Words You Shouldn’t Use Anymore

“Wow, she is psychotic” “I have to fix this, I am so OCD” “He is so selfish and narcissistic”

se phrases have in common? I am sure everyone has heard or used a phrase like this themselves. it seems harmless and could be intended to be so, but casually tossing around terms like this can be inadvertently hurtful and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. 

Because many people say things like this without even realizing it, it is important to address the politically-correct elephant in the room. This is not meant to shame or blame anyone who has a mental health diagnosis or has used terminology like this, but more so to create a safe, informative space to open a dialogue about mental health. 

If this article prompts any interest in learning more about mental health, or if you have been affected by this kind of terminology, it is ok to feel overwhelmed and want to process these emotions with support. Professionals at LunaJoy can help you process your feelings and reactions, and help guide you in a direction of being more sympathetic and knowledgeable about mental health. 

Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help

Mental Health Defined

Here is an example to introduce this concept: your friend comes over to your house to hang out.

As you’re sitting and catching up, she stands up and straightens a slightly crooked picture frame on the wall and says, “that was driving my OCD crazy!” and sits back down, continuing the conversation normally.

Though you know she likely meant she likes things in order and maybe is a self-proclaimed perfectionist, or very detail-oriented, you feel a slight sting at the remark because your friend doesn’t know you yourself are struggling with an OCD diagnosis.

Though unintentionally in this example, this one comment makes light of a serious diagnosis. Overhearing a comment like this can make someone who is diagnosed with OCD feel embarrassed, misunderstood, frustrated, or angry, among many other emotions. A comment like this fuels misconceptions and stereotypes about OCD and promotes an inaccurate and minimized portrayal of an already widely misunderstood mental health issue.

In reality, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Looks way different for most people. For many people, OCD is intrusive or compulsive thoughts/actions that can interfere with daily living and quality of life. It’s a bit different than the example above, wouldn’t you agree? Using language like this promotes false information, stereotyping, and barriers to people who are diagnosed with mental health issues. 

Empathy 101

In the same way you have a right to make mistakes and say things without realizing how they can impact others, those with mental health issues have a right to be hurt by words that perpetuate negative attitudes surrounding a very real diagnosis someone deals with. Stigma is a barrier, and we are kicking it down. 

As a society, we are constantly evolving and learning. This is why there are many words or phrases—both related to mental health and not—that we do not use anymore because they are insensitive, offensive, and/or outdated. 

Is he being a narcissist, or is he just selfish? Are they psychotic, or are they just doing something you wouldn’t do? Is it depression, or are you just having a rough day? These are important concepts to remember and consider the next time you want to use a medical term as an adjective or characteristic.

If you think about it, we wouldn’t say, “wow I must have Alzheimer’s” if we forget something, or, “this is what being paralyzed must feel like” if our leg or arm falls asleep from lying on it. This is no different.  Being empathetic, understanding, and educated on why we shouldn’t use certain words anymore can help create a more inclusive and destigmatized society. 

Changing the Conversation

Navigating a mental health diagnosis or having tough conversations about mental health can be frustrating and difficult. This is why it is so important to spread awareness and vocalize the harm statements and words like this used incorrectly can have. Just because many mental health issues are “invisible disabilities” does not mean you should have to listen to people inadvertently be rude by using words they should not use in common parlance anymore.

So, what can be done?

If this article made you realize you sometimes use language like this, this is your wake-up call to be mindful of the words you choose.

Now that you are aware of the impact your words can have on others, don’t use other people’s diagnoses as exaggerations.

And if you hear it, please, point it out. As we mentioned, many people do not realize they are doing this or the harm it could have. 

For more information on dealing with situations like this, it is ok to reach out and get support, encouragement, and more information about mental health.