The language of mental health
I make no secret about telling the world that I hate the words ‘mental health’, yes I am doing that action whilst I type, you know the one I mean! These two words come with so many connotations and still some stigma these days. But even so, it’s the term I use. Even though I write for a living, I struggle to come up with something that I feel is a suitable alternative.
What’s interesting is that it seems that I am not on my own.
Recently I have been taking a Mental Health First Aid course. It’s been something that has been on the list of things to do for a while. I am not going to lie, it has been hard going. The topics covered are incredibly close to home. They would be wouldn’t they? Whilst some of the sessions have been uncomfortable, they have all been informative.
The biggest lightbulb moment for me was the use of language around mental health. As you may know, I have had mental health issues for over 30 years. It’s something that I’ve talked about a lot. But my language seems to be rooted in the time when I was diagnosed, back in the early 90s.
For example, suffering from depression. That’s what I’ve always said. That was my diagnosis, so that is where I am at. Or is it? Well actually I’ve not had a full-on depressive episode for a long time, so am I really suffering? No. I am not.
Other terminology that has changed drastically is around suicide. Committed suicide is no longer the favoured term to describe the action taken. Completed suicide is what some people now prefer to say. How do you feel about that? I am not sure that I like that at all. It just sounds so clinical. But, the word ‘committed’ comes from back in a time when it was illegal. The suicide act of 1961 made it no longer possible for someone to be tried for ‘self-murder’. A punishable crime since the 13th century. So I can see why there is some resistance to it, but it’s just not that bad for me.
Other terms which we discussed were ‘They are disturbed’, ‘Taking happy pills’ and my favourite ‘They are mentally unstable’. None of these terms would have caused me to bat an eyelid at one time, they still don’t, but I can see how they can be problematic to some people.
All of this fascinates me.
The way we express ourselves has changed so much in the 25 years since I was at my worst. Back then social media wasn’t even on the map. Most of us were just about coping with email nevermind the digital revolution. The words we now use seem to have even more impact because they are seen by a much wider audience. So we need to mindful of our choices. We need to be aware that we’re dealing with individuals and we all have different experiences, biases and most definitely will use differing terminology depending on our sex, age, upbringing and in some cases ethnicity.
The caveat to this is that we should also not lose sight of who we are. I know that I am larger than life, louder than most and generally pretty brash. I have no issue with that. So if I am talking about my journey, which I have here - then you’re going to get my version of it. Yorkshire warts and all. But, if I am talking to someone who needs my support, then, of course, my language will mirror theirs. I will be sensitive to their needs and not mine.
One thing I have changed is suffering. I am no longer suffering from depression. I am in recovery. Just that one change has made such a difference to my life. I no longer feel the weight of my condition on my shoulders. I feel like I can finally start to move on.
