Beyond the Stigma: Language Matters

We all know words have power. They can build bridges, tear down walls, and, perhaps most importantly, shape our perception of reality. When it comes to mental health, the language we use is not just about being "politically correct"; it's a critical tool for fighting stigma, fostering understanding, and promoting well-being.

For too long, the conversation around mental health has been poisoned by casual, inaccurate, and frankly, cruel language. By adopting compassionate and accurate terminology, we can shift the narrative from one of blame or weakness to one of health, recovery, and human experience.

Here is a guide to help you retire outdated phrases and adopt terminology that moves the conversation forward.

Retiring Outdated and Harmful Phrases

These phrases, often used in jest or as everyday metaphors, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and trivialize serious conditions.

Instead of Saying...	Why It's Harmful
"He's so bipolar today."	Trivializes a complex mood disorder and turns a serious diagnosis into a flippant description of a change in mood.
"I'm so OCD about cleaning."	Reduces a serious anxiety-related disorder to a personality quirk or an exaggerated preference for tidiness.
"She's having a nervous breakdown."	This term is medically vague and outdated. It often sensationalizes distress rather than describing a specific, treatable condition.
"They're a psycho," or "They're crazy."	These are vague, inflammatory, and historically used to dehumanize and fear people with mental illnesses.
"Committed suicide."	The word "committed" implies a crime or sin. Suicide is a death resulting from a health crisis, not an illegal act.
"Mental patient" or "mentally defective."	These labels define a person by their diagnosis, are dehumanizing, and are reminiscent of institutional language.

Adopting Compassionate and Accurate Terminology

The language of compassion is person-first. It acknowledges that a person is not defined by their diagnosis, but is a human being who happens to have a condition.

Instead of Saying...	Consider Using...	Why It's Better
"He is bipolar."	"He has bipolar disorder."	It uses person-first language, separating the person from the diagnosis.
"Suffers from depression."	"Manages depression," or "Is living with depression."	"Suffers" can imply helplessness. These alternatives acknowledge the person's agency and resilience.
"Attempted suicide."	"Attempted to take their own life," or "Non-fatal suicide attempt."	It removes the problematic implication of a crime while clearly describing the event.
"She's mentally ill."	"She has a mental health condition," or "She has a mental illness."	Focuses on the condition rather than labeling the entire person as ill.
"Mental health issue."	"Mental health challenge," or "Mental health condition."	"Challenge" or "condition" often feel less loaded and more descriptive than "issue" or "problem."
"Clean/dirty for an addiction."	"In recovery," "Using substances," or "Relapsed."	This language treats addiction as a chronic health condition. The 'clean/dirty' binary is judgmental and shaming.

Key Principles for Language

When in doubt, remember these three core principles:

1. Use Person-First Language: Always refer to the person before the diagnosis (e.g., "a person with schizophrenia," not "a schizophrenic"). This maintains their dignity and humanity.

2. Focus on Health, Not Crime: Treat mental health challenges and addiction as what they are: health conditions. Use neutral, clinical language instead of judgmental, moralistic terms.

3. Validate the Experience: When someone is struggling, validate their pain and effort. Instead of dismissing their feelings ("Just snap out of it"), acknowledge their reality ("That sounds incredibly difficult," or "I appreciate you sharing your struggle with me").

The Call to Action

Changing your vocabulary is a simple, yet profound, act of compassion. Every time you choose respectful and accurate terminology, you become an advocate for a world where people feel safe to seek help without fear of judgment.

Language matters. Let's commit to using it as a tool for healing, not for harm.

What is one phrase you're going to commit to changing today? Share your thoughts below.