New language guide helps us find the right words, because words matter
As more people access mental health services due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and compounding exposure to natural disasters, it is increasingly important that inclusive, safe and positive language around mental health is used in health and support settings.
To encourage the use of respectful and accepting language, Mental Health Coordinating Council has launched a new Recovery Oriented Language Guide for use in health services and support settings.
The wrong words can contribute to stigma and alienate people further, hampering their recovery and willingness to seek support.
Tips include saying someone ‘has been diagnosed with…’ rather than ‘is mentally ill’, not arguing with a person’s perception of events or feelings, but rather asking if they feel they have been listened to, turning statements like ‘they refused help’ around to ‘they prefer not to…’ and swapping out ‘they are anti-social’ for ‘they are working on finding motivation’.
The Guide includes sections on talking about suicide, diversity inclusive language, talking to young people and guides for interactions between clinicians.
This is the third, and most extensively updated edition of the Guide, first published in 2013.
