Mental Health Language

Summary

The words we use when talking about mental health can influence how people understand themselves, how others respond to them and whether they feel comfortable asking for support. Language can communicate respect, understanding and acceptance, but it can also unintentionally create shame, judgement or stereotypes. Using accurate, respectful language can help make conversations about mental health feel safer and more inclusive.

Term or phrase	What it means or how it is used	Why it can be unhelpful	More appropriate alternative
That’s so OCD	Using OCD to describe being tidy, organised or particular.	Can reinforce misunderstandings about OCD and minimise the difficulties associated with the condition.	I like things organised.
What a psycho	Using a stigmatising term to describe someone’s behaviour.	Can reinforce harmful stereotypes about people experiencing mental health difficulties.	Describe the behaviour or situation without using a label.
What a schizo	Using schizophrenia-related language as an insult or description of unusual behaviour.	Stigmatises people with schizophrenia and can reinforce inaccurate associations between schizophrenia and dangerousness or unpredictability.	Describe the behaviour without using a diagnosis as an insult.
Committed suicide	A traditional phrase used to describe suicide.	The word committed can have associations with crime or wrongdoing. Suicide used to be a crime in England before the Suicide Act (1961)	Died by suicide.
He is so bipolar	Using bipolar disorder to describe ordinary mood changes.	Can minimise bipolar disorder and create inaccurate ideas about what the condition involves.	Describe the person’s mood or behaviour specifically.
Just snap out of it	Telling someone to stop experiencing a mental health difficulty through willpower.	Can make someone feel blamed or misunderstood and overlooks the complexity of mental health difficulties.	How can I support you?
She’s crazy	Using a broad, negative label to describe someone’s behaviour or emotional state.	Can be judgemental and reinforce stigma around mental health.	Describe what you have noticed without using a label.
She’s depressed	Using depressed to describe someone who appears sad or is experiencing a difficult period.	Depending on the context, it can blur the difference between feeling low and experiencing depression as a mental health condition.	She seems really low at the moment.
I got PTSD from that	Using PTSD to describe an upsetting, frightening or stressful experience.	Can minimise PTSD and may inaccurately suggest that any difficult experience is PTSD.	That was really upsetting/scary for me.
Looks anorexic	Using someone’s appearance or body size to assume they have anorexia.	Eating disorders cannot be diagnosed from appearance alone, and this can reinforce harmful assumptions about weight and eating disorders.	Avoid commenting on someone’s body or weight.
Such a wuss/chicken	Using terms to describe someone as weak, frightened or unwilling to do something.	Can shame someone for experiencing fear, anxiety or vulnerability.	They seem uncomfortable with that.

A diagnosis or mental health difficulty is only one part of a person’s identity. For example, someone may have depression, an eating disorder, ADHD, autism or PTSD, but these experiences do not describe everything about who they are. Language can also differ between individuals, particularly when talking about autism. Some people prefer person-first language, such as a person with autism, while others prefer identity-first language, such as an autistic person. Neither approach is automatically right for everyone, so where possible, it is best to use the language the individual prefers.

The same principle applies more broadly to mental health language. People may describe their own experiences using words such as burnt out, having a breakdown, feeling numb or struggling to cope, even when these are not formal clinical terms. Rather than immediately correcting someone’s language, it can be more helpful to ask what they mean and listen to the experience behind the words. Using language that is specific, respectful and non-judgemental can help people feel understood and make it easier to talk openly about what they are experiencing.

How to talk about your own mental health

Try to use words that describe your experience rather than judging yourself for having it. You do not need to know the clinical term for what you are experiencing. Saying I have been feeling overwhelmed and struggling to concentrate can be just as useful as using a diagnosis or medical term. Being specific about what you are experiencing can also make it easier for other people to understand what you need.

If you are struggling to explain how you feel, think about what has changed in your everyday life. You could describe changes in your sleep, appetite, mood, energy, motivation, concentration, relationships or ability to manage usual activities. You might also describe physical experiences, such as feeling tense, restless, exhausted or unable to relax. These details can help someone understand what you are experiencing even if you do not have a name for it.

Writing things down can be useful if speaking feels difficult. You could make notes on your phone, write a message to someone you trust, keep a short record of how you have been feeling or take notes to a GP appointment. You could even write down exactly what you want to say and show it to someone if saying it aloud feels too difficult.

