Glossary

States

Stress

The body's and mind's response to pressure or change. Short-term stress is a normal part of life; difficulties arise when tension lasts a long time and has no chance to ease.

Anxiety

A feeling of unease and of expecting something bad to happen. Everyone knows it; it becomes a reason to see a specialist when the anxiety lasts a long time, is hard to explain by circumstances and gets in the way of life.

Depression

A mental disorder that the WHO describes as common. It is not the same as a bad mood or sadness after a difficult event. Effective treatments exist; the diagnosis is made by a specialist.

Burnout

The word usually used for a state of exhaustion linked to prolonged pressure at work: tiredness, detachment, a feeling of having no energy for anything. If such a state drags on, it is worth discussing with a doctor so that other causes are not missed.

Crisis

An acute state in which a person feels they can no longer cope. At such a moment it is important not to be alone and to seek help, and if life is in danger, to call 112 (or your local emergency number).

Specialists

Psychotherapist

In Russia, usually a doctor who has trained in psychotherapy, that is, treatment through conversation and specific methods. Specialists with other backgrounds also use the title, so it is worth checking their qualifications.

Psychiatrist

A doctor who diagnoses and treats mental disorders: makes the diagnosis and prescribes treatment if needed.

Clinical psychologist

A specialist with training in psychology who carries out psychological assessment and counseling. They are not a medical doctor and do not write prescriptions.

Self-care and help

Sleep hygiene

Habits that help you sleep better: consistent times for going to bed and getting up, a quiet and dark bedroom, fewer screens and heavy conversations before bed.

Helpline

A phone line where you can talk about what is hard and find out where to get help. In Russia, the free helpline for children, teenagers and parents is 8-800-2000-122 (in other countries — your local helpline).

Limits on your load

How many tasks and commitments a person can take on without harming their sleep and wellbeing. These limits differ from person to person and change at different times of life.

Where these words appear in the guide

• Topics

  Topics by group: stress and tension, sleep and rest, anxious thoughts, professional help, checking claims; plus the article catalogue.

• Prevention

  Simple everyday habits: sleep, movement, daylight, staying in touch, breaks, less news and seeing a doctor in good time.

• Approaches

  Who primary care doctors, psychotherapists, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are, how to prepare for a visit and how to support someone.

• Stress (in Russian)

  Archived page: how to notice tension, what helps in everyday life and when it is time to see a specialist.

• Intrusive thoughts (in Russian)

  Archived page: unwanted unpleasant thoughts, when they are a reason to see a specialist and how to prepare for a visit.

• Worrying less (in Russian)

  Archived page: everyday steps to worry less about small things, and when anxiety is a reason to see a doctor.

Related sections

• Topics

  Topics by group: stress and tension, sleep and rest, anxious thoughts, professional help, checking claims; plus the article catalogue.

• Approaches

  Who primary care doctors, psychotherapists, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are, how to prepare for a visit and how to support someone.

• Ask a specialist

  Questions about sleep, anxiety, mood and treatment that you can discuss with your own doctor or psychotherapist.

• Sources

  What this guide relies on, why it contains so few numbers, and how to check advice about mental health on your own.