From ‘Menty B’ to ‘Bed Rotting’ – 5 Mental Health Buzzwords to Know

Psychological buzzwords are going viral on social media, sparking candid conversations that help people relate to each other and tackle emotional struggles head-on.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter are hotspots for exploring and sharing ideas around self-care and emotional well-being, with users coining terms like bed rotting, functional freeze, and menty b to describe everyday struggles.

Some terms are lighthearted — like delulu, shorthand for delusional positivity — while others like holistic psychology refer to treating the mind and body as an interconnected whole.

Let’s dive in:

Bed Rotting

This describes intentionally crashing out and lying around in bed for extended periods as a way to rest and recharge…even when you’re not sick. Unlike traditional laziness or avoidance, bed rotting is often thought of as a form of self-care, particularly in dealing with burnout or emotional exhaustion. Bed rotters see it as a deliberate pause from life’s demands, giving the mind and body time to recover in a safe, comfy space.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? But, mental health professionals caution against prolonged inactivity or isolation; it can exacerbate feelings of low energy or depression. Moderation and balance are, once again, key. Remember the Golden Mean and pair restful moments with healthy activities that promote physical and emotional well-being.

Functional Freeze: 

A state where individuals — despite maintaining basic daily functions like going to work and getting the kids to school — feel overwhelmed by routine tasks. They may feel unfulfilled and emotionally numb or fritter away countless hours doomscrolling in self-isolation. This term has gathered a lot of heat on social media platforms, resonating with many who feel they’re operating on autopilot due to prolonged stress. It’s not a clinical diagnosis, but functional freeze underscores the pervasive impact of chronic stress in our day-to-day lives.

Though Bed rotting and functional freeze often overlap, they’re not quite the same vibe. Both can pop up when stress gets overwhelming, but the difference is in the why and how. Functional freeze is more of a mental gridlock — you’re stuck, and the bed feels like the only safe zone. Bed rotting might look the same from the outside, but generally, it’s a conscious choice to chill out and recharge.

The main difference? Control. Bed rotting tells the world, “Hey, I’m taking a time-out.” It’s intentional, even if it’s just binge-watching your favorite show in bed all day and night. Functional freeze isn’t a choice; you’re frozen and can’t find the energy to do anything else. Sometimes, Bed rotting can be an unplanned side effect of that freeze, which further confuses the two states.

Both of them mean you’re dealing with some serious stress. Neither of them are a forever solution. While bed rotting can be a solid way to hit pause, staying there too long can keep you stuck in that frozen zone. Mixing in small, doable steps — like drinking tea or eating a salad — can help you ease back into the swing of things.

‘Menty B‘

Short for mental breakdown, menty b is popular among teens, especially on TikTok. Some folks think it’s a good entry point for discussions about mental health. Others think it trivializes mental health issues. It’s essential to use these terms with sensitivity to make sure they foster understanding rather than diminish the experiences of those facing significant challenges.

Holistic Psychology

Holistic psychology treats individuals by considering the interconnectedness of their mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. Traditional methods often focus solely on symptoms. Holistic psychology addresses the whole person and promotes a more comprehensive view of mental well-being. This perspective encourages regular mental health check-ups and seeks to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues.

‘Delulu’

A contraction of “delusional,” “delulu” is a slangy way to describe someone out of touch with reality. In clinical settings, delusions are serious symptoms associated with conditions like schizophrenia, and the casual use of “delulu” can undermine the severity of genuine mental health disorders. It’s crucial to use psychological terms accurately to maintain respect and understanding for those affected.

The increasing visibility of these terms reflects a broader societal engagement with mental health topics. While popularizing such concepts can promote awareness, it’s vital to approach them with accuracy and empathy to ensure meaningful understanding and support for those affected.