idioms
Idioms & Natural Expressions
Fixed expressions and idiomatic language to sound more natural and precise.
30 minC1c1idiomsmental-health-therapy-stigmamental healththerapystigma
Lesson objectives
- Use idiomatic language connected to mental health, therapy & stigma more naturally.
- Distinguish neutral, formal and contemporary expressions.
- Recognise when an expression improves fluency without sounding forced.
Idioms & expressions — Mental Health, Therapy & Stigma
To be at one's wits' end · neutral
neutralMeaning:To be so worried, confused, or annoyed that you do not know what to do next.
Significado:Estar al límite de sus fuerzas / No saber qué más hacer.
Example:After months of battling burnout, she was at her wits' end and decided to seek professional help.
To carry a heavy mental load · neutral
neutralMeaning:To deal with a significant amount of psychological stress or emotional responsibility.
Significado:Cargar con una pesada carga mental.
Example:Many remote workers carry a heavy mental load due to the blurring lines between home and office.
To be in a dark place · informal
formalMeaning:To be experiencing a period of depression or extreme emotional difficulty.
Significado:Estar en un mal momento / Estar en un lugar oscuro (emocionalmente).
Example:He admitted he was in a dark place last year, but therapy has helped him find stability.
To be neurodivergent-friendly · formal
formalMeaning:Designed or structured to accommodate people with ADHD, autism, etc. (Contemporary).
Significado:Adaptado para personas neurodivergentes.
Example:The new office layout is neurodivergent-friendly, providing quiet zones to prevent sensory overload.
To perform wellness · informal
formalMeaning:To act as if one is healthy or happy for social media or professional appearance, while struggling internally (Contemporary).
Significado:Simular bienestar / 'Actuar' de forma saludable.
Example:Social media often pressures users to perform wellness rather than actually practicing it.
To set digital boundaries · neutral
neutralMeaning:To establish rules for technology use to protect mental health (Contemporary).
Significado:Establecer límites digitales.
Example:To combat doomscrolling, she decided to set strict digital boundaries after 8 PM.
To pull oneself together · neutral
neutralMeaning:To regain control of one's emotions after being upset or distressed.
Significado:Componerse / Recuperar el control de uno mismo.
Example:It took her a few minutes to pull herself together before entering the meeting.
to stay ahead of the curve · neutral
neutralMeaning:to be more advanced or better prepared than others in a changing situation
Significado:ir por delante de los demás en una situación cambiante
Example:In debates about mental health, therapy & stigma, organisations need to stay ahead of the curve.
to be a double-edged sword · neutral
neutralMeaning:to have both advantages and disadvantages
Significado:ser un arma de doble filo
Example:For many people, progress in mental health, therapy & stigma can be a double-edged sword.
to gain traction · neutral
neutralMeaning:to start becoming more accepted, popular or effective
Significado:ganar impulso o aceptación
Example:Some new ideas about mental health, therapy & stigma only gain traction once the public sees clear results.