The words we use matter! Language shapes how we think, how we treat others and how safe people feel when sharing their experiences. When it comes to mental health, everyday expressions can unintentionally reinforce stigma or minimize someone’s struggles. Choosing our words more carefully is a small but powerful way to create understanding and compassion.
Everyday Phrases That Can Hurt
Many phrases about mental illness have slipped into casual conversation. While often said without malice, they can still cause harm. Here are a few examples—and better alternatives you can use instead:
“That’s crazy/insane” → “That’s surprising/unexpected/wild”
Casually using words like crazy or insane dismisses the real challenges people living with mental illness face. Swap them for neutral, descriptive terms that don’t carry stigma.
“He’s so OCD” → “He likes things organized/very particular”
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a serious condition, not a personality trait. Using it as shorthand for being neat or detail-oriented misrepresents the disorder and minimizes its impact.
“She’s bipolar” → “She has bipolar disorder”
It’s important to put the person before the diagnosis. Saying she’s bipolar reduces someone to a condition; saying she has bipolar disorder respects their humanity first.
“He’s off his meds” → “He seems to be struggling right now”
This phrase is often said as a joke or insult, but it reinforces stereotypes about people who take medication for mental health. A more compassionate choice focuses on how someone is feeling, not assumptions about treatment.
“Commit suicide” → “Died by suicide”
The word commit carries connotations of crime or sin. Shifting to died by suicide is more accurate and compassionate, recognizing it as a health outcome rather than a moral failing.
“Addict/junkie” → “Person with a substance use disorder”
Labels like addict reduce a person to their illness. Using person-first language acknowledges their dignity and humanity, while recognizing that the disorder is just one part of their life.
Why Language Shifts Are Powerful
Being mindful about language does more than avoid hurt feelings. It can:
-
Show respect and empathy toward those living with mental illness.
-
Encourage openness so people feel safer seeking help.
-
Break down stigma, replacing judgment with understanding.
-
Model healthy dialogue, especially for young people learning how to talk about mental health.
Tips for Choosing Supportive Words
-
Think person-first: Say “a person living with…” rather than defining someone by their condition.
-
Avoid exaggeration: Don’t use mental health conditions as adjectives for normal behaviors.
-
Pause before joking: Ask yourself if humor relies on stereotyping or belittling.
-
Aim for progress, not perfection: Everyone slips up—what matters is the willingness to do better.
Additional Resources
- Tips For Stigma-Free Communication About Mental Health (CDC)
- Well Beings Language Guide (Psychiatry.org)
- Use Person-First Language to Reduce Stigma (Mental Health First Aid)
Changing how we talk about mental illness may seem small, but it creates a ripple effect. Words can either reinforce stigma or build empathy. By choosing respectful, accurate language, we help create a culture where people feel supported, valued and safe to ask for help.