Words Matter: reassessing our mental health language
Language is a fundamental element of the human experience, and underlies many of our internal and external experiences. Even the slightest shifts in the way we utilize language can notably affect our perceptions of ourselves, others, and the world around us. It should then come as no surprise that many in the mental health field have been advocating for the use of strength-based terminology and descriptors.
Stigma and LabelsThe field of mental health, including psychotherapy/counseling and psychiatry, has often carried stigma that has made it uncomfortable and even shameful for clients to seek support and share their distress with loved ones. One contribution to this stigma has been the use of “labelling” language that can portray an individual’s diagnosis as a core facet of their identity, which can be internalized in a harmful manner. For instance, the terms:
Mentally ill Crazy Addict Alcoholic
though comprehensible, tend to carry negative connotations that often serve more harm than good. Instead, try using wording such as:
Person living with a mental health diagnosis. Person navigating a mental health challenge/trauma. Person living with a substance use challenge/disorder.
The above “person-first” phrasing helps shift the primary focus towards the individual rather than the challenges they are navigating.
Clarifying DefinitionsThe internet, social media, and even word of mouth have all been useful in raising mental health awareness and positivity. However, as information sources and content rapidly expand, the meanings of different terms can sometimes become varied and even misused. While the use of such mental health terminology is often well-intended, it is still important to double-check their definitions and appropriateness from time to time. Some examples include:
Gaslighting – “The psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one's emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.”
Gaslighting, though difficult to identify at times, is not just when someone disagrees with another’s opinion or comes across as insensitive.
Narcissist – “Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others.”
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is diagnosed in roughly 0.5%-1% of the U.S. population, and often requires comprehensive evaluation to diagnose accurately. However, the term can often be broadly applied to individuals who appear overly self-oriented and/or insist on getting their way.
OCD – “Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions get in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress.”
OCD is not just really valuing a clean workspace, or feeling the need to double-check the door locks before going to bed.
Boundaries – “Boundaries are the lines and limits you create between yourself and other people. They allow you to define what is acceptable and healthy for you in your relationships. The boundaries you communicate and maintain can protect you both physically and psychologically.”
Setting personal boundaries is important when done appropriately. When misused, however, a boundary can become a means of controlling someone else’s behavior or making demands.
ConclusionIn summary, it can be helpful to double-check the definitions and impacts of the words we use with one another. This can not only help us be more mindful and aware of our own experiences, but also help address mental health stigma and misinformation.
Resourceshttps://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2022/04/use-person-first-language-to-reduce-stigma/https://nida.nih.gov/nidamed-medical-health-professionals/health-professions-education/words-matter-terms-to-use-avoid-when-talking-about-addictionhttps://laconciergepsychologist.com/blog/what-are-boundaries/#:~:text=Boundaries%20are%20the%20lines%20and,you%20both%20physically%20and%20psychologicallyhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/09/08/setting-boundaries-therapy-words/
by Justin Chu, Psy.D.
Mentally ill Crazy Addict Alcoholic
though comprehensible, tend to carry negative connotations that often serve more harm than good. Instead, try using wording such as:
Person living with a mental health diagnosis. Person navigating a mental health challenge/trauma. Person living with a substance use challenge/disorder.
The above “person-first” phrasing helps shift the primary focus towards the individual rather than the challenges they are navigating.
Clarifying DefinitionsThe internet, social media, and even word of mouth have all been useful in raising mental health awareness and positivity. However, as information sources and content rapidly expand, the meanings of different terms can sometimes become varied and even misused. While the use of such mental health terminology is often well-intended, it is still important to double-check their definitions and appropriateness from time to time. Some examples include:
Gaslighting – “The psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one's emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.”
Gaslighting, though difficult to identify at times, is not just when someone disagrees with another’s opinion or comes across as insensitive.
Narcissist – “Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others.”
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is diagnosed in roughly 0.5%-1% of the U.S. population, and often requires comprehensive evaluation to diagnose accurately. However, the term can often be broadly applied to individuals who appear overly self-oriented and/or insist on getting their way.
OCD – “Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions get in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress.”
OCD is not just really valuing a clean workspace, or feeling the need to double-check the door locks before going to bed.
Boundaries – “Boundaries are the lines and limits you create between yourself and other people. They allow you to define what is acceptable and healthy for you in your relationships. The boundaries you communicate and maintain can protect you both physically and psychologically.”
Setting personal boundaries is important when done appropriately. When misused, however, a boundary can become a means of controlling someone else’s behavior or making demands.
ConclusionIn summary, it can be helpful to double-check the definitions and impacts of the words we use with one another. This can not only help us be more mindful and aware of our own experiences, but also help address mental health stigma and misinformation.
Resourceshttps://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2022/04/use-person-first-language-to-reduce-stigma/https://nida.nih.gov/nidamed-medical-health-professionals/health-professions-education/words-matter-terms-to-use-avoid-when-talking-about-addictionhttps://laconciergepsychologist.com/blog/what-are-boundaries/#:~:text=Boundaries%20are%20the%20lines%20and,you%20both%20physically%20and%20psychologicallyhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/09/08/setting-boundaries-therapy-words/
by Justin Chu, Psy.D.