*Content warning: This post mentions suicide
The language we use around mental health and mental illnesses can hold stigma and minimize the experiences of others.
Every one of us has mental health.
Our mental health can fluctuate and be good or not so good at times depending on several factors, including diagnosable mental illnesses.
For example: people living with a mental illness can be in a place of good mental health and people can also struggle with mental health without a diagnosable mental illness.
DID YOU KNOW?
In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.
By age 40, 1 in 2 people in Canada will have or have had a mental illness.
The words and language we use are so important and can be a first step in reducing stigma.
Certain language can minimize another person’s experience. Inclusive and recovery-oriented language language can make people feel heard and included. Using respectful, non-judgmental, and empowering words are supportive of individuals and their journeys.
It is important to start paying attention to the things we say.
It’s also okay to make mistakes.
Here are some tips on language to use and language to avoid:
Inclusive Language: |
Use |
Avoid |
Is person centred |
“People with a mental illness” “They are living with a mental health issue” “They are living with addictions” |
“They are mentally ill” “They are an addict” |
Isn’t discriminatory or insulting |
“They are not themselves” “They are experiencing hallucinations” |
“They are acting crazy; they are insane” “They have lost their mind” “They are psychotic” |
Doesn’t equate diagnosis with identity |
“They have schizophrenia” “Their name is Jack” (no mention of their mental illness) |
“They are schizophrenic” “They are bipolar” |
Emphasizes abilities over limitations |
“They are committed to psychotherapy” “She feels she can use her coping skills to manage the illness” |
“They refuse to take medication” “She is resisting additional treatment” |
Doesn’t imply that people who recover are an anomaly |
“They are moving along in their recovery journey” |
“They actually recovered from schizophrenia!” |
Doesn’t sensationalize |
“They are living with anorexia” |
“They are a victim of their anorexia” “They suffer from anorexia” |
Doesn’t equate suicide as a crime or as a success |
“They died by suicide” “They attempted to take their own life” “They suicided” |
“They committed suicide” “They had a failed attempt at suicide” “They were successful at suicide” |
Doesn’t minimize, stigmatize, or promote difference |
“I like order” “That frustrated me” |
“I’m really OCD about that” “That made me crazy” |
A bit more about suicide
When we are talking with someone about suicide, we can use non-judgmental language.
Remember: asking someone if they have had thoughts of suicide does not “plant the seed” or increase an individual’s likelihood of suiciding.
If you notice someone’s behavior has changed, some non-judgmental questions to ask:
- “are you having thoughts of killing yourself?”
- “have you made any plans to die by suicide?”
- “has your friend mentioned wanting to die?”
For more information and resources on suicide prevention, visit Centre for Suicide Prevention or 11 of Us.
If you are in distress, please call your local distress line or call Alberta Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642.
If you need referrals to mental health resources, call 2-1-1, text INFO to 211, or chat online at ab.211.ca.
Sources: Mental Health Commission of Canada, jack.org, Mental Health Coordinating Council. Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region and 211 Staff.
