Mental Health and the Energy of Words
As a passionate mental health and wellness advocate who’s answering their calling for creating awareness about the energy of words, I believe, know and have observed that when language is used which normalizes mental health and wellness perceptions change and pathways for powerful dialogue are opened.
This wasn’t something I was aware of when I first received my own mental health diagnosis decades ago, so I’d like to share three examples of phrasings that have been absolute game-changers when it comes to managing my own mental health and wellness which, for me, is synonymous with peace of mind.
When I have shared that I have a diagnosis of bipolar, the person I’m speaking with will often respond, “I’m bipolar, too!” I will then give a lil’ smile of acknowledgement and say, “No, I’m not bipolar. I’m Havalynn. I have a diagnosis of bipolar. Bipolar is not who I am.” That statement is always followed by, “Oh, I get it.” Be mindful that the diagnosis is the diagnosis so you can be free to be beautifully you.
“Triggers” is a word I have replaced with “challenges.” The idea is that anything challenging invites you to show up differently. It’s challenging you to tap into, develop and recognize strengths you otherwise might never have known. Challenges provide an opportunity to grow and in doing so, you develop resiliency.
When stating “that’s one of my triggers,” it can feel as if you’re at the mercy of the trigger. It can cause you to feel reactive and disempowered. There’s a sense of turning over your power to an external force. Plus, when we claim something as “my trigger,” we’re doing just that - claiming it as something that belongs to us. Without even realizing it, this can become self-fulfilling.
Identifying “challenges” instead of “triggers” can stir an empowering line of questioning such as, “what is it about this thing/person/situation that’s challenging and what do I need?” These questions have the potential to open different possibilities of responses. Again, you’re tapping into, recognizing, and developing strengths and that can feel empowering.
One of the most helpful forms of rephrasing that I’ve discovered is replacing the term “mental illness” with mental health and/or mental health and wellness. This simple reframe has done more to normalize and foster empowering conversations than anything else I have done. Additionally, it completely removes the sense of shame I used to feel about having a mental health diagnosis.
Oftentimes, the terms mental illness and mental health are used interchangeably, and it can confuse the conversation because they are not synonyms. When Googling synonyms for each of those terms, very different words come up (give it a try).
Conversations centered around the term “mental health and wellness” are inclusive, strengths-based, hope-filled, and empowering. I've always found it interesting that those of us in the field refer to ourselves as mental health professionals, not mental illness professionals. (I'm just saying.)
Creating continuity between the language we use and the message we intend to convey matters. Also, notice the name of the month isn't Mental Illness Awareness Month, it's Mental Health Awareness Month.
The pandemic has really shown that you don’t need a mental health diagnosis for your mental health to be affected, and so many more people can now relate to just how challenging it can be to manage. Normalizing conversations about mental health as opposed to “destigmatizing mental illness” creates the nuance of difference that can make all of the difference for someone who wants to be a part of a strengths-based, hoped-filled, recovery-focused and empowering dialogue.
I encourage you to be ever more aware and intentional of the words you use when engaging in conversations about mental health. My hope is that something I’ve shared can be helpful either for yourself or a loved one.
