Common Language

Common Language 
Common language people are actually using today - especially in mental health & actiism.

1. Healthy relationships
Psychological safety
Secure attachment
Mutual respect
Emotional attunement
Co-regulation
Healthy boundaries
Repair after conflict
Consent culture
Accountability without shame
Interdependence (not codependence)

Safe, consistent, and respectful, not confusing or unpredictable. Healthy relationships are defined by safety, trust, and collaboration.

2. Unhealthy Relationships
Coercive control
Gaslighting
Love bombing → devaluation → discard
Trauma bonding
Intermittent reinforcement
Power and control dynamics
Emotional manipulation
Weaponized attachment

New research reframes abuse as intentional systems of control, not just toxic behavior. It’s not just conflict—it’s control, confusion, and loss of autonomy.

3. Behavior and Causes
Nervous system regulation / dysregulation
Fight / flight / freeze / fawn
Trauma triggers
Conditioning & reinforcement
Learned behavior
Emotional regulation
Adaptive vs maladaptive coping

Behavior is increasingly framed as what happened to you? not, What’s wrong with you?

4. Empowerment
Empowerment, voice, and choice
Self-efficacy
Post-traumatic growth
Resilience building
Reclaiming agency
Healing-centered engagement
Strength-based approach

Empowerment is seen as a process, not as a moment, built with support & choice. From surviving→ to choosing→ to leading your own life.

5. Risk and Safety
Risk factors vs protective factors
Safety planning
Environmental safety
Psychological safety
Harm reduction
Red flags / green flags
Situational awareness

Safety now includes emotional & psychological safety, not just physical.

6. Vulnerability & Adversity
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Social determinants of health
Systemic inequality
Chronic stress exposure
Environmental risk
Structural vulnerability
Intergenerational trauma

Life conditions aren’t just background - they actively shape outcomes and risk.

7. Crisis
Acute crisis (sudden)
Chronic crisis (ongoing)
Emotional crisis
Behavioral crisis
Situational crisis (loss, change, instability)
Developmental crisis (life stage transitions)

It’s when someone experiences the loss of stability or safety, and become overwhelmed to the point that it disrupts functioning.

8. Crisis Care
(Involves)
reducing distress
restoring safety
and stabilizing functioning

Crisis is increasingly understood as context & capacity mismatch, not just extreme events.

Big Picture (how all your ideas connect)
Safety comes first
Behavior makes sense in context
People adapt to survive
Recovery requires choice, trust, and support

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