We learned from an early age that the words we use matter \u2014 that if we say something mean or rude, we can hurt other people\u2019s feelings. Our choices when it comes to the words we use not only impact the people that we directly interact with, but also can negatively impact larger groups of people.<\/p>\n
Using inclusive language creates an environment where all people feel welcome and respected. This is never more important than it is right now as it relates to mental health. To learn what inclusive language is and how to commit yourself to using inclusive language, we\u2019ve put together an easy-to-understand guide for you.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inclusive language is language that intentionally acknowledges that people have differences and communicates respect for those differences. Examples of inclusive language go far beyond using the correct pronouns to refer to someone, though personal pronouns are a great and important example of inclusive language. Inclusive language promotes equality and is sensitive to the challenges that certain groups face on a daily basis.<\/p>\n Consider the language used in policies, laws, or in the workplace and what information those words convey about people of different races, genders, or cultures. Historically, there are many painful examples of noninclusive language that left groups of people feeling disrespected, unheard, or misunderstood. Noninclusive language works to \u201cother\u201d a specific group of people, which can perpetuate not only stereotypes but also racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.<\/p>\n It can take a lot of intentionality to use inclusive language, yet it pays off when speaking without bias becomes a habit, no matter whether you\u2019re talking to a colleague or to a friend. At work, you might avoid phrases like \u201cblacklist and whitelist\u201d or \u201csanity check,\u201d and with friends you might use person-first language that avoids gender assumptions. It may take a lot of effort to change out the words that you use \u2014 especially if you grew up with certain common phrases generally accepted by society \u2014 but once you realize how pervasive noninclusive language is, you might find motivation to grow your own inclusivity.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Person-first language places the individual\u2019s personhood and agency at the beginning of the sentence; identity-first language places the trait or condition as the main focus. Using person-first language is especially important in the mental health world. <\/p>\n You\u2019ve likely heard someone describe another person as \u201can alcoholic\u201d or maybe \u201ca schizophrenic.\u201d Instead of saying \u201can alcoholic,\u201d say \u201ca person who has challenges with alcohol.\u201d Instead of calling someone \u201ca schizophrenic,\u201d say \u201ca person with schizophrenia.\u201d You can imagine the difference that it has on someone when they\u2019re first identified as a person, rather than a condition.<\/p>\n It\u2019s generally best to use person-first language, especially when describing people who struggle with their mental health. If you would like to ask someone how they identify, it\u2019s alright to ask them in a respectful way. You\u2019re better off asking ahead of time and getting it right.<\/p>\n \n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are many excellent examples of inclusive language that you can use to guide your inclusive language practices. We\u2019ve created a guide of some commonly found inclusive language to get you started.<\/p>\n Messing up is normal. People make mistakes, especially when they\u2019re first endeavoring to make their language inclusive! You might be surprised how biased our everyday language is, once you start picking up on the origins behind common phrases.<\/p>\n If someone corrects you, realize that it\u2019s an opportunity for growth, rather than a judgment on who you are as a person. While it can be difficult not to take a correction personally, remind yourself that you\u2019re still learning and that\u2019s okay. When corrected for using noninclusive language, you can respond, \u201cThank you for pointing that out, I didn\u2019t know.\u201d You can also respond, \u201cThank you for letting me know,\u201d and make the correction for the remainder of the conversation. Chances are, the person who corrected you appreciates your dedication to helping them feel more comfortable by being open to using different language when describing them.<\/p>\n If you feel motivated to learn more about a certain word or piece of inclusive language, remember that it must not be on the shoulders of that specific community to educate others on what\u2019s appropriate. There are many excellent online resources where you can learn more about what language is appropriate and what questions are appropriate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Using inclusive language means taking intentional steps towards reducing the stigma of mental health. For those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, hearing inclusive language helps them feel they aren\u2019t \u201cbroken\u201d \u2014 rather, that they\u2019re people going through a difficult time. Reducing the stigma, therefore, means more people feeling empowered to access therapy services. Inclusive language breaks down the barriers that many people face when seeking mental health services, which in turn can be what they need to start living fulfilling, authentic, joyful lives.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/privategirlsincanberra.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/vonecia-carswell-0aMMMUjiiEQ-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nWhat is inclusive language?<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/privategirlsincanberra.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Mental+Health-Related+Inclusive+Language.png\"\/)
\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\nPerson-first language vs. identity-first language<\/h3>\n
What are examples of inclusive language?<\/h2>\n
What if I mess up?<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n \n Mental health-related inclusive language<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n
\n \n Instead of saying this\u2026<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Say this\u2026<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n Wow, that\u2019s so crazy<\/td>\n Wow, that\u2019s wild<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n That\u2019s insane<\/td>\n That\u2019s confusing; that\u2019s really complex<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re suffering with depression<\/td>\n They\u2019re living with depression<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n That\u2019s nuts<\/td>\n I can\u2019t believe that<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re totally acting schizo<\/td>\n It can be confusing because they change their mind about things quite often<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re psychotic<\/td>\n They aren\u2019t super nice and can be manipulative<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n The weather is bipolar outside<\/td>\n The weather is changing between being warm one day, then cold the next<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re a bipolar<\/td>\n They\u2019re a person with bipolar disorder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re borderline<\/td>\n They\u2019re a person with borderline personality disorder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re a drug addict<\/td>\n They\u2019re a person with substance use challenges<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Can I sanity check this with you?<\/td>\n Can I explain my thinking to make sure that I\u2019m not missing anything?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They were hysterical when they heard the news<\/td>\n They were really upset when they heard the news<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n That\u2019s so retarded<\/td>\n That\u2019s not cool<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n I can be really OCD about this type of thing<\/td>\n I really like to do things a certain way when it comes to this task<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n I\u2019m going anorexic today<\/td>\n I\u2019m not eating very much today<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re such a spaz<\/td>\n They have high energy sometimes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re mentally ill<\/td>\n They have a mental illness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n
\n \n Accessibility-related inclusive language<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n Instead of saying this\u2026<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Say this\u2026<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n I feel so dumb<\/td>\n I feel like I should have known that<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n That\u2019s so lame<\/td>\n That\u2019s not very cool<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n That really blindsided me<\/td>\n I didn\u2019t expect that<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Are you deaf? I told you that yesterday<\/td>\n I already told you so I\u2019m repeating myself<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n \n
\n \n Identity-related inclusive language<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\n \n Instead of saying this\u2026<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n
\n Say this\u2026<\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n They\u2019re homeless<\/td>\n They\u2019re experiencing homelessness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\u2019re a victim<\/td>\n They\u2019re a survivor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n The elderly person<\/td>\n The older person<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n That\u2019s so gay!<\/td>\n That\u2019s not cool!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Hi guys!<\/td>\n Hi everyone!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n They\/them are their preferred pronouns<\/td>\n They\/them are their personal pronouns; They\/them are their pronouns<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n Reducing the stigma of mental health<\/h2>\n