Mental Health Glossary

चिंता विकार

A group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent worry and fear that interferes with daily functioning. Types include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and specific phobias. Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health condition globally.

ध्यानाभाव अतिसक्रियता विकार

A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning. ADHD is not about laziness — it is a difference in brain dopamine regulation. It affects both children and adults.

अवसादरोधी दवाएं

Medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and other conditions by altering brain chemistry. Major classes include SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine), SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine), and others. They typically take 2-4 weeks to show full effect and should be taken under medical supervision.

एंटीसाइकोटिक दवाएं

Medications primarily used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. They work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Second-generation antipsychotics (like risperidone, olanzapine) have fewer movement-related side effects than first-generation medications.

आसन

Physical postures practiced in yoga. Originally, asana referred to the seated position for meditation. In modern usage, it encompasses all yoga poses. Specific asanas have different mental health effects — backbends for depression (energizing), forward folds for anxiety (calming), inversions for stress relief.

अश्वगंधा

An adaptogenic herb central to Ayurvedic medicine, used for over 3,000 years for stress, anxiety, and vitality. Clinical trials show that Ashwagandha root extract (300-600mg/day) significantly reduces cortisol levels, anxiety (GAD-7 scores), and perceived stress compared to placebo.

अमिगडाला

An almond-shaped structure in the brain's limbic system that processes emotions, particularly fear and threat detection. The amygdala triggers the fight-or-flight response. In anxiety disorders, the amygdala is hyperactive — overreacting to non-threatening situations. Meditation has been shown to reduce amygdala reactivity.

अनुपस्थिति

Habitual absence from work, often caused by physical illness, mental health conditions, or burnout. Depression alone costs Indian employers an estimated $14 billion annually in absenteeism and lost productivity. Addressing root causes (workplace stress, mental health) is more effective than punitive measures.

द्विध्रुवी विकार

A mood disorder causing unusual shifts between periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and depression. During manic episodes, individuals may feel euphoric, have racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, and engage in risky behavior. It requires lifelong management.

श्वास तकनीक

Structured breathing patterns used to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress. Key techniques include box breathing (4-4-4-4), 4-7-8 breathing, and coherent breathing (5 breaths/minute). Breathing is the only autonomic function you can consciously control.

सीमाएं

Limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships to protect our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Healthy boundaries include saying no without guilt, limiting time with toxic people, and separating work from personal life. In Indian families, boundary-setting is often culturally challenging but essential.

ब्राह्मी

An Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for cognitive enhancement, memory, and anxiety reduction. Multiple clinical trials confirm that Bacopa extract improves memory, attention, and cognitive processing speed. It is also anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) at doses of 300-450mg/day of standardized extract.

बर्नआउट/थकान

A state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged workplace stress. The WHO recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon (not a medical condition) characterized by three dimensions: energy depletion/exhaustion, increased mental distance from one's job (cynicism), and reduced professional efficacy.

शारीरिक विकृति विकार

A mental health condition where a person obsessively focuses on perceived flaws in their appearance that are minor or not observable to others. BDD causes significant distress and can lead to excessive grooming, seeking reassurance, avoiding social situations, and pursuing unnecessary cosmetic procedures.

संज्ञानात्मक व्यवहार चिकित्सा

An evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT is structured, time-limited (typically 12-20 sessions), and focuses on current problems rather than past events. It is the most researched and widely recommended therapy for depression and anxiety.

परामर्श

A professional relationship that helps individuals, families, and groups address mental health concerns, life challenges, and personal growth. While psychotherapy typically addresses diagnosed conditions, counseling often focuses on adjustment issues, stress, relationship problems, and career guidance.

सीबीटी-आई

A structured program that identifies and replaces thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems. CBT-I is recommended as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia — ahead of medication — and produces lasting results without side effects. Typically delivered in 6-8 sessions.

मुकाबला कौशल

Strategies used to manage stressful situations and regulate emotions. Healthy coping includes problem-solving, seeking social support, exercise, and relaxation techniques. Unhealthy coping includes avoidance, substance use, and emotional suppression. Building healthy coping skills is central to mental wellness.

