The words we use to describe ourselves have a huge impact on how we are treated. If we call ourselves by a term that means something negative, we will inevitably be treated in a negative fashion.
There are terms used to describe those of us who live with mental health conditions. However, those words, including the ones I just used, must be changed. This is the only way to get people looking at diagnoses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia differently and opening an open and honest dialogue within the community.
Sticks and Stones Can Break Our Bones
Some will say I’m being politically correct in what I’m about to share with you, but that’s not true. Words carry meaning and no matter how you are politically aligned or even if you are not, we all understand how a word or phrase can make us feel. We all know how labels can determine our fundamental thoughts about ourselves and how we are seen by the community. We must change our language if we wish to move forward.
I’m going to talk about these terms in the following paragraphs, as well as offer suggestions on how we could change the language.
Stigma
The word stigma has no immediate meaning to many in the community.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word stigma like this:
STIGMA: a scar left by a hot iron, a mark of shame or discredit, a small spot, scar or opening
As can be seen, even looking up the word in a dictionary does little to explain what stigma is all about.
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