Let us think carefully about the language we use when we talk about mental health issues.
This is my favourite poem:
Socks by Elly Lloyd
if only I had the right socks
long ones
that’s what they always say
something about pulling up my
socks
so it must be
because I’m wearing
the wrong socks
pull your socks up
if it were that easy
I’d rush down to m&s
first thing, to enquire
of the first sales assistant
where I might find socks
for the depressed and suicidal
I’m sure they’d catch on
socks on prescription
instead of prozac
nobody has socks in here…
Please remember that the language you use when talking about mental health can have a huge impact on people who may have experience of a mental health issue, either in the past, present or future.
Unhelpful words or phrases fuel the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues, and can prevent people from asking for help when they need it. For many people, dealing with the stigma can be even more difficult than dealing with the illness itself.
Mental ill health does not discriminate by age, sex, religion, wealth, background or social standing. As we continue to battle this pandemic, which has had such a huge effect on both physical and mental health, let us think carefully about how the language we use might make others feel.
Take care and be safe…