Language Guidelines: Mental Health Suicide and AOD FAQ

Core Principles

• What are the core principles underpinning these guidelines for language use?
  The guidelines are built upon three fundamental principles:
  • Do No Harm: This emphasizes avoiding language that reinforces harmful stereotypes, contributes to stigma and discrimination, or could trigger distress.
  • Aim to Do Good: This encourages the use of language that fosters connection, inclusivity, and encourages help-seeking and offering support.
  • Stay Curious and Be Open to Change: This highlights the evolving nature of language and the need to continuously learn from research, lived experience, and diverse cultural perspectives.

Importance of Language

• Why is the language we use when discussing mental health, suicide, and AOD so important?
  Language has a profound impact on how we perceive and respond to these issues. It can either:
  • Promote Understanding and Support: Thoughtful language can empower individuals, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking and help-offering behaviors.
  • Reinforce Stigma and Discrimination: Careless or harmful language can perpetuate stereotypes, increase distress, and deter people from seeking help.

Describing Lived Experience

• How should we approach describing individuals with lived experience of mental health concerns, suicide, or AOD use?
  • Person-First Language: Prioritize person-first language (e.g., “a person with a diagnosis of depression” rather than “a depressed person”) to avoid defining individuals solely by their experiences.
  • Empowering Language: Use language that conveys respect, dignity, and agency. Avoid terms that suggest a lack of control or personal failure.
  • Hope and Recovery: While it’s important to convey messages of hope and recovery, be mindful not to impose this narrative if it doesn’t align with an individual’s story.
  • Consultation: When possible, consult with people who have lived experience about their preferred language and terminology.

Adapting Language to Context

• How should we adapt our language for different audiences and contexts when discussing these topics?
  • Audience: Tailor your language to the specific audience’s needs, preferences, and cultural background. Consider age, literacy level, and familiarity with the subject matter.
  • Community: Be aware of diverse cultural and linguistic understandings and preferences within different communities. Avoid making assumptions or applying labels that individuals or communities do not use.
  • Context: Consider the specific context and how language might affect identity, understanding, attitudes, or behaviors in that situation.

Language in Headlines and Titles

• What kind of language should be avoided in headlines and titles when discussing mental health, suicide, or AOD?
  • Sensationalism: Avoid language that is overly dramatic, alarmist, or designed to shock or titillate.
  • Stigmatizing Language: Avoid language that reinforces negative stereotypes or discrimination.
  • Misleading Information: Avoid language that exaggerates or misrepresents data or could lead to harmful misunderstandings.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• What are some key considerations when using terms related to mental health and wellbeing?
  • Mental Health vs. Mental Illness: Use “mental health” to refer to a state of wellbeing and “mental illness” or “mental health condition” to refer to a diagnosable condition.
  • Positive Language: Emphasize strengths, resilience, and recovery when discussing mental health.
  • Culturally Appropriate Terms: Be aware of and use culturally appropriate terms for different communities.

Suicide and Self-Harm

• How should we talk about suicide and self-harm in a responsible and non-stigmatising way?
  • Avoid “Commit”: Do not use the term “commit” in relation to suicide, as it implies a crime or sin. Use “died by suicide” or “took their own life” instead.
  • Focus on Prevention: Emphasize hope, help-seeking, and support.
  • Avoid Graphic Details: Do not provide specific details about suicide methods or locations.
  • Self-Harm: Use language that acknowledges the distress and underlying issues without trivializing or sensationalizing self-harm.

Eating Disorders and AOD Use

• What are some important principles to keep in mind when discussing eating disorders and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use?
  • Person-First Language: Avoid defining individuals solely by their eating disorder or substance use.
  • Avoid Stigmatizing Language: Use respectful and non-judgmental language.
  • Focus on Health and Recovery: Emphasize that eating disorders and substance use disorders are treatable conditions.
  • Avoid Triggering Content: Be mindful of language that could trigger disordered eating or substance use behaviors.

Remember: Language is powerful. By choosing our words carefully, we can create a more compassionate and supportive environment for everyone.