Coming to Terms With Mental Health Labels
Do people have mental health illnesses, diseases, disorders, or conditions?
Formerly, social stigma and personal shame clipped the wings of many who wanted to discuss their mental health experiences. Now people flock to the internet to share stories of living with mental health conditions. But what terms should reporters, therapists, doctors, or anyone else use to discuss other people’s depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, or autism? Are they diseases? Disorders? Conditions? Something else entirely? How do we write and speak with accuracy, respect and sensitivity on these topics?
We all want to use the proper words. Good communication depends upon it. The editor of Wise & Well, Robert Roy Britt, asked me to suggest some guidelines regarding the terms we use when writing about mental health. As a psychiatrist and author, I welcomed the chance to share my thoughts.
In a world where the internet seems to encourage divisions and tribalism, words can hurt. Many people don’t like to have their mental states or behaviors described as illnesses, diseases, or disorders. In a world where individuals are seeking new relationships with the earth, their bodies, and their communities, words can empower and unite. Words matter.
