May is Mental Health Awareness Month! This national month of awareness and action has been recognized since 1949. Mental health is something everyone should care about because almost one in five Americans suffers from anxiety. Depression affects nearly 8% of the population.
People with mental illness are often marginalized and discriminated against in various ways, but understanding what that looks like and how to address and eradicate it can help. One way that we destigmatize mental illness is through the language we use. How often do we hear terms like, insane, crazy, or bonkers used in everyday interactions? The words we choose matters as it not only describes the world around us, but also assigns value and meaning which can impact the people in our lives. Try these alternatives instead:
People with mental illness are often marginalized and discriminated against in various ways, but understanding what that looks like and how to address and eradicate it can help. One way that we destigmatize mental illness is through the language we use. How often do we hear terms like, insane, crazy, or bonkers used in everyday interactions? The words we choose matters as it not only describes the world around us, but also assigns value and meaning which can impact the people in our lives. Try these alternatives instead:
- Crazy, insane or insanity, nuts, wacko/whacko - wild, confusing, unpredictable, impulsive, reckless, fearless, lives on the edge, thrill-seeker, risk-taker, or out of control
- Idiot(ic), stupid or moron(ic) - Uninformed, reckless, impulsive, ignorant, risk-taking, risky, or dangerous
- Dumb - dense, ignorant, lacks understanding, impulsive, risk-taker, uninformed, silly, or foolish
- Lame - boring, uninteresting, monotonous, lacks excitement, uncool, or out of fashion
Want to learn more? Check out these additional resources:
Mental health resources
Join our DEI Community of Practice
Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up with DEI initiatives. More information about the group and DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.
Join our DEI Community of Practice
Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up with DEI initiatives. More information about the group and DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.
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