety : A normal response to stress which can be caused by a moment of worry, anxiousness, or panic, as a result of a stressful event.
  2. Anxiety Disorders : Disorders involving excessive worry, panic or dread, to the extent that it interferes with everyday life, your ability to care for yourself, or to form and conduct normal social relationships.
  3. Panic attacks : A physical reaction to intense fear that involves chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or even fainting, symptoms which could sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack.
  4. Panic Disorder : An anxiety disorder characterised by sudden and unexpected feelings of intense fear and unreality, coupled with panic attacks.Phobias: An anxiety disorder involving intense, unrealistic fear of simple things or situations.
  5. Social Phobias : An anxiety disorder in which people have a fear of being judged, embarrassed or humiliated in social situations, to the extent that this fear interferes with their daily life.
  6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) : An anxiety disorder in which unreasonable thoughts or fears cause repetitive behaviours in order to relieve the fears that caused them.
  7. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) : Anxiety disorder in which a person develops an intense fear, horror or helplessness that continues for over 3 to 6 months after the onset of trauma. The intense feelings that accompany PTSD can interfere with daily normal life and may include symptoms such as panic attacks, flashbacks and insomnia.
  8. Acute Stress Disorder : Anxiety disorder characterised by the development of severe anxiety, terror, and flashbacks within one month of a traumatic event.
  9. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) : An anxiety disorder in which people generally experience excessive amounts of worry and anxiety. This anxiety is not focused on any one aspect in their lives
  10. Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder : Intense anxiety, panic or irritability that is induced by food, drink, medication or illicit drugs.
  11. Stress Response: Another name for the “Fight-or-Flight” response.
  12. Fight-or-Flight : The automatic response our body has in response to a threat, danger, or stress. The body physically prepares itself to respond or escape in the event of perceived harm.
  13. CognitiveTherapy : A therapy for anxiety and other mood disorders which helps clients overcome dysfunctional thinking, core beliefs, emotions or behaviour.
  14. Behavioural Therapy : A therapy for anxiety and other mood disorders which uses observation and interventions for the purpose of changing problematic behaviours, rather than the thoughts behind them
  15. Positive Psychology : An area of psychology that seeks to use scientific measures of happiness and develop research-based interventions to enhance happiness.
  16. Affirmations : Written or verbal positive viewpoints that can be directed to oneself to generate greater happiness.
  17. Resilience : The ability to endure traumatic experiences under difficult circumstances.
  18. Gratitude : Appreciating what you have and being thankful for benefits you have received.
  19. Savouring : Being able to feel and enjoy moments of pleasure.
  20. Relaxation Exercises : Exercises that help to positively manage actions and thoughts, ease nervous tension and bring about a state of calm.
  21. Breathing Exercises : Exercises which focus on breathing techniques which help gain self-awareness and perspective in order to bring relief from stress and anxiety.