Inclusive, De-stigmatizing Language for Mental Health
Posted on May. 24, 2023 / Diversity & Inclusion / Subscribe 0
By: Shayla O’Keeffe
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national movement to raise awareness around mental health, to advocate for individuals and their loved ones who are impacted by mental illness. Many organizations use the month to amplify the sharing of information, support and resources.
While the stigma around mental health can often be taboo or clouded with shame, there is a crucial need to bring the topic into our conversations.
1 in 5 U.S. adults will experience a mental illness in their lifetime (NAMI, 2022).
3 in 5 employees reported experiencing negative impacts of work-related stress (American Psychological Association, 2021 survey).
12 billion work days are lost annually to depression and anxiety (World Health Organization, 2020).
5 out of 5 human beings have mental health – just like we all have physical health.
Mental health impacts us all. Each of us will be directly impacted by mental illness whether it’s ourselves who experience a mental health condition or a loved one, coworker or neighbor.
How we talk about mental health is important, so we, as public relations and communications professionals, can be inclusive advocates.
The platinum rule is to always use the language the person uses to describe themselves. However, if you need quick, inclusive guidance, here are a few tips:
1. Person-centered language: While this is sometimes debated for certain community groups, the general rule for mental health conditions is to lead with the person. Putting the description first can suggest that a single characteristic defines the entire person or is the only identity for them.
Do phrase as: A person experiencing depression.
Don’t phrase as: A depressed person.
2. Strength-based language: This focuses on positive attributes, abilities and the dignity of each person, emphasizing opportunity instead of blockades.
Do use: A person living with (or experiencing symptoms of) OCD. A person recovering from a substance use disorder. Note: Only use “disorder” to describe someone if their diagnosis is public knowledge.
Don’t use: A person suffering from OCD. A person facing substance abuse challenges.
3. De-stigmatizing language: Stigmatizing terms are those that could also be used to reiterate negative connotations. De-stigmatizing language helps flip the tone to a more positive one.
Do use: They’re experiencing symptoms of their mental health condition today.
Don’t use: Just let them have a moment; they’re having one of their crazy episodes today.
4. Suicide-specific language: Be cautious of using blaming terminology when advocating for suicide prevention awareness. This is often a more delicate and a taboo topic but is important to address.
Do phrase: They passed away/died by suicide.
Don’t phrase: They committed suicide.
For more learning or for support:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a NAMI Language Matters Resource Guide.
- The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email at [email protected]
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis and get connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) where trained, expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Help is available in Spanish and other languages.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.
- The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 or Text START to 678-678. This helpline supports LGBTQIA+ young people during times of crisis by providing access to crisis counselors 24/7, 365 days a year. Crisis chat support is available at Crisis Chat.
- American Psychological Association’s Inclusive Language Guidelines: “These guidelines aim to raise awareness, guide learning, and support the use of culturally sensitive terms and phrases that center the voices and perspectives of those who are often marginalized or stereotyped.”
Written by: Shayla O’Keeffe, PRSA Tampa Bay member and chair of the chapter’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. Shayla is a communications professional who’s certified in Mental Health First Aid; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and a Prosci® Change Practitioner.
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