Try not to define yourself entirely by your mental health. Having depression, anxiety, PTSD or another condition is one part of your experience and does not describe everything about who you are. Notice when you are using harsh or judgemental words about yourself and consider whether there is a more accurate way to describe what is happening. Instead of thinking I am a failure, for example, you could recognise that I am struggling at the moment.

Be careful with labels that you use about yourself. Words such as lazy, weak, crazy, dramatic or attention-seeking can become ways of judging yourself rather than describing what you are actually experiencing. Try to separate yourself from a behaviour or difficulty. I am struggling with self-harm describes an experience, whereas I am a self-harmer can feel like it defines your whole identity.

If you have a diagnosis or identity that you talk about regularly, think about what language feels comfortable to you. You might prefer person-first language, identity-first language or another way of describing your experience. For example, some people prefer a person with autism, while others prefer an autistic person. There is no requirement to use the same language as someone else.

You are allowed to tell other people what language you prefer. You could say, I prefer to describe myself as…, I don’t like being called…, or I’d rather you used this word instead. If someone gets it wrong, you can correct them if you feel comfortable doing so.

Remember that you do not need to justify your feelings by using a diagnosis. You are allowed to say that you are struggling even if you have never been assessed or diagnosed with a mental health condition. You also do not have to minimise what you are experiencing because you think someone else has it worse.

Try to be curious about the language you use and where it comes from. Some words and phrases are commonly used without us thinking about their meaning or the stereotypes they can carry. Learning more about mental health can help you recognise when language is inaccurate, stigmatising or being used in a way that does not reflect your own experience.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to communicate in whatever way works for you. Talking, writing, texting, drawing, using communication aids or showing someone information can all be valid ways of explaining what you are experiencing.

How to talk about a loved one’s mental health

Try to listen to how the person describes their own experiences rather than immediately correcting their language. If you are unsure what they mean, ask questions such as What does that feel like for you? or What do you mean when you say that? This can help you understand their experience rather than making assumptions based on the words they have used.

Use respectful and non-judgemental language when talking about their mental health. Avoid labels such as crazy, dramatic, unstable, weak or attention-seeking. Instead, describe what you have noticed or ask the person what they need. For example, rather than saying You’re being difficult, you could say I’ve noticed things seem really overwhelming for you at the moment.

Try not to minimise what someone is experiencing. Saying things like everyone feels like that, you have nothing to worry about, it could be worse or just think positively may be intended to reassure them but can leave them feeling dismissed. You do not have to fully understand someone’s experience to take it seriously.

Ask the person what language they prefer when talking about their diagnosis, identity or experiences. Some people prefer person-first language, while others prefer identity-first language. Their preference may also change depending on the situation, so it is okay to check rather than assume.

If someone uses a word differently from how you would use it, try to understand what they mean before correcting them. Everyday language does not always follow clinical definitions. Someone might say they are having a breakdown or feeling traumatised to describe a difficult experience, and asking what they mean can help you understand what is actually happening.

If you make a mistake with someone’s preferred language, correct yourself and move on. You do not need to make the conversation about your mistake. Showing that you are willing to listen and adapt can help the person feel respected.

When discussing self-harm or suicide, use clear and non-judgemental language. Avoid describing someone as selfish, weak or attention-seeking. Ask directly about their experiences and listen to what they tell you rather than making assumptions about why they feel this way. You can take someone’s distress seriously without agreeing with every thought or belief they are experiencing.

Try to focus on the person rather than their diagnosis. Someone may have depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, PTSD or another condition, but they are still a whole person with interests, strengths, relationships and experiences outside of their mental health.

Be mindful of the language you use when talking about someone when they are not present. Referring to someone only by their diagnosis or describing them negatively can reinforce stigma and influence how other people see them. Where appropriate, describe the person and their situation rather than reducing them to a label.

You can also model respectful language when talking about mental health generally. The way adults, friends, teachers and family members talk about mental health can influence the attitudes of the people around them. Using accurate and compassionate language can make it easier for someone else to speak openly when they are struggling.

If you are unsure what to say, you do not need to have the perfect response. Listening, asking questions, acknowledging what the person has said and letting them know you are there can be more helpful than trying to find the exact right words.

Myth Buster

Myth: There is one correct way to talk about mental health.

