Why the Language We Use Around Mental Health Matters

Words are extremely powerful. They linger with us long after a conversation is over, and they can impact our decisions and the way we feel about ourselves.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind The Language We Use Around Mental Health Matters   Words are extremely powerful. They linger with us long after a conversation is over, and they can impact our decisions and the way we feel about ourselves.   Recently, leaders from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reviewed multiple studies on how language surrounding mental health can contribute to stigma. Further, they concluded that this stigmatization ultimately leads to a decrease in seeking treatment for mental illness and substance use.   This remains true even if there's no malice behind our language regarding mental health. Examples of problematic language include misusing clinical terms (e.g. psycho, schizo, crazy, bipolar) and using highly stigmatized language such as "addict."   Instead, we should be cautious about the words we use in our everyday language and focus on using person-centered language (ex. "a person with schizophrenia" versus "a schizophrenic"). Person-centered language allows the diagnosis to be identified while allowing space between the individual and the concern.     The takeaway message is that we, as a society, should be working to decrease stigma because it will help people feel more comfortable seeking care."  — DAWN STRAITON, DNP, MSN, APRN  What This Means For You As we move through this world and engage with strangers, friends, and our closest loved ones, it's important to be deliberate and thoughtful with our word choices. It's become common to flippantly toss out words like "crazy" or "bipolar" or to describe someone as a disorder versus someone with a mental health disorder.     This language is a detriment to the many people who can benefit from getting help. We must work diligently to avoid stigmatizing language, diffuse stigma in general, and serve as champions of those seeking mental health care.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us SELF's Checking In podcast is hosted by editor in chief, Carolyn Kylstra, and features experts, thought leaders, celebrities, and everyday people. Each episode offers practical, actionable advice on how to navigate everything from health and wellness to life's biggest transitions. Products to Help You Feel Your Best In Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb walks readers through her experience as a therapist seeking therapy. Filled with life lessons that her clients have learned and lessons she's learned herself, it helps normalize therapy and demonstrates its raw power. With 150 prompt cards to challenge and inspire you daily to grow personally and discover the best you, the Courage Over Comfort Deck is based on proven methods to stretch your comfort zone and think bigger to achieve more. Read These Next The Different Types of Mental Illness READ NOW How the Stigma of Mental Health Is Spread by Mass Media READ NOW 3 Tips to Combat Stigma READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy