Let’s be honest—if you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen someone talk about “gaslighting,” call their ex a “narcissist,” or say they’re “so OCD” about their closet. And while it’s great that mental health is part of the conversation now, a lot of these psychology terms are being thrown around without much context.
When psychological terms are misused, it can lead to confusion, stigma, and even harm. People may misdiagnose themselves or others, trivialize real mental health conditions, or dismiss behaviours that require deeper understanding.
So, let’s clear things up a bit. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular psych terms online—and what they actually mean in the clinical space.
1. Gaslighting
Online use: Often used to describe any kind of lying, manipulation, or disagreement.
Clinical use: Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person or group deliberately makes you question your own memory, perception, or sanity. It’s not just lying—it’s a serious form of emotional abuse.
2. Narcissist
Online use: Used to describe anyone who is arrogant, self-absorbed, or posts a lot of selfies.
Clinical use: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by a long-term pattern of exaggerated self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. It’s not about confidence—it’s about dysfunction that impairs relationships and daily life.
Important note: Not everyone with narcissistic traits has NPD, and casually labeling people as narcissists can be harmful and misleading.
3. Trauma
Online use: Frequently used to describe any emotionally difficult experience, from a breakup to an embarrassing moment.
Clinical use: Trauma, in psychological terms, refers to an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event—like abuse, violence, or natural disasters. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can result from trauma and includes symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.
Important note: While everyday challenges can be emotionally painful, not all difficult experiences are seen as clinical trauma. Additionally, not all traumatic experiences lead to a trauma response—some instead become catalysts for Post-Traumatic Growth.
4. OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
Online use: Often used to describe being neat, organized, or particular about certain things (“I’m so OCD about my desk!”).
Clinical use: OCD is a chronic mental health disorder involving unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to relieve distress (anxiety). It’s not about liking things tidy—it’s about being trapped in a cycle that causes significant distress and interferes with daily functioning.
5. Trigger/Triggered
Online use: Used colloquially to describe feeling annoyed or mildly upset.
Clinical use: In trauma work, a “trigger” is a stimulus—like a sound, image, or smell—that causes someone to relive a traumatic event. It can lead to intense emotional and physical reactions, such as panic attacks or dissociation.
6. Attachment Style
Online use: Trending in relationship advice, often used to label people as “avoidant” or “anxious” without much nuance.
Clinical use: Attachment theory, rooted in development psychology, describes how early relationships (usually with caregivers) shape how we connect with others as adults. It’s more complex than just being “clingy” or “distant” as the patterns are deeply influenced by early life experiences.
7. Boundaries
Online use: Often equated with cutting people off or refusing to do anything that causes discomfort.
Clinical use: Healthy boundaries are guidelines a person sets to protect their emotional well-being and integrity. They can be flexible and should be communicated—not used to control or avoid.
It’s amazing that we’re talking more openly about mental health—but words matter.
Social media has made psychological vocabulary more accessible, but it’s important to use these terms responsibly. Understanding the real meanings not only improves mental health literacy but also fosters empathy, reduces stigma, and encourages appropriate help-seeking behaviour.
When we casually toss around terms, we risk minimizing real struggles or mislabeling people. Plus, it can make it harder for someone experiencing these things to feel understood or get help. If something you see online resonates, that’s totally valid—but consider checking in with a mental health professional or doing a little research from reliable sources rather than relying solely on online content.
If you’re struggling to rebuild authentic connection, seeking help from a therapist can be beneficial. The therapists at Couples Counselling Centre are available to guide you through the process of reconnecting and creating a deeper, more fulfilling relationship. Click HERE to book a free consult.
