Boost Your Mental Health and Positivity

Vocabulary flashcards based on the 'Boost Your Mental Health and Positivity' module, covering key concepts such as resilience, self-compassion, self-care, the PERMA model, and inclusive mental health support.

Mental Health

A state that is more than just the absence of mental illness; it exists on a spectrum, differs from person to person, and is a fundamental human right essential for overall well-being.

Resilience

The emotional, behavioral, and cognitive adaptability that is both a process and an outcome, built through experience and intention rather than being something individuals are born with.

Systems Perspective of Resilience

A view proposed by Ann Masten & M.G.J Reed (2002) where resilience arises through ordinary adaptive processes such as self-regulation, supportive relationships, and problem-solving co-created by families and communities.

Positive Adaptation Indicators

Criteria for assessing resilience including social and academic success, age-appropriate behavior, overall life satisfaction, and the absence of high-risk behavior or distress.

Self-Compassion

Conceptualized by Kristin Neff (2003), it is the emotional orientation toward oneself during failure or suffering, rather than a focus on self-worth evaluation.

Self-Kindness vs. Self-Judgment

A component of self-compassion that involves being warm and understanding toward oneself rather than being critical or evaluative during times of failure.

Mindfulness vs. Overidentification

A component of self-compassion that involves maintaining a balanced awareness of one's emotions rather than becoming swept up and carried away by negative reactivity.

Common Humanity vs. Isolation

A component of self-compassion that recognizes that suffering and personal inadequacy are part of the shared human experience, rather than something that happens to one person alone.

Self-Care

A foundation of resilience that nurtures physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being to manage stress, prevent burnout, and boost emotional regulation.

Reactive Self-Care

Responses to stress after it occurs, such as taking mental health breaks or relaxation techniques, which provide limited help without ongoing habits.

Proactive Self-Care

Intentional routines and investments, such as exercise or mindfulness, maintained regularly to build inner strength and prevent stress before it occurs.

PERMA Model

A positive psychology framework for well-being consisting of five elements: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments.

Engagement

An element of well-being where individuals fully utilize their skills and strengths to focus on challenging tasks, often described as a state of 'flow'.

Flow

A satisfying state pursued for its own sake where skills match the challenge level, there is a clear goal, and immediate feedback on progress is provided.

Meaning

A sense of purpose derived from belonging to and contributing to a cause greater than oneself.

Accomplishments

The pursuit of success, competence, and mastery for their own sake across various areas such as work, sports, or hobbies.

Happiness (Mathews, 1990)

A choice and habit cultivated by living in the present, originating from internal mindset and attitude rather than wealth or success.

Empathy

The ability to go beyond understanding to create emotional safety and empowerment, leading to better mental health outcomes and supportive relationships.

Inclusion

The removal of barriers to enable diverse individuals to thrive, reducing stigma and improving mental health access for marginalized groups.

Safe Spaces

Supportive environments where individuals can express emotions and be heard through active, non-judgmental listening.