Our Words Hold Weight

If there is anything I have learned in the past year, it is about how impactful and important our words are. Our words have the ability to create stories and laughter and empower those around us. Unfortunately, our words also can cause damage, create rifts in relationships, and tear people down.

So, because of Mental Health Awareness Month, I thought we should talk about how we can use our words to be more inclusive and be more aware of the language we use.

For starters, instead of saying someone is suffering from a mental illness, we should say that they are experiencing mental illness. By replacing the word “suffering” with “experiencing,” we empower the person living through the mental illness.

Something to completely cut out of your vocabulary are phrases like, “you’re crazy,” or “you’re psycho.” People who are experiencing mental illness already have to deal with the stigma associated with living with a mental illness, so these hurtful phrases can strengthen any of those negative stigmas.

Another phrase to avoid saying is “I’m so OCD.” Although this is a common phrase to use, it is disrespectful to those who have do have OCD. OCD is so much more than keeping your room spotless; it can be extremely debilitating and include unwanted thoughts and tireless rituals that can be very harmful.

In the same way we should avoid describing ourselves or actions as “OCD,” we should also never describe something as “bipolar.” By using a mental illness as an adjective, we are invalidating those who do experience bipolar disorder and are making light of their symptoms. Instead of using the phrase “bipolar,” use “wild” or “unexpected” instead.

Another thing to be aware of is how we describe people who experience any sort of mental illness. For example, describing someone as an “addict” or an “alcoholic” defines that person completely by their mental illness. Thus, it is equating their identity with their illness. Also, the labels of an addict and alcoholic are usually perceived as negative labels. This could be discouraging to someone in the process of recovery. Instead of using these labels, one could say “person with a substance abuse disorder.”

These are small ways you can honor yourself and honor those around you. Creating a more inclusive environment is as simple as swapping out words in our vocabulary. Do your part to help those who have been stigmatized enough; be aware of what you are saying. Our words hold weight. 

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month.