Changing Negative Language Surrounding MH

Former Member

Hey Everyone!

One thing that really bothers me about the way people talk about mental illness is the language they use around it. On this thread, share what language you would really like to be changed!

For example, when people tell me that I "suffer" with anxiety. I'm not suffering! I'm living! And thriving! Having anxiety has taught me to be resilient and how to keep going when things get tough, I'm not suffering!

Eleanor  

Former Member

I recently heard someone describe me to someone else and all they said was 'she's got mental health issues' yes I may have them, but I am so much more than my mental health, I am a hard worker, I am caring and empathetic, I may have been through a lot, but it's made me understand the world more.. I am a good friend (I think) and I get happy over the little things, I appreciate everything in my life, I may struggle with mental health, but I am so much more than my illnesses, underneath the suffering, I am still me... 

Former Member

I may struggle with mental health, but I am so much more than my illnesses

@Past User I completely agree with you. Nobody would talk that way about someone with physical illnesses no why mental illnesses? You are right, we are more than our illnesses and I hope people will see that. 

Hope you’re okay after hearing what that person said 

Siena

This is proper interesting because in my peer support training we learnt a whole new "langauge" call it recovery lanaguage. 

Some of it i dont see the point in. But when i think about it. I do. 

Suffering is one of the non recovery lanaguge. As well as - illness, problems, issues. Got taught to say challenges instead. And things like not saying our diagnosis only explaning it so people dont make prejudgements.  Or say "i have a diagnosis of depression" rather than say " i have depression" because saying the "diagnosis" Shows it what a doctor said and not a massive part of who you are. And some other reason. That ive forgotten

Also i dont say relapse. As sounds like starting again. Suppose to say like bump in the road. 

I Dont say symptoms. Say experience. ( i dont lol but i mean im suppose to if i was to go into job as peer worker)

and other things like that. I made a thread awhile ago about the sort of languge around mental health

Former Member

@Shaunie I really like those ideas! I will be sure to check out your thread too  

Siena

And also i dont say "recovered" because love the word recovery cause everyones in recovery because we are al livin with the mental illness and everyday we learn about something and if didnt improve than have some experience of that day. And always learning and trying to grow even if doesnt work. 

Former Member

@Shaunie I don't think that I would every use the word "recovery" either. I don't believe you can be recovered from a mental illness, it's more that you develop skills to make life more manageable with a mental illness!