Glossary/Key Terms Flashcards
A personalised and comprehensive document outlining the goals, interventions, and treatments for a person’s mental health care.
care plan
Someone who provides support and care to a person with mental health challenges, often a family member or friend.
carer
The presence of two or more disorders or conditions occurring in the same individual simultaneously. This can include concurrent substance use and a diagnosed mental illness.
co-morbidity
An individual who has used, or uses, mental health services to address their mental health needs.
consumer
Techniques used to help someone who is in a highly distressed or agitated state, or experiencing a crisis.
de-escalation
A cognitive framework through which an individual makes meaning from their mental health experiences. Individuals can vary in the meaning they make from their experience, and this is likely to inform how they respond to future mental health experiences.
explanatory frame
Mental health care provided without the individual’s consent, usually due to concerns for their safety or well-being.
involuntary treatment
The first-hand understanding of mental health challenges gained by individuals who have experienced them.
lived experience
Emotional and psychological discomfort or unease experienced by an individual.
mental distress
A broad term encompassing various mental health difficulties or disorders that individuals may face.
mental health challenge
A registered nurse with specialised training in mental health. They provide support, assessment, and treatment to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, and offer counselling, education, and medication administration to promote overall mental well-being and recovery.
mental health nurse
A professional with lived experience of mental health challenges who provides support and assistance to others going through similar experiences.
peer worker
An approach that aligns the provision of care and support to the individual’s preferences, values, and goals.
person centered
A medical doctor who specialises in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental disorders using a combination of therapy and medication. They have the authority to prescribe medications and may work in hospitals or private practices.
psychiatrist
A mental healthcare professional who holds a degree in psychology and is trained to assess and treat mental and emotional issues through various therapeutic approaches. They cannot prescribe medication but can provide counselling and psychotherapy.
psychologist
Any medication that alters behaviour, mood, thoughts, or perception (e.g., antidepressants, stimulants, tranquillisers). This term encompasses various drugs, including both prescription medications and commonly misused substances.
psychotropic
The process through which individuals with mental health challenges achieve a meaningful life, develop resilience, and reclaim a sense of identity and purpose, often involving hope, empowerment, and self-determination.
recovery
An approach that supports individuals in regaining control over their lives after experiencing a diagnosed mental illness or a mental health challenge.
recovery oriented
A personalised and structured document that outlines coping strategies, support systems, and actions to be taken during times of crisis to ensure the individual’s safety and well-being. This is developed in collaboration with the individual.
safety plan
The ability of individuals to make their own decisions, exercise autonomy, and act on their own goals and values.
self determination
The collaborative and trusting relationship established between the mental health nurse and the individual, which facilitates engagement and recovery.
therapeutic alliance
Mental health care chosen and agreed upon by the individual seeking help.
voluntary treatment
