An independent guide to psychological wellbeing. We do not diagnose and do not replace a doctor or psychotherapist; we are not affiliated with the previous website on this domain. If you feel very bad or your life is in danger, call 112 (or your local emergency number).

Topics

Topics and states

Psychological wellbeing is made up of many small things, and it is easier to understand piece by piece. We have gathered the topics of this guide into five groups: tension, sleep and rest, anxious thoughts, professional help and checking information. Each group leads to sections where the topic is covered in more detail.

A state does not need a name for you to take care of it. But if it drags on and gets in the way of life, it is better to look for that name together with a specialist.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we describe everyday situations and general principles of self-care, based on recommendations from the WHO and professional bodies. We do not list symptoms for self-diagnosis and do not suggest treatments.

Stress and tension

Tension is a normal response to pressure. What matters is noticing the moment it stops letting go.

How to notice tension

Sleep, irritability, tiredness, physical sensations: a general look at what to pay attention to in yourself.

Stress (in Russian)

What helps in everyday life

A sleep routine, movement, time with people and breaks that gradually restore your energy.

Prevention

When tension is a reason to see a doctor

If the state lasts a long time and interferes with work, relationships or sleep, it is worth seeing a specialist.

Ask a specialist

Sleep and rest

Sleep and rest are the foundation; without them it is hard to cope with everything else.

Regular sleep

For good health, adults are advised to regularly sleep 7 hours or more; a consistent bedtime helps.

Prevention

Limits on your load

How to plan your day so that there is still room for a breather.

Worrying less (in Russian)

Burnout

What people usually mean by this word and why prolonged exhaustion is worth discussing with a doctor.

Glossary

Anxious thoughts

Everyone knows what worry feels like. This guide helps you tell everyday worries apart from reasons to seek help.

Worrying about small things

Everyday steps that help you replay the same thoughts in your head less often.

Worrying less (in Russian)

Intrusive thoughts

Many people have unwanted unpleasant thoughts; we explain when they are a reason to see a specialist.

Intrusive thoughts (in Russian)

Questions about anxiety for your doctor

What to tell and what to ask at a visit so that the conversation is useful.

Ask a specialist

Help and support

Asking for help is a normal step, not a sign of weakness.

Who to turn to

Primary care doctor, psychotherapist, psychiatrist and clinical psychologist: how they differ in general terms.

Approaches

Preparing for a visit

Which notes and questions to bring so you don't forget anything because of nerves.

Ask a specialist

How to support someone close

Listen, don't rush them, help them make an appointment with a specialist, and don't forget about yourself.

Approaches

Information and claims

A lot is written about psychology, and far from all of it has been checked.

Promises of quick change

Signs of dubious courses and "secret techniques" and how to check them.

Quick-fix claims (in Russian)

Psychology in the news

How to read headlines about discoveries and how a survey differs from an experiment.

Research

Reliable sources

What this guide relies on and who can usually be trusted.

Sources

Catalogue of articles in English

This is where standalone articles written for English-speaking readers will appear, covering everyday psychological wellbeing, rest and asking for help. Each article goes through the same review as the sections of this guide.

Topics in progress

  • How to get your sleep routine back after a hard stretch
  • How to build a real break into a busy workday
  • How to talk with a friend or family member who is going through a hard time
  • What to bring to your first appointment with a specialist
  • How to read headlines about new findings in psychology
  • How to notice tiredness before it builds up

Editorial rules

  • Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
  • Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
  • We do not publish advertising for clinics, specialists, medicines or apps, rankings, prices or reviews.
  • 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.

  • Research

    How to read psychology news: big headlines, number of participants, surveys versus experiments, and who paid for the study.

  • Glossary

    Words from conversations about mental health in plain language, from stress and anxiety to sleep hygiene and helplines.

Sources

  • WHO: Depression fact sheet
  • American Academy of Sleep Medicine: recommended amount of sleep for adults (2015)

This guide draws on the WHO guidelines on physical activity, the WHO fact sheet on depression and the recommendations on sleep duration for adults as they were available at the time of writing. Recommendations are refined over time, so questions about your own health are best discussed with a doctor.