Mental illnesses are already heavily stigmatized.
Using the terms in these images as ADJECTIVES diminishes the struggles that people face, and leads to dismissive behavior towards someone who is struggling. Consider using alternative terms to eliminate harmful language!
Do you have any other examples of
"not this -> that" language??
Bad -> Acceptable
handicapped -> disabled
lame -> not funny
spaz -> eccentric
crippled -> immobile
blind -> unperceptive
Instead of: Crazy/ Insane/ Psycho
Use:
Absurd
Unreal
Bizarre
Unreasonable
Outrageous
Ridiculous.
Example: My prof is psycho, he gave me an F for no reason!
VERSUS My prof is so unreasonable, he gave me an F for no reason!
Instead of: Depressed
Use:
Distressed
Burned out
Upset
Despondent
Discouraged
Example: I am so depressed without my cellphone
VERSUS I am so upset, I don't have my cellphone with me.
Instead of: Bipolar
Use:
Up and down
Moody
Unpredictable
Capricious
Vacillating
All over the place
Example: my prof has been so bipolar with grading lately
VERSUS my prof has been so unpredictable with grading lately.
Instead of: OCD
Use:
Perfectionist
Quirky
Precise
Detail-oriented
Instead of: Triggered
Use:
Activated
Provoked
Stimulated
Charged
Instead of: Addicted
Use:
Interested In
Hooked
Consumed by
Attached
Absorbed
Preoccupied
Example: I'm trying to use my cellphone less because I swear I'm addicted! VERSUS I'm trying to use my cellphone less because I'm so consumed by social media and texting!
Instead of: ADHD
Use:
Inattentive
Distracted
Absent-minded
Scatterbrained
Flighty
Hyper
Example: How did I forget today's test??? ADHD activated....
VERSUS How did I forget about today's test??? I've been so distracted lately...