कोर्टिसोल

The primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol increases blood sugar, suppresses the immune system, and prepares the body for fight-or-flight. Chronically elevated cortisol (from persistent stress) leads to anxiety, depression, weight gain, immune suppression, and cognitive impairment.

संज्ञानात्मक कार्य

The mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and understanding — perception, attention, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. Cognitive function declines with chronic stress, poor sleep, depression, and aging. It improves with exercise, meditation, social engagement, and cognitive training.

संज्ञानात्मक विकृति

Systematic errors in thinking that reinforce negative thought patterns. Common distortions include catastrophizing (expecting the worst), black-and-white thinking (no middle ground), mind-reading (assuming others' thoughts), and personalization (blaming yourself for external events). CBT specifically targets these patterns.

सह-निर्भरता

A behavioral pattern where one person excessively relies on another for emotional needs, identity, and self-worth, often at the expense of their own wellbeing. In Indian family systems, codependency can be culturally reinforced through expectations of self-sacrifice and duty (kartavya). Recovery involves developing self-identity and boundaries.

सर्कैडियन रिदम

The body's internal 24-hour clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, hormone release, body temperature, and other vital functions. Disrupted circadian rhythms (from shift work, jet lag, irregular sleep) increase risk for depression, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Morning light exposure is the strongest circadian reset.

अवसाद

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest lasting at least two weeks. It affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting over 300 million people.

द्वंद्वात्मक व्यवहार चिकित्सा

A type of CBT originally developed for borderline personality disorder, now used for emotion regulation difficulties, self-harm, and chronic suicidal ideation. DBT teaches four skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

दोष

In Ayurveda, the three fundamental bioenergies that govern all physical and mental processes: Vata (air/space — movement), Pitta (fire/water — transformation), and Kapha (earth/water — structure). Every individual has a unique combination of doshas (Prakriti) that determines their physical and psychological tendencies.

ध्यान

The seventh limb of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, referring to sustained, focused concentration that leads to a state of pure awareness. Unlike mindfulness (which is observation-based), dhyana involves progressively deeper absorption into the object of meditation until subject-object distinction dissolves.

डोपामिन

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, pleasure, and motor control. Dopamine drives goal-directed behavior ('wanting' more than 'liking'). Dysregulation is involved in ADHD (too little), addiction (hijacked reward circuits), and schizophrenia (too much in certain pathways).

विविधता, समानता और समावेश

Organizational practices that recognize and value differences among employees (diversity), ensure fair access to opportunities (equity), and create environments where everyone feels they belong (inclusion). Mental health is a DEI issue — access to mental healthcare varies by gender, caste, geography, and socioeconomic status in India.

डीपीडीपी अधिनियम 2023

India's comprehensive data protection law that governs how organizations collect, process, and store personal data, including sensitive health and wellness data. For wellness platforms like Suman, DPDP compliance requires explicit consent, purpose limitation, data minimization, and the right to erasure.

विघटन

A psychological defense mechanism involving a disconnection from thoughts, feelings, surroundings, or identity. Dissociation ranges from mild (daydreaming, 'zoning out') to severe (depersonalization, derealization, dissociative identity disorder). It is often a response to trauma — the mind's way of protecting itself from overwhelming experiences.

मानसिक स्वास्थ्य में डेटा गोपनीयता

The protection of sensitive personal information disclosed during mental health treatment or wellness platform use. Mental health data requires the highest level of protection due to stigma risks. Suman employs zero-knowledge architecture, AES-256 encryption, and DPDP Act 2023 compliance.

डेटा सुरक्षा

Technical and organizational measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, breaches, or misuse. For mental health platforms, this includes encryption at rest and in transit, access controls, audit logs, regular security assessments, and incident response plans.

खान-पान विकार

A group of conditions characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Major types include Anorexia Nervosa (restricted eating), Bulimia Nervosa (binge-purge cycles), and Binge Eating Disorder. They are serious medical conditions, not lifestyle choices.

