The Misuse of Mental Health Terminology

In society, hearing phrases that include mental disorders to describe one’s mood, actions, thoughts, and feelings has wormed its way into everyday conversation. Examples include phrases such as: “Why have you been so depressed lately?“ or “Yeah, I just like my room tidy, I think I’m OCD or something.” These phrases typically are used as an exaggeration; or to make light of one’s situations and experiences. While they may be used in a lighthearted manner unaccompanied by any ill intentions, inappropriately overusing words related to mental health disorders may contribute to the stigma surrounding them, as well as making them seem more common and less of a big deal than they rightfully should be.

Although, in recent years the light shone on mental health has brightened, we still have a ways length to go. Thus, refraining from using words relating to mental health and disorders will be beneficial towards those struggling and those who know one who may be, which results as a large proportion of people.

Firstly, overusing these words in unfit circumstances may lead to further stigma for those struggling and seeking help. For instance, MayoClinic.org says “Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common” (MayoClinic.org). A connotation usually is implied with the word we misuse, either positive, but often negative, both which can be harmful. For example, phrases similar to “Stop being so depressed,” used in an insensitive manner to one without depression who may just be feeling a little down, will be used with a negative connotation attached. Negative connotations are harmful as they may cause those with depression who overheard may feel ashamed, raising the stigma and making it even harder for them to turn to others and seek help. Conversely, when inappropriately used with a positive connotation can be just as harmful. Some mental illnesses are glamorized, such as anorexia, as it is often associated with a thin figure and is a societal beauty standard. When we throw that word around in a positive light, in a way similar to a compliment, those with the disorder may question why they would want to recover or seek help for something considered “ideal” in society. In both of those two ways, the overuse of mental health terms contributes to the stigma surrounding mental disorders, acting as a barrier for those wanting to get help but are feeling doubt, shame, fear, and/or confusion.

Additionally, when overused by those without the disorder, those with it may dismiss or deny that their mental illness is a big deal, especially if it appears that the mental disorder is common and portrayed in a different way than they are experiencing. These terms become diluted, turning the serious high stress situations individuals go through daily into a simple adjective associated with simple, common experiences. A point from 5027mac.org is brought up: When the term becomes so diluted from incorrect overuse that those without the illness believe they too have the mental illness, and they cross paths with those without it, those individuals may think, “If I can manage my feelings and behaviors just fine without help, why can’t they?” (5027mac.org). Diluting the words of meaning may result in those with the illness to be incapable of differentiating their intense feelings with others’ claim of it, making them believe that what they are experiencing is normal and not worthy of help. Dilution of the word’s true meaning may mean that the ideas and images of what a certain mental illness looks/feels like will be different in everybody’s mind, especially in those who are educated on the topic and have firsthand experience, versus those who are victims of hearing the word being misused. When these words get thrown around it gives everyone a different image of the term, and portrays the illness in a false way. When the words are used, they’re typically being used in a lightened manner, making the illness seem less severe and easier to deal with. Misinterpreting mental illnesses adds to the misunderstandings, and the more the disorder is misunderstood, the more those suffering will find it difficult to open about their personal experiences, due to the fact that when they attempt to explain what they are going through, no one understands the real meaning of the word after it gets changed into simpler and misleading terms. If we never fully understand the impacts it has on an individual because it’s portrayed in a different way due to one’s vocabulary, we will never understand the severity, their experiences, or the impact it has on their lives.

Although it may not seem like a considerable deal, language affects all of us in important ways, by swaying people’s opinions, impacting their feelings, affecting their mood, and portraying the accuracy of mental illness. Replacing the incorrectly used words relating to mental illness with more accurate ones will force others to acknowledge and bring more attention to those struggling and help chip away at the stigma surrounding them. Throwing around words relating to mental disorders is not only inaccurate, but also can be extremely damaging, so the next time you’re about to use one of the words, think twice.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046

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https://www.5027mac.org/2018/08/27/casualized-language-mental-illness/