Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

SAD

See Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms including hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that do not exist) and delusions (believing in things that are untrue).

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression which, as its name suggests, has a seasonal pattern. The onset is usually September/October and continuing until March or April and tends to be at its worst between December and February which is why it is also often known as the winter depression.

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Seclusion

If you are put in seclusion, you are put in a room called a seclusion room by yourself. It may be locked and it will be supervised. Seclusion can only be used if staff feel that other people are at risk of significant harm from you because of your severely disturbed behaviour.

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Secondary Care

Secondary care is specialised treatment usually provided by a hospital.

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Self Harm

Self harm is when you damage or injure your body on purpose.

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Service User

A service user is someone who uses health services or has done in the past. Some people use the terms patient or client instead.

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Social Inclusion

Social inclusion is about ensuring that vulnerable or disadvantaged people are able to access all of the activities and benefits available to anyone living in the community.

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Social Worker

A social worker is a professional who can help you with practical aspects of life. They will often also have had training in psychological help. They work closely together with other organisations that are also able to provide you with help.

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