Pause and Reflect
Please, exercise caution when discussing mental health. The language we choose holds significant weight.
Written by Alex Thompson
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: May 20, 2022
It was just an hour before I was set to join some friends for a night out when an anxiety attack hit me unexpectedly. I can’t pinpoint what triggered it; one moment I was preparing, and the next, I was pacing, urging myself to regain control. I had been looking forward to this gathering, as I don’t often get the chance to go out, and I cherish every moment. However, living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) means that despite employing various grounding techniques and being aware of my triggers, episodes can still catch me off guard.
After about twenty minutes, I realized that heading out was likely not an option, so I called my friend to explain. Her response shocked me: “You say you want to go, but now you’re backing out? Ugh. Quit acting so bipolar and just decide.”
What stunned me wasn’t just her disappointment, but her casual use of a medical term to express frustration. Although she knew about my mental health struggles, she had never faced similar challenges herself, so I took a moment to explain why her words were hurtful. She apologized and insisted she didn’t intend any offense. Honestly, she hadn’t given it a second thought.
This is one of the many challenges faced by those living with mental illness. Not only is the condition itself exhausting, but it can also be draining to clarify and rectify the casual remarks that people make without considering their impact.
It genuinely unsettles me when people throw around stigmatizing phrases. Common comments like “Your mood swings are wild! Just settle down!” or “Take your crazy pills!” are more frequent than one might think. Were these remarks made with malicious intent? Probably not. Did they aim to hurt? Most likely not. Yet, that’s the crux of the matter—our choice of words truly matters.
This isn’t meant to shame anyone; if you’ve ever made a similar comment, you aren’t a bad person. But now you have insight from someone living with these issues. Words that may seem trivial to you can have a significant impact and contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health. People grappling with mental health issues often feel a sense of shame. I am a college-educated woman with a background in psychology, fully aware of the realities of depression and PTSD. Yet, despite my knowledge and the tools at my disposal, some days are still incredibly difficult.
Can you imagine knowing what’s “wrong” with you, yet feeling powerless to change it? The truth is, there’s nothing inherently wrong with me or anyone else battling mental health issues. However, that internal struggle is a constant companion. On top of navigating my own emotions and educating others on the weight of their words, it can be utterly exhausting.
So, this is my heartfelt plea. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on our language and its effect on mental health. However, this conversation shouldn’t be limited to just one month of the year; it’s a year-round concern that requires our ongoing attention.
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Summary
This article emphasizes the importance of being mindful about how we discuss mental health. Casual remarks that may seem harmless can perpetuate stigma and affect those who struggle with mental illness. Understanding the impact of our words is crucial for fostering a more supportive environment.