Tips for Talking Mental Health
Right now, more than ever, it’s important to be honest about how we’re feeling and listen to our loved ones. And, what we say, what we ask, and how talk can be just as important as doing it. The words we use can have unintended effects of making someone feel othered or discriminated. It’s important to use treatment-positive language. We’ve compiled some resources about proper language to use and example questions you can use to get the conversation started. As far as specifics phrases The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and Make it Ok offeres these dos’s and don’t of talking mental health.
Preferred phrases:
"Thanks for opening up to me."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"How can I help?"
"Thanks for sharing."
"I'm sorry to hear that. It must be tough."
"I'm here for you when you need me."
"People do get better."
"Oh, that’s terrible."
"Can I drive you to an appointment?"
"How are you feeling today?"
When someone has mental health condition use phrases like, “they have depression,” “he has substance use disorder” or “she has schizophrenia”
What to avoid:
“It could be worse.”
“Just deal with it.”
“Snap out of it.”
“Everyone feels that way sometimes.”
“You may have brought this on yourself.”
“We’ve all been there.”
“You’ve got to pull yourself together.”
“Maybe try thinking happier thoughts.”
Avoid slang, discriminating words like crazy, insane, psycho, etc.
People are more than a diagnosis. Avoid labeling phrases like “he’s a schizophrenic” or “she’s OCD.”
Now, what questions should you ask to get the conversation started? IDONTMIND, a mental health awareness campaign associated with Mental Health America, offers these 10 questions as ways to get the conversation started.
How are you feeling today, really? Physically and mentally.
What’s taking up most of your headspace right now?
What was your last full meal, and have you been drinking enough water?
How have you been sleeping?
What have you been doing for exercise?
. What did you do today that made you feel good?
What’s something you can do today that would be good for you?
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the next few days?
What’s something we can do together this week, even if we’re apart?
What are you grateful for right now?
Knowing these questions and useful phrases are just the beginning. Now it’s time to talk. Ask your family and friends about how they’re really doing and connect on a deeper level. Be honest with your own answers, instead of just saying you’re fine. Talking about your feelings openly not only helps you, but it also lets others know they aren’t alone. Take care.