What language is used in regards to mental illness?
Person-first language is used by most individuals living with a mental health problem or illness and/or people with lived and living experience of substance use. Far fewer (e.g., people living with autism or deafness) use identity-first language.
What is Person-First Language in mental health?
Person-first (or person-centered) language refers to choosing and using words that recognize and refer to individuals – first and foremost – as people. This demonstrates respect for each person’s basic humanity. It emphasizes their unique traits, strengths, and worth.
Why is language important in mental health?
Used in a constructive manner, language can have a substantial impact on people’s lives. In the context of mental illness, mental health, and wellbeing, negative words can be experienced as condescending, isolating, and stigmatising, whereas positive words can convey dignity, empathy, and hope.
What is stigmatizing language for mental health?
Stigmatizing language is one of the many barriers to seeking treatment for a substance use or mental health disorder, as many individuals do not want to be “labeled.” Stigma is often defined as the negative view and attitude toward people or ideas based on distinguishing characteristics.
Does language matter when talking about mental health?
Language matters in mental health. Words we use shape how we see the world–and ourselves. We have a choice in the words we use to describe ourselves, others, and the world around us. The words we choose and the meanings we attach to them influence our decisions, beliefs, and well-being.
Why is person-first language important?
Person first language is widely thought of as being very important to use in order to maintain an environment of dignity, respect and hope. Using person first language is also a more accurate way of speaking about people. Placing the person first and the disability second helps eliminate stereotypes that can form.
What words describe mental health?
Synonyms
- stable. adjective. with a healthy mental and emotional state.
- well-balanced. adjective. a well-balanced person is sensible and is mentally strong and healthy.
- unstable. adjective.
- disturbed. adjective.
- maladjusted. adjective.
- mixed up. adjective.
- hung up. adjective.
- messed up. adjective.
What is another word for mental health care?
What is another word for mental health?
| mental well-being | emotional health |
|---|---|
| emotional well-being | psychological health |
| psychological well-being | psychological resilience |
| mental state | psychological state |
| stress level |
The use of language is critical to ensuring a recovery-oriented and person-centered approach. It is important that people are seen first as people and not seen as their mental health condition. People are not Schizophrenic, Bipolar, or Borderline. People are not cases or illnesses to be managed.
Should we be more thoughtful in the words we use to describe mental health?
If we understand the important processes that words trigger in our brains, we may decide that it is worth being more thoughtful in the words that we are use to describe mental health. There are words that are clearly discriminatory and should outright not be used, like “nutter” and “mental”.
Should we use the word “suffer” when it comes to mental health?
We often use the word “suffer” when it comes to mental ill health. Whilst it is accurate that we should acknowledge the actual impact and suffering that people experience, we also need to be careful not to imply that a diagnosis equates to a “life sentence” of suffering.
Should we avoid stigmatising terminology and language when discussing mental ill-health?
It is important that all organisations and individuals discussing mental ill-health avoid using stigmatising terminology and language. In many cultures ‘mental illness’ is a foreign and ambiguous concept.