Stigmatizing Language

Stigma matters in mental health

Regardless of the mental health problem, stigma is cited as one of the most common reasons people do not seek treatment. This stigma can be internal, creating feelings of shame, and this stigma can be external, creating fear of judgement by others.

In both cases, this stigma can blind people to the fact that mental health problems are real medical problems that can be treated, and are not signs of weakness, failure, or immorality.

So what is stigmatizing language?

Stigmatizing language can be easy and hard to spot. Generally, stigmatizing language happens when words are used for meanings they are not intended for. Below are some examples of stigmatizing language, their intended meaning, and their effect on stigma.

• “That’s crazy” or “that’s mental”: Can suggest that being “crazy” or “mental” (an older phrase to describe those living with mental health problems) is wrong, and if a person is feeling like their mental health could be improved, that there is something wring with them
  • Consider replacing with “That’s wild!”
• “That gives me depression!” Unless the speaker has been living with feelings of low mood for two weeks or more, the speaker is not experiencing depression.
  • Consider replacing with “that makes me feel sad”

There are many other examples, but the best test is to ask yourself – does this word I’m using mean what I mean?

Non-stigmatizing language

Non stigmatizing language is languages that respects the personhood of the individual being referred to, and does not make assumptions. Learn more about person-centered language in the next unit.