एडिनबर्ग प्रसवोत्तर अवसाद स्केल

A 10-item questionnaire specifically designed to screen for postnatal depression. Unlike the PHQ-9, it excludes somatic symptoms (fatigue, sleep changes) that are normal in the postpartum period, making it more accurate for new mothers. A score of 13+ indicates probable postpartum depression.

ईएमडीआर

A psychotherapy technique designed to treat trauma and PTSD. During EMDR, the therapist guides the patient to recall traumatic memories while performing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). This helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less distressing.

एक्सपोज़र थेरेपी

A behavioral therapy technique where individuals are gradually and systematically exposed to feared situations, objects, or memories in a safe environment. Over time, exposure reduces the fear response through a process called habituation. It is the gold standard treatment for phobias, OCD, and PTSD.

एक्सपोज़र एंड रिस्पॉन्स प्रिवेंशन

The first-line treatment for OCD. ERP involves exposing the person to their obsessive trigger (e.g., touching a 'contaminated' surface) while preventing the compulsive response (e.g., hand washing). Over repeated sessions, the anxiety decreases naturally without the compulsion.

भावनात्मक बुद्धिमत्ता

The ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use your own emotions and those of others. EQ encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. High EQ is a stronger predictor of workplace success than IQ.

भावना नियंत्रण

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy, adaptive way. Poor emotion regulation is a transdiagnostic factor across depression, anxiety, PTSD, and personality disorders. Strategies include cognitive reappraisal (reframing), mindful acceptance, and physiological regulation (breathing).

कार्यकारी कार्य

A set of cognitive processes managed by the prefrontal cortex — including working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Executive function is what allows you to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks. It is impaired by stress, sleep deprivation, and ADHD.

कर्मचारी सहायता कार्यक्रम

A workplace program that provides confidential counseling, mental health support, and referral services to employees. EAPs typically offer 3-8 free sessions per issue. In India, EAPs are increasingly offered by progressive employers but awareness and utilization rates remain low.

सहानुभूति

The ability to understand and share another person's feelings and perspective. Empathy has three components: cognitive (understanding another's viewpoint), emotional (feeling what they feel), and compassionate (being moved to help). Empathy is distinct from sympathy (feeling sorry for someone) and is a trainable skill.

प्रवाह अवस्था

A psychological state of complete absorption and focused engagement in an activity, described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. During flow, you lose track of time, self-consciousness diminishes, and performance peaks. Flow requires a balance between challenge level and skill level.

लड़ो-या-भागो प्रतिक्रिया

The body's automatic physiological reaction to perceived danger. When threatened, the sympathetic nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, tensing muscles, and sharpening focus. In modern life, chronic activation of this response leads to anxiety and burnout.

सामान्यीकृत चिंता विकार

A condition marked by chronic, exaggerated worry about everyday events and activities, lasting at least six months. People with GAD find it difficult to control their worry and experience physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.

जीएडी-7

A validated 7-item screening tool for generalized anxiety disorder. Each item is scored 0-3 based on symptom frequency over the past two weeks. Total scores: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-21 severe anxiety. Used extensively in primary care and wellness platforms.

जीएचक्यू-12

A 12-item screening instrument designed to detect common mental disorders — depression, anxiety, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence. It measures current psychological distress rather than long-standing traits. Widely used in occupational health and community surveys.

कृतज्ञता अभ्यास

The deliberate practice of recognizing and appreciating positive aspects of life. Research shows that regular gratitude practice (e.g., writing 3 things you're grateful for daily) increases happiness, reduces depression, improves sleep quality, and strengthens relationships. It rewires the brain's negativity bias.

एचपीए अक्ष

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis — the body's central stress response system. When the brain perceives a threat, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland, which signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Chronic stress dysregulates the HPA axis, contributing to depression, anxiety, and immune dysfunction.

अनिद्रा

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and being unable to return to sleep, despite adequate opportunity for sleep. Chronic insomnia (lasting 3+ months) significantly increases risk for depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease.

