Words and the language we use in our daily lives have a significant impact on how we view ourselves and the world around us. As many of us have seen or experienced, even how something is worded can influence our interpretation and reaction of what was said. However, this is not only the case for the person listening. The language we use can shape and reinforce our own views, thoughts and mood, for better or for worse. In both scenarios, whether we are listening to someone else or saying something ourselves, the language we use can contribute to how we respond or behave in any given situation.

In the Literature:

In Granello and Gibbs’s 2016 study, they observed participants' responses to prompts and questions regarding mental illness. In the study, they compared the differences in reactions when the prompts and questions stated “the mentally ill” versus “person with mental illness”. For participants who received the prompt stating “the mentally ill”, demonstrated lower tolerance to the group and their reactions tended to be more harsh. When presented with this term, individuals were more likely to score higher on scales of authoritarianism, more likely to restrict and control the group and demonstrated less general kindness to that group compared to those who received the “person with mental illness” prompt (Granello & Gibbs 2016). On a broader scale, these effects have, and can continue to, contribute to increased stigma regarding mental health and prevent appropriate treatment and care.

Within Mental Health:

At an individual level, the previous scenario details how the language used can shape our views and reactions to others. However, the same power of words can influence how we view ourselves, others and our own control over our mental health. For example comparing “I have bipolar” or “they have bipolar” to “I am bipolar” or “they are bipolar”. Although it might seem like semantics, it could have a significant impact on how we interpret the information. First, we, and other people, are more than our mental illness. Our health does not define us, just as you would describe someone as having cancer rather than being cancer or “Uncle John has the flu” rather than “Uncle John is the flu”. By describing ourselves (or others) as being our mental health diagnoses, it takes away not only our individuality and diminish our defining characteristics, but it also takes away our control from managing it as it is now a core part of who we are rather than feelings or symptoms that we are experiencing.

In addition to mental health, a slight variation of words can be perceived differently when communicating, especially in our close and personal relationships. For example, when talking to our significant other or family member, saying “You’re stressing me out” can cause a different reaction than “I feel stressed out”. The former immediately places blame on the other person which can cause them to become defensive and respond in a defensive manner. The latter not only makes us take accountability for our own feelings, but also takes the blame off of the other person which can reduce their defensiveness and lead to a more productive conversation.

There are an endless number of examples of how the language we use can influence ourselves and the people around us. Two phrases or sentences with the same definition can be interpreted and perceived differently and lead to two entirely different responses. It is not only important, but beneficial to our own wellbeing to be mindful of the language we use, how it can be interpreted and the impacts it can have.

Works cited:

Granello, Darcy & Gibbs, Todd. (2016). The Power of Language and Labels: “The Mentally Ill” Versus “People With Mental Illnesses”. Journal of counseling and development: JCD. 94. 31-40. 10.1002/jcad.12059.

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