Glossary

safety plan

A written list of activities, people and things you can turn to when you’re feeling suicidal. It provides you with a routine and set of steps to take that suit you best.

schizoaffective disorder

A diagnosis given to people who have symptoms of schizophrenia at the same time as depression, mania or mixed episodes.

schizophrenia

A mental illness that affects how the brain works. People with schizophrenia experience psychosis, which means they can have serious problems with thinking clearly, emotions, and knowing what is real and what is not. This can include hearing or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), and having very strange beliefs that are abnormal or not true (delusions).

seclusion

When a person is kept alone in a room or area where they are unable to leave.

sedative

A drug that makes someone feel calm and sleepy.

self-care

Taking care of your own physical and mental health. Could involve exercise, eating well, relaxing and doing things you enjoy.

self-harm

Hurting yourself on purpose.

side effect

An effect that a treatment (e.g. a medication) has on someone, aside from the main effect.

social anxiety disorder

Someone with social anxiety disorder worries about other people noticing their anxiety and thinking less of them because of it.

social worker

A person who can help you with support, referrals and counselling when you are going through a difficult time.

specialist

A doctor who has done extra training to become an expert in an area of medicine. Examples of specialists are psychiatrists (mental health), paediatricians (child health) and cardiologists (heart health).

SSRI

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. A type of antidepressant medication.

stigma

When someone is treated unfairly, judged or stereotyped based on their mental illness.

stimulant medication

Drugs that are used in medicine to improve attention, concentration and alertness. Prescribed for ADHD and sleep disorders.

supportive psychotherapy

A type of psychological treatment. Supportive psychotherapy is a conversational-style therapy that aims to make you feel comfortable and less anxious, while helping you to come up with practical ways to cope with stressful situations.

symptom

A feeling or sign of illness.