Truth: People have different preferences depending on their experiences, identity, culture and community. What feels respectful to one person may not feel right to another. Asking someone what language they prefer can help you communicate respectfully.

Myth: You should always use person-first language.

Truth: Not everyone prefers person-first language. Some people prefer identity-first language, such as autistic person, while others prefer person with autism. Neither approach should automatically be assumed to be right for everyone.

Myth: Using a diagnosis to describe someone is always offensive.

Truth: Some people are comfortable with identity-first or diagnosis-based language, while others are not. The person’s preference and the context matter. Avoid making assumptions about how someone wants to be described.

Myth: If someone says they are depressed, they definitely have depression.

Truth: People sometimes use clinical terms to describe how they feel without having a formal diagnosis. Feeling very low is not necessarily the same as having a depressive disorder. If you are concerned about someone’s mental health, focus on what they are experiencing rather than trying to diagnose them.

Myth: Talking about suicide or self-harm will put the idea into someone’s head.

Truth: Asking someone directly about suicide or self-harm does not cause them to develop these thoughts. Clear and compassionate conversations can make it easier for someone to talk honestly about what they are experiencing and access appropriate support.

Myth: Attention-seeking means someone is pretending or does not really need help.

Truth: Behaviour that appears to seek attention may be an attempt to communicate distress, obtain reassurance, feel connected to others or have an unmet need recognised. Labelling someone as attention-seeking can be dismissive and may discourage them from asking for support.

Myth: Mental health diagnoses can be used casually because everyone knows what they mean.

Truth: Terms such as OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and PTSD have specific meanings. Using them as casual descriptions can reinforce misunderstandings and stereotypes about people who experience these conditions.

Myth: Someone who self-harms is always suicidal.

Truth: Self-harm does not always mean that someone wants to die, although it can occur alongside suicidal thoughts and can carry serious risks. It is better to ask the person about their experience rather than making assumptions about their intentions.

Myth: Saying someone committed suicide is the only correct way to describe a suicide.

Truth: Died by suicide or took their own life are commonly used alternatives that avoid the historical association of the word committed with crime or wrongdoing. Language should avoid implying that suicide is a moral failure.

Myth: If someone is struggling with their mental health, they should just talk about it.

Truth: Talking can be helpful, but not everyone finds speaking easy. Someone may communicate through writing, texting, creative activities, communication aids or another method. What matters is finding a way of communicating that feels manageable and safe.

Myth: Using respectful language means you cannot challenge someone’s behaviour.

Truth: You can be respectful while still setting boundaries and discussing harmful or unsafe behaviour. Respectful language means separating the person from the behaviour and avoiding unnecessary judgement or labels.

Support

If you find it difficult to talk about your mental health, you do not need to find the perfect words before asking for support. You can start by describing what you have noticed, what has changed and how things are affecting your everyday life. A trusted person can help you work out how to explain what you are experiencing.

A trusted friend, family member, teacher, GP or mental health professional can give you space to talk. You can also write things down or show someone a message if speaking about it feels too difficult. You might find it easier to start with I don’t know how to explain this, but… rather than feeling that you need to have a complete explanation.

If you have difficulty communicating because of anxiety, autism, ADHD, trauma or another reason, let the person you are speaking to know. You can ask for information to be written down, request extra time, bring someone with you or use another communication method where available.

If you feel judged, misunderstood or uncomfortable because of the language someone is using, you can tell them how you would prefer to be described. You can also ask someone to explain what they mean if you are unsure about a word or phrase they have used.

Schools, colleges and universities may have wellbeing, pastoral, safeguarding or counselling services where you can discuss concerns about your mental health. They may also be able to help you communicate what you need or identify reasonable adjustments if a mental health or neurodevelopmental difficulty is affecting your education.

Your GP can help if you are experiencing mental health difficulties, even if you do not have a diagnosis or know exactly what is happening. You can explain your experiences in your own words and your GP can help you understand what might be happening and what support may be appropriate.

If you are supporting someone else, you can also seek advice if you are unsure how to respond to something they have said or are worried about their mental health. You do not need to have all the answers to be supportive. Listening, asking questions and helping someone find appropriate support can be valuable.

If you are experiencing stigma because of your mental health, remember that other people’s language does not determine your identity or the validity of your experiences. You can choose who you share information with and, where possible, set boundaries around how you want to be spoken about.

