From Suffering to Strength: Why Mental Health Language Matters

In 2024, you would think we’ve made significant strides in our understanding of mental health. To some extent, we have. Conversations about anxiety, depression, and trauma are more mainstream, and resources for mental health care are more accessible than they were a few decades ago. However, the stigma surrounding mental health continues to persist in subtle ways, often showing up in the words we choose to describe these experiences.

One of the most important yet, often overlooked, aspects of supporting people with mental health struggles is the language we use when talking about them. Think about how often you've heard someone say, "He’s suffering from depression" or "She’s a victim of anxiety." While these phrases are well-intentioned, they unintentionally reinforce the notion that people are helpless against their struggles.

Instead, using language like "living with depression" or "has anxiety" shifts the focus from the disorder as an overpowering force to a part of someone’s experience that they are managing. This may seem like a small difference, but it carries significant weight in dismantling the stigma. By saying someone is living with a mental health condition, we empower that person, framing them as someone who can navigate their challenges rather than someone consumed by them.

Words shape perception. Research shows that the language we use affects not only how others view people with mental health challenges but also how those individuals view themselves. When someone hears that they are “suffering,” it can reinforce feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. On the other hand, hearing that they are “living with” a condition can foster a sense of agency and resilience, qualities that are crucial for recovery.

Moreover, this change in language helps combat the common misconception that people with mental health conditions are somehow broken or beyond help. Just like someone living with diabetes or arthritis, individuals with mental health conditions can still lead fulfilling, productive lives, and framing mental health challenges in a more neutral or positive light contributes to a more inclusive and compassionate dialogue.

Unfortunately, stigma continues to be one of the most significant barriers to seeking help. Studies show that people are still reluctant to openly discuss their mental health struggles, for fear of being judged, labeled, or dismissed. This reluctance is made worse by language that portrays mental illness as something shameful or too great to overcome.

For example, when we hear terms like "crazy," "psycho," or "lunatic," it perpetuates the idea that people with mental health conditions are unpredictable or dangerous. Such terms are not only offensive but also deeply harmful, contributing to the ongoing marginalisation of those dealing with mental health issues. Changing the language we use is a small but powerful step toward reducing this stigma.

So how can we contribute to reducing the stigma around mental health? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Avoid Catastrophising | Terms like “suffering from” or “victim of” place the focus on the struggle rather than on the individual’s ability to cope. Shift to phrases like “managing” or “living with.”

2. Challenge Stereotypes | When you hear stigmatising language, address it. Correcting misconceptions when they arise is an important part of educating others and fostering more compassionate conversations.

3. Educate Yourself and Others | Keep learning about mental health and the power of language. Share this knowledge with others to help create a more informed and supportive community.

To be clear, using language like “living with depression” doesn’t minimise the very real suffering that comes with mental health conditions. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges can be overwhelming, painful, and, in some cases, debilitating. But the goal of shifting the language is to acknowledge that individuals are not defined by their conditions. It helps take the power away from the illness and return it to the person, where it belongs.

When we say someone is living with a mental health condition, we’re acknowledging their ability to cope, survive, and thrive despite it. It’s a subtle but powerful shift that changes the narrative from one of suffering to one of strength and resilience.

Breaking the stigma around mental health is a complex issue, but language is one place where we can all make a difference. By choosing words that empower rather than diminish, we help create a world where people feel safe to talk about their mental health openly and without fear of judgment.

Let’s continue to challenge stigma and work toward a more compassionate, understanding society—one word at a time.

’Till next time…

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If you would like to go deeper into the readings:

- American Psychological Association. "The Power of Language: How Language Shapes Our Thoughts About Mental Health." [Link](https://www.apa.org)

- National Alliance on Mental Illness. "Language Matters: Why Using the Right Words for Mental Health Is Important." [Link](https://www.nami.org)

- Mental Health Foundation. "Changing the Way We Talk About Mental Health." [Link](https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk)