We Must Reconsider Our Use of Ableist Language Regarding Mental Health

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It’s time to reevaluate how we talk about mental health. While many have come to understand that using derogatory terms like the r-word is unacceptable, there are still countless ableist expressions that permeate our everyday language without much pushback. Take Katy Perry’s lyrics, for example, where she sings, “Someone call the doctor/Got a case of love bipolar.” Statements like “I have ADHD moments” or “I’m so OCD” trivialize serious mental health conditions.

Using language in this way can inadvertently suggest that mental health issues are synonymous with moral failings or that they aren’t serious. This isn’t simply a matter of free speech; it’s about being mindful of how our words can affect others and what underlying messages they convey. Using ableist language can imply harmful beliefs, such as blaming individuals for their mental health struggles or downplaying the seriousness of mental illness.

Words carry significant weight. When we misuse them, we unintentionally send messages about our attitudes and values. Here are some common phrases that need reconsideration:

1. Committed suicide: This phrase equates suicide with criminality and implies that the individual had the capacity to make a choice, which is rarely the case. Instead, we should say they died by suicide.
2. I’m so bipolar: This expression is often used casually but trivializes the reality of those living with bipolar disorder, where the stakes can be life and death.
3. I’m so ADHD: This phrase, used to describe fleeting distractions, minimizes the lived experiences of those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
4. I’m so OCD: Similarly, this casual usage diminishes the true challenges faced by individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
5. The short bus: This phrase is rooted in the segregation of children with special needs and perpetuates negative stereotypes.
6. Insane: This word carries historical baggage and can stigmatize mental illness while suggesting something is wrong with those who experience it.

In conversations about mental health, it’s essential to separate people from their diagnoses. Instead of labeling someone as their mental health condition, we should acknowledge that they are individuals who may live with a diagnosis.

To foster a more inclusive environment, let’s be mindful of our language choices. Ask yourself: Is the term you’re using applicable to someone’s actual mental health experience? If not, it’s best to avoid it.

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In summary, words matter. By being more thoughtful about how we discuss mental health, we can create a more understanding and supportive environment for everyone.