If someone repeatedly uses language that is harmful or discriminatory, you may want to involve a trusted adult, school or workplace, professional or relevant organisation depending on the situation. You do not have to manage persistent stigma or discrimination alone.

If someone’s mental health is causing immediate concern about their safety, or they are at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else, seek urgent help through 999, A&E or NHS 111.

Helplines

NHS 111 (Option 2)

NHS 111 is an NHS service providing urgent medical and mental health advice and support. It can help with mental health concerns, emotional distress, anxiety, low mood, suicidal thoughts and other urgent health problems.

Phone: For mental health support, call 111 and select the mental health option (option 2).

Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Samaritans

Samaritans is a charity providing emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope or needs someone to talk to. They are there for people experiencing all sorts of difficulties, including stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationship or family problems, bereavement, feeling overwhelmed and concerns about mental health or suicide.

Phone: 116 123

Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Website: www.samaritans.org

Shout

Shout is a free, confidential text messaging service that provides support to anyone who is struggling to cope. It can help with a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, low mood, loneliness, relationship difficulties, bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, feeling overwhelmed and other mental health challenges.

Text: SHOUT to 85258
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Website: http://www.giveusashout.org

Mind

Mind is a mental health charity providing information, advice and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties. They cover a wide range of mental health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, loneliness, coping with difficult experiences and managing everyday life. Mind provides information to help people understand what they are experiencing, know their rights, find appropriate support and feel less alone.

Phone: 0300 123 3393

Opening times: 9am–6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)

Email: info@mind.org.uk

Website: www.mind.org.uk

YoungMinds

YoungMinds is a national charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. They provide information, advice and support for parents and carers who are concerned about a young person’s mental health, and help people understand mental health difficulties, find appropriate support and access useful resources. Their Parents Helpline can provide information, advice, emotional support and signposting to other services.

Parent helpline: 0808 802 5544 (9:30 am – 4 pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9:30 am – 6 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Email: parents@youngminds.org.uk
Webchat: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline/

Childline
Childline is a free service for young people to talk to a counsellor about anything. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Childline is available to anybody who is 18 years old or younger.

Phone: 0800 1111
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
You can also find helpful resources, speak to a counsellor online or send a message on their site.
Website: www.childline.org.uk

For adults concerned about a child, the NSPCC can be contacted

NSPCC

NSPCC is a children’s charity that works to protect children and prevent abuse and neglect. They provide support and advice for adults about child abuse, neglect, child safety, online safety and children’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Phone: 0808 800 5000
Opening times: 10 am–4 pm, Monday–Friday
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Email opening times: 11 am–4 pm, 7 days a week
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a charity providing support for people who are struggling with their mental health or experiencing emotional distress. They support people with issues including low mood, anxiety, loneliness, stress, suicidal thoughts and difficult life experiences.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58

Opening times: 5pm–midnight, every day

Webchat: 5pm–midnight, every day

WhatsApp: Available through the CALM website

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Summary

Term or phrase	What it means or how it is used	Why it can be unhelpful	More appropriate alternative
That’s so OCD	Using OCD to describe being tidy, organised or particular.	Can reinforce misunderstandings about OCD and minimise the difficulties associated with the condition.	I like things organised.
What a psycho	Using a stigmatising term to describe someone’s behaviour.	Can reinforce harmful stereotypes about people experiencing mental health difficulties.	Describe the behaviour or situation without using a label.
What a schizo	Using schizophrenia-related language as an insult or description of unusual behaviour.	Stigmatises people with schizophrenia and can reinforce inaccurate associations between schizophrenia and dangerousness or unpredictability.	Describe the behaviour without using a diagnosis as an insult.
Committed suicide	A traditional phrase used to describe suicide.	The word committed can have associations with crime or wrongdoing. Suicide used to be a crime in England before the Suicide Act (1961).	Died by suicide.
He is so bipolar	Using bipolar disorder to describe ordinary mood changes.	Can minimise bipolar disorder and create inaccurate ideas about what the condition involves.	Describe the person’s mood or behaviour specifically.
Just snap out of it	Telling someone to stop experiencing a mental health difficulty through willpower.	Can make someone feel blamed or misunderstood and overlooks the complexity of mental health difficulties.	How can I support you?
She’s crazy	Using a broad, negative label to describe someone’s behaviour or emotional state.	Can be judgemental and reinforce stigma around mental health.	Describe what you have noticed without using a label.
She’s depressed	Using depressed to describe someone who appears sad or is experiencing a difficult period.	Depending on the context, it can blur the difference between feeling low and experiencing depression as a mental health condition.	She seems really low at the moment.
I got PTSD from that	Using PTSD to describe an upsetting, frightening or stressful experience.	Can minimise PTSD and may inaccurately suggest that any difficult experience is PTSD.	That was really upsetting/scary for me.
Looks anorexic	Using someone’s appearance or body size to assume they have anorexia.	Eating disorders cannot be diagnosed from appearance alone, and this can reinforce harmful assumptions about weight and eating disorders.	Avoid commenting on someone’s body or weight.
Such a wuss/chicken	Using terms to describe someone as weak, frightened or unwilling to do something.	Can shame someone for experiencing fear, anxiety or vulnerability.	They seem uncomfortable with that.

