Words Matter | Recovery College

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Words Matter

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November 30, 2018

When it comes to mental health and mental ill health, the words we use matter more than we think.

The way we talk about mental health and people experiencing mental distress can reinforce negative

stereotypes and be stigmatising, without us even realising it.

Language is a powerful tool for creating awareness and fighting stigma, so here are a few tips on how to be mindful of the words we use and how to avoid causing offence when we don’t mean to. We have tried to pick terms that are non-stigmatising, but we understand that each person is unique, and some people may not identify with the language chosen here.