Ways you may be accidentally perpetuating mental health stigma
Even with the best intentions, it’s possible to unintentionally perpetuate stigma surrounding mental health. A lot of the time, seemingly innocuous words and actions can cause unintended harm. Here are some common ways this happens and how we can avoid it.
1. Using stigmatising or minimising language
As mental health terminology becomes more widely known, it’s easy to use these terms casually or as exaggerations for everyday experiences. Describing being organised as “being OCD” or zoning out as “dissociating” might seem like no big deal, but for people who live with these conditions or experiences, these terms hold much deeper significance. Boiling down technical language to casual quirks can invalidate real experiences, and unintentionally reinforce stigma.
For example, describing common impulses as “intrusive thoughts” can make it harder for someone experiencing true intrusive thoughts to come forward. This casual use of language can alienate people from the very terms they need to describe their own experiences.
It’s important that we’re mindful of mental health-related language and technical terms, and don’t use these words lightly. Respectful, accurate language fosters understanding and destigmatises discussions about mental health.
For more on this, read Calm Collective’s Guide to Inclusive Language.
2. Avoiding conversations about mental health
Many people shy away from conversations about mental health out of concern that they may be prying or making someone uncomfortable. While this often comes from a place of respect, avoiding the topic altogether can actually contribute to the shame and stigma around it.
While it’s important to be respectful of those around us, creating a space for conversations around mental health is also crucial. Not everyone will want to share their experiences, but for those who do, a supportive environment could make all the difference. Showing willingness to hear someone’s story, listening to understand and not react, or even just asking someone if they want to talk about it could help someone feel safer. Giving people a safe, non-judgemental space to share their stories can make them feel heard and help destigmatise mental health.
3. Always trying to find the bright side
When someone opens up about their mental health, our first instinct might be to offer reassurance or encourage a more positive outlook. While this is intended to be supportive, it can sometimes feel dismissive or minimise someone’s experiences. Overly positive or dismissive responses like “Oh, I’m sure it's not that bad” could make someone feel unheard or invalidated, making it even more difficult for them to share their experiences or seek support.
Simply listening to hear what the person has to say, instead of listening to respond, can make all the difference. Holding space for someone without immediately going into problem-solving mode or offering reassurance can go a long way. Listening and giving someone the space for their experiences and emotions can help them feel respected and understood.
What’s most important is to take a step back and be more mindful of how our language and actions can impact those around us. By being more thoughtful with our choice of words, we can create safe, open, and supportive environments. With a little more care and intention in what we say and do, we can all play a role in destigmatising mental health.
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