How to talk about your own mental health

Try to use words that describe your experience rather than judging yourself for having it. You do not need to know the clinical term for what you are experiencing. Saying I have been feeling overwhelmed and struggling to concentrate can be just as useful as using a diagnosis or medical term. Being specific about what you are experiencing can also make it easier for other people to understand what you need.

How to talk about a loved one’s mental health

Myth Buster

Myth: There is one correct way to talk about mental health.
Truth: People have different preferences depending on their experiences, identity, culture and community. What feels respectful to one person may not feel right to another. Asking someone what language they prefer can help you communicate respectfully.

Myth: You should always use person-first language.
Truth: Not everyone prefers person-first language. Some people prefer identity-first language, such as autistic person, while others prefer person with autism. Neither approach should automatically be assumed to be right for everyone.

Myth: Using a diagnosis to describe someone is always offensive.
Truth: Some people are comfortable with identity-first or diagnosis-based language, while others are not. The person’s preference and the context matter. Avoid making assumptions about how someone wants to be described.

Myth: If someone says they are depressed, they definitely have depression.
Truth: People sometimes use clinical terms to describe how they feel without having a formal diagnosis. Feeling very low is not necessarily the same as having a depressive disorder. If you are concerned about someone’s mental health, focus on what they are experiencing rather than trying to diagnose them.

Myth: Talking about suicide or self-harm will put the idea into someone’s head.
Truth: Asking someone directly about suicide or self-harm does not cause them to develop these thoughts. Clear and compassionate conversations can make it easier for someone to talk honestly about what they are experiencing and access appropriate support.

Myth: Attention-seeking means someone is pretending or does not really need help.
Truth: Behaviour that appears to seek attention may be an attempt to communicate distress, obtain reassurance, feel connected to others or have an unmet need recognised. Labelling someone as attention-seeking can be dismissive and may discourage them from asking for support.

Myth: Mental health diagnoses can be used casually because everyone knows what they mean.
Truth: Terms such as OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and PTSD have specific meanings. Using them as casual descriptions can reinforce misunderstandings and stereotypes about people who experience these conditions.

Myth: Someone who self-harms is always suicidal.
Truth: Self-harm does not always mean that someone wants to die, although it can occur alongside suicidal thoughts and can carry serious risks. It is better to ask the person about their experience rather than making assumptions about their intentions.

Myth: Saying someone committed suicide is the only correct way to describe a suicide.
Truth: Died by suicide or took their own life are commonly used alternatives that avoid the historical association of the word committed with crime or wrongdoing. Language should avoid implying that suicide is a moral failure.

Myth: If someone is struggling with their mental health, they should just talk about it.
Truth: Talking can be helpful, but not everyone finds speaking easy. Someone may communicate through writing, texting, creative activities, communication aids or another method. What matters is finding a way of communicating that feels manageable and safe.

Myth: Using respectful language means you cannot challenge someone’s behaviour.
Truth: You can be respectful while still setting boundaries and discussing harmful or unsafe behaviour. Respectful language means separating the person from the behaviour and avoiding unnecessary judgement or labels.

Support

If someone’s mental health is causing immediate concern about their safety, or they are at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else, seek urgent help through 999, A&E or NHS 111.

Helplines

NHS 111 (Option 2)

Phone: For mental health support, call 111 and select the mental health option (option 2).
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.