What words to avoid when talking about mental health?

Avoid derogatory language. Terms such as psycho, crazy and junkie should not be used. In addition, avoid words like “suffering” or “victim” when discussing those who have mental health challenges.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on psychiatry.org

What are appropriate words for mental health?

There are different terminologies used by people to describe their mental health status. These may include mental health problems, mental disorder, mental health condition and psychiatric disability. These different terms may refer to the extent of their condition and whether it has been formally diagnosed.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on humanrights.gov.au

What to say and what not to say to someone with a mental health condition?

What to say to someone with a mental illness
  • "Do you want to talk about it? ...
  • "What can I do to help?" ...
  • "That sounds really difficult. ...
  • 4. " ...
  • "I'm really sorry you're going through this. ...
  • "Are you looking for my perspective or would you rather I listen?" ...
  • "I know what you mean. ...
  • "Have you tried yoga or meditation?"

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rogersbh.org

What is the politically correct way to say mental illness?

Don't say “mentally disabled,” “mentally handicapped,” or “mentally ill.” Say, “has a mental illness.” It can also be appropriate to say “mental health condition,” since many people who deal with mental health concerns may not have a formal diagnosis or a full-fledged illness. 3.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on psychologytoday.com

How do you talk about mental health respectfully?

Make it personal. Use first-person language to talk about your experiences. For example: 'I was in college when I noticed what a big impact my anxiety had on my everyday life. ' This will help the listener connect you – the person they know and have a relationship with – to your story of mental health.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on psyche.co

Do's and Don'ts When Talking About Mental Health

36 related questions found

How do you speak out against mental health stigma?

9 Ways to Fight Mental Health Stigma
  1. Talk Openly About Mental Health. ...
  2. Educate Yourself and Others. ...
  3. Be Conscious of Language. ...
  4. Encourage Equality Between Physical and Mental Illness. ...
  5. Show Compassion for Those with Mental Illness. ...
  6. Choose Empowerment Over Shame. ...
  7. Be Honest About Treatment.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nami.org

Why is it difficult to talk about mental health?

Why is it so hard to talk about mental health? The prevalence of stigma and discrimination toward people with mental illness makes it difficult to have a transparent conversation about how we feel. But an open dialogue about mental health can help everyone heal.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthcare.utah.edu

Is it OK to say mentally unstable?

While the terms "mental instability" or "mentally unstable" may still be used, neither is an official diagnosis and each is highly stigmatizing and offensive. More appropriate terms include "mental health condition" and "mental health disorder."

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on verywellmind.com

Is manic an offensive word?

'Manic' and 'mad' are frequently used in informal conversations and, while we accept they have various meanings, they can also cause offence. Using words like 'psycho', 'nutter', 'schizo' or 'loony' to describe someone with mental health problem is certainly offensive and unacceptable.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theguardian.com

What's another word for mental illness?

brainsickness
  • craziness.
  • derangement.
  • insaneness.
  • lunacy.
  • madness.
  • mental disorder.
  • mental illness.
  • psychopathy.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thesaurus.com

What are the do's and don ts of mental health?

Make lots of friends, spend time with your family - both give you joy and help you keep mentally stable. Don't become complacent. Take risks, think out of the box. Don't fish for praise or compliments all the time.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on practo.com

How to explain mental health to someone who doesn t understand?

  1. Try to manage your expectations. Sometimes, people who have never experienced mental health issues find it tricky to understand what you are going through. ...
  2. Prepare what you're going to say. ...
  3. Have the support to back you up. ...
  4. Ask open questions. ...
  5. End the conversation the correct way.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on happiful.com

How to explain depression to someone who doesn t believe in it?

Another way you can explain depression to someone who has never experienced it is by bringing attention to different symptoms you may be experiencing. Some common symptoms experienced by those with depression may include: Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or pessimism.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on newhoperanch.com

What are 5 words that 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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on macmillandictionary.com

What is mental health in one word?

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on who.int

Is it OK to say mental?

"If you say 'you're mental', 'you're off your head' - it's fine if they're just being a bit crazy. "Like if you say the ref is blind, he should've seen the ball, There's nothing wrong with that but if you go up to a mentally ill person and call them mental then that's mean-spirited."

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bbc.co.uk

What is bipolar in slang?

When there is a change in temperature, it's not unlikely to hear people complain of “bipolar” weather. When technology isn't working properly or when something is unpredictable, a frustrated and uninformed person might call it bipolar.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ibpf.org

Do I have a mental illness or am I overreacting?

It's important to note that only a mental health professional can diagnose a mental health condition. Therefore, the only way to receive a definite answer to the question, “Do I have a mental illness, or am I overreacting?”, is to get in touch with a professional at an accredited treatment center.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on springbrookhospital.org

What are the 7 main mental disorders?

Many people also experience stigma, discrimination and violations of human rights.
  • Anxiety Disorders. ...
  • Depression. ...
  • Bipolar Disorder. ...
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ...
  • Schizophrenia. ...
  • Eating Disorders. ...
  • Disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders. ...
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on who.int

Am I mentally or emotionally unstable?

If you find yourself experiencing moods and emotions that are so intense, that you struggle to calm yourself down, you may be showing signs of being emotionally unstable. You may not possess the skills necessary to calm yourself down, meaning your emotions tend to become more and more aroused.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on talked.com.au

Why am I mentally tired?

Mental fatigue is a state of tiredness that sets in when your brain's energy levels are depleted. Mental fatigue is usually the result of prolonged stress. Long-term stress can be brought on by a variety of factors, including a challenging life event, a demanding job, or procrastination.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on betterup.com

What is the most stigmatized mental illness?

Of the major mental illnesses, individuals like you with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are perhaps among the most stigmatized. 3 Even among healthcare professionals, BPD is frequently misunderstood. Stigma surrounding BPD can also lead to misdiagnosis.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on verywellmind.com

What is the hardest mental health issue?

Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPDs) become overwhelmed and incapacitated by the intensity of their emotions, whether it is joy and elation or depression, anxiety, and rage. They are unable to manage these intense emotions.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on psychcentral.com

Why do some people not believe in mental health?

There are many reasons for this discrimination, including: stereotypes. Society can have stereotyped views about mental ill health. Some people believe people with mental health problems are dangerous when in fact, they are at a higher risk of being attacked or harming themselves than hurting other people.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mentalhealth.org.uk

Why is talking about mental health taboo?

"Among some immigrant and refugee families, discussions of mental health problems or mental illness is taboo, due to a cultural perspective that mental illnesses signify being 'crazy' or 'mad,' thereby preventing families from seeking help because of fear of bringing shame on the family," she says.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on crownschool.uchicago.edu