Mental Health Awareness: Words Matter – End the Stigma
It may seem small, but our words matter especially when it comes to mental health awareness. In recent years there is an increasing amount of conversation to reduce the stigma and why it’s important when it comes to mental health conditions.
The biggest misconceptions about mental health disorders are that they are caused by a substance use disorder or they’re a personality flaw. In short, this can lead to shame for those individuals working with a counselor on treatment. Moreover, this is an illness, not a choice and should be treated with the same dignity as cancer, diabetes, etc.
Words matter
The first step to reduce stigma is to be conscious of the words you use. Below are examples of words that carry stigma and what to use instead.
Words to avoid |
Words to reduce stigma |
| Schizophrenic/Borderline | Person diagnosed with… |
| Psychotic | Person presenting with (or exhibiting) psychotic features |
| Delusional | Person presenting with (or exhibiting) hallucinations or delusions |
| Crazy | Person presenting with unusual symptoms |
| Committed suicide | Died of/by suicide |
| Successful attempt | Suicide |
| Unsuccessful attempt | Suicide attempt |
| Manipulative | Describe behavior |
| Attention-seeking | Describe behavior |
| Frequent flyer | Person who frequently needs or uses services |
It may sound like something simple or like it may not make a difference. However when you say the words out loud, take notice of how they sound and feel. There is a positive note to the words we suggest using instead.
Together we can continue to reduce stigma, allowing more people to seek treatment without shame or embarrassment.
How to find a the right treatment center for you
Lifeline Connections commits to long-term wellness for our patients. For example, we offer an integrated, holistic approach that includes substance use disorder treatment, therapy and case management. For example, our doctors specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, working to solve ones that have a compounding effect. Above all contact us and reclaim your life.
Contact a doctor for a referral or find a therapist. Additionally, they can work to design a custom plan for wellness. Further, secure treatment is over the phone or computer with telehealth, providing coping skills for grief, loss, depression and anxiety. Moreover, they will work with you one-on-one to get you feeling better.