कफ दोष

The dosha associated with earth and water elements, governing structure — bones, muscles, fluids. Kapha-dominant individuals tend to be calm, steady, and compassionate but prone to lethargy, depression, weight gain, and emotional attachment when imbalanced.

मानसिक स्वास्थ्य जांच

The use of standardized questionnaires (PHQ-9, GAD-7, EPDS, etc.) to identify individuals who may have a mental health condition. Screening is not diagnosis — a positive screen means further professional evaluation is needed. Regular screening helps detect conditions early when treatment is most effective.

मूड स्टेबिलाइज़र्स

Medications used to treat bipolar disorder by reducing extreme mood swings between mania and depression. Lithium is the oldest and most studied mood stabilizer. Other options include valproate and lamotrigine. Regular blood monitoring is required for some mood stabilizers.

माइंडफुलनेस/सचेतनता

The practice of paying deliberate, non-judgmental attention to the present moment — your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. Mindfulness has strong evidence for reducing anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. It can be practiced formally (meditation) or informally (mindful eating, walking).

ध्यान

A practice of focused attention and awareness to achieve mental clarity, emotional calm, and psychological balance. Types include focused-attention meditation (concentrating on a single point), open-monitoring meditation (observing thoughts without judgment), and loving-kindness meditation (generating compassion).

मूड ट्रैकिंग

The systematic recording of emotional states over time to identify patterns, triggers, and trends. Mood tracking helps detect early warning signs of depression or anxiety, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and understand the relationship between lifestyle factors and emotional wellbeing.

मेलाटोनिन

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Melatonin production increases in darkness and is suppressed by light, especially blue light from screens. Supplemental melatonin (0.5-3mg) can help with jet lag and circadian rhythm disorders but is not a cure for insomnia.

मानसिक स्वास्थ्य कलंक

Negative attitudes, beliefs, and discrimination toward people with mental health conditions. Stigma is the single biggest barrier to mental healthcare in India. It operates at personal (self-stigma), social (family/community judgment), and structural (inadequate policies) levels. Reducing stigma requires education, contact, and advocacy.

उन्माद

A state of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity level lasting at least one week. During mania, individuals may feel invincible, need little sleep, talk rapidly, have racing thoughts, and engage in risky behavior (excessive spending, impulsive decisions). Mania is a defining feature of Bipolar I Disorder.

प्रेरणा

The internal and external drives that initiate, guide, and maintain goal-directed behavior. Intrinsic motivation (doing something for its own sake) is more sustainable than extrinsic motivation (doing something for rewards/punishment). Depression significantly impairs motivation through dopamine pathway disruption.

तंत्रिका लचीलापन

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity means that the brain is not fixed — therapy, meditation, exercise, and learning physically change brain structure and function. This is why recovery from mental health conditions is possible at any age.

जुनूनी-बाध्यकारी विकार

A condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that the person feels driven to perform. Common obsessions include contamination fears, symmetry needs, and intrusive thoughts. OCD is not about being 'neat' — it is a debilitating condition.

अभिघातजन्य तनाव विकार

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, hypervigilance, and avoidance of trauma-related stimuli. PTSD can develop after events like accidents, assault, natural disasters, or combat.

घबराहट का दौरा

A sudden episode of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms — racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, tingling, and a feeling of losing control or dying. Panic attacks peak within 10 minutes and usually resolve within 20-30 minutes. They are terrifying but not physically dangerous.

भय/फोबिया

An intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that is generally not harmful. Common phobias include heights (acrophobia), spiders (arachnophobia), enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), and social situations (social phobia). Phobias cause avoidance behavior that can limit daily life.

प्रसवोत्तर अवसाद

A mood disorder affecting mothers after childbirth, characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby. PPD is different from 'baby blues' — it is more severe, lasts longer, and requires professional treatment. It affects 15-23% of Indian mothers.

दीर्घकालिक अवसादी विकार

A chronic form of depression lasting at least two years in adults. Symptoms are less severe than major depression but more persistent. People with dysthymia may feel that depression is just 'who they are' rather than recognizing it as a treatable condition.

मनोविकृति

A condition where a person loses contact with reality, experiencing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) or delusions (firmly held false beliefs). Psychosis is a symptom, not a diagnosis — it can occur in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or substance use.

पीएचक्यू-9

A validated 9-item self-report questionnaire used to screen for, diagnose, and measure the severity of depression. Each item is scored 0-3, producing a total score of 0-27. Scores of 10+ suggest moderate depression requiring professional evaluation. It is the most widely used depression screening tool globally.

मनोचिकित्सा

A general term for treating mental health conditions through verbal communication with a trained therapist. Types include CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and family therapy. Psychotherapy can be individual, group, couple, or family-based.

प्रसवकालीन मानसिक स्वास्थ्य

Mental health during pregnancy and the first year after birth. This period carries elevated risk for depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and life transitions. Screening during this period is critical but often overlooked in Indian healthcare.

सकारात्मक मनोविज्ञान

A branch of psychology that studies what makes life worth living — strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to human flourishing. Rather than focusing solely on treating mental illness, positive psychology emphasizes building wellbeing, meaning, engagement, and positive relationships.

प्रकृति

An individual's innate psycho-physiological constitution determined by the unique ratio of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas at conception. Prakriti influences body type, personality traits, stress responses, sleep patterns, and susceptibility to specific health conditions. It is the basis of personalized Ayurvedic treatment.

पित्त दोष

The dosha associated with fire and water elements, governing transformation — digestion, metabolism, and cognitive processing. Pitta-dominant individuals tend to be focused, ambitious, and decisive but prone to irritability, anger, burnout, and inflammation when imbalanced.

प्राणायाम

Yogic breathing exercises designed to control prana (life force/breath). Major techniques include Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril), Bhramari (bee breath), Kapalabhati (skull shining), and Anulom Vilom. Pranayama directly stimulates the vagus nerve, shifting the nervous system from stress to recovery.

प्रीफ्रंटल कॉर्टेक्स

The brain region behind the forehead responsible for executive functions — decision-making, planning, impulse control, emotional regulation, and social behavior. Sleep deprivation, chronic stress, and substance use impair prefrontal function, leading to poor decisions and emotional reactivity.

पैरासिम्पेथेटिक तंत्रिका तंत्र

The 'rest and digest' branch of the autonomic nervous system. It slows heart rate, promotes digestion, and facilitates recovery. Activities that activate the parasympathetic system include deep breathing, yoga, meditation, social bonding, and laughter. It counterbalances the stress-inducing sympathetic system.

मनोवैज्ञानिक सुरक्षा

A shared belief within a team that it is safe to take interpersonal risks — asking questions, admitting mistakes, proposing ideas, and giving feedback without fear of punishment or humiliation. Google's Project Aristotle identified psychological safety as the #1 factor in high-performing teams.

प्रेज़ेंटीइज़्म

Attending work while mentally or physically unwell, resulting in reduced productivity. Presenteeism is estimated to cost employers 4-10x more than absenteeism because it's invisible and widespread. Mental health conditions are the leading cause of presenteeism in corporate India.

लचीलापन/सहनशक्ति

The ability to adapt and recover from adversity, trauma, stress, and significant life challenges. Resilience is not a fixed trait — it can be developed through building strong relationships, maintaining a positive outlook, practicing self-care, and developing problem-solving skills. Suman measures resilience through the Resilience Equation.

रसायन

Ayurvedic rejuvenation practices aimed at restoring vitality, immunity, and mental clarity. Rasayana includes herbal formulations (Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatavari), dietary practices, daily routines (Dinacharya), and behavioral modifications. Modern research has validated some Rasayana herbs for stress and cognitive enhancement.

मादक द्रव्य सेवन विकार

A medical condition in which the use of substances (alcohol, drugs, tobacco) leads to significant impairment or distress. It involves changes in brain circuits related to reward, stress, and self-control. Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a moral failing.

सिज़ोफ्रेनिया

A chronic brain disorder affecting less than 1% of the population. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and reduced motivation. Schizophrenia is not 'split personality' — it is a neurological condition that responds to medication and psychosocial support.

सामाजिक चिंता विकार

Intense fear of social situations where one might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others. It goes beyond shyness — it causes significant avoidance of social interactions, work presentations, phone calls, and everyday activities. Affects approximately 7% of the population.

एसएसआरआई

The most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and escitalopram (Lexapro). They are generally well-tolerated.

आत्म-देखभाल

Intentional actions taken to care for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Self-care is not selfish or indulgent — it is necessary maintenance. Examples include adequate sleep, exercise, nutrition, social connection, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that bring joy.

नींद स्वच्छता

A set of behavioral and environmental practices that promote consistent, quality sleep. Core practices include maintaining a fixed wake time, limiting caffeine after 2 PM, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, avoiding screens before bed, and using the bed only for sleep.

तनाव प्रबंधन

Techniques and strategies to control and reduce chronic stress. Evidence-based methods include physical exercise, breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, cognitive restructuring, time management, and social support. Effective stress management is preventive, not reactive.

संयम/शांति

The state of abstaining from alcohol or other addictive substances. Sobriety is a journey, not a destination — it involves daily choices, coping strategies, and support systems. Recovery platforms like Suman provide sobriety tracking, milestone celebrations, and relapse prevention tools.

आत्म-जागरूकता

The conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires. Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence and personal growth. Practices that develop self-awareness include meditation, journaling, therapy, and feedback from trusted others.

सात्विक

In Ayurvedic and yogic philosophy, one of three gunas (qualities) — representing purity, harmony, balance, and clarity. A sattvic state of mind is calm, focused, and compassionate. Sattvic foods (fresh fruits, vegetables, grains) and practices (meditation, service) promote mental equilibrium.

सेरोटोनिन

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and social behavior. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression and anxiety. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin availability in the brain. Approximately 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, highlighting the gut-brain connection.

आघात/ट्रॉमा

An emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Trauma is not defined by the event itself but by the person's experience of it. Types include acute trauma (single event), chronic trauma (repeated), and complex trauma (multiple, prolonged).

आघात-सूचित देखभाल

An approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and communities. It shifts the question from 'What's wrong with you?' to 'What happened to you?' Key principles include safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

चिकित्सीय लेखन

The practice of writing down thoughts and feelings to process emotions, track mood patterns, and gain self-insight. Expressive writing has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve immune function, and accelerate emotional processing after stressful events. Even 15 minutes of journaling 3 times per week shows benefits.

वात दोष

The dosha associated with air and space elements, governing all movement in the body and mind — breathing, circulation, nerve impulses, and thought. Vata-dominant individuals tend to be creative, quick-thinking, and energetic but prone to anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness when imbalanced.

वेगस तंत्रिका

The longest cranial nerve, running from the brainstem to the abdomen. It is the primary pathway of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). Vagal stimulation reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and calms anxiety. Yoga, deep breathing, and chanting stimulate the vagus nerve.

कार्य-जीवन संतुलन

The equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life. In India, where average work weeks exceed 48 hours and family obligations are extensive, achieving work-life balance is particularly challenging. Modern perspectives prefer 'work-life integration' — finding sustainable rhythms rather than strict separation.

वेलनेस आरओआई

The measurable financial return from investing in employee wellness programs. Studies show ROI of $2-$6 for every $1 invested in comprehensive wellness programs. Metrics include reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, improved productivity (reduced presenteeism), and better employee retention.

विड्रॉल/नशा-मुक्ति लक्षण

Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops or reduces use of a substance they are dependent on. Symptoms vary by substance but can include tremors, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and in severe cases (alcohol, benzodiazepines), seizures. Medical supervision during withdrawal is recommended.

योग

An ancient Indian practice combining physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana) for holistic health. Modern research validates yoga's effects on anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, and stress. Yoga is now recommended by leading medical institutions worldwide.

योग निद्रा

A guided meditation practice performed in Savasana (lying down) that induces deep relaxation while maintaining conscious awareness. Research shows that 30 minutes of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 2-3 hours of regular sleep for physical restoration. The US Army uses iRest Yoga Nidra for PTSD treatment.