Warning: I know there are those who may disagree with me and what I’m about to say – it’s OK. I acknowledge all mental health journeys are individual and how we experience them are unique only to us. I’m stepping into a vulnerable space to share a conscious thought about how I view the importance of choosing positive language when discussing mental health. For those who are triggered by the below: I see you and I surround you with love. For those who oppose the narrative, I see you and respect your stance on the topic. I hope the below inspires thoughtful, insightful and compassionate conversations.
I’ve thought a lot lately about how important the words we use when talking about mental health are. Words we use have a powerful influence on how we shape our mental health journey and life. They influence our thoughts, mood and emotions, and actions. ⠀ ⠀
There is no cure for mental health issues (spoiler alert) so it seems counterproductive to speak words into the universe, our soul and our journey that have a foundation in defeating something or reaching an outcome that is final, when the reality is a bit (or a lot) more complicated than that. Why not speak words that have a foundation in hope, love, support, flexibility and reflect the ebs and flows of life and living with a mental health issue. Life, let alone living with a mental health issue (big or small), is never, ever linear.⠀ ⠀
I hear people say or message me about how they want to ‘overcome’ their mental health issues and get their life back to ‘normal’ and how it was ‘before’. In my opinion, using the words ‘overcome’ and ‘normal’ when discussing our overall mental health issues implies that it’s an obstacle in the pursuit of a happy and productive life or that mental health issues are social problems that need to be defeated in order to reach a socially acceptable level of ‘normalcy’ (one without a mental health issue or before being diagnosed). It’s setting up an unattainable goal and in my opinion, it’s only perpetuating the stigma that mental health issues are problematic, not typical and socially unacceptable. ⠀ ⠀
Now I’m not perfect when it comes to self talk but I’ve been living with mild anxiety and depression for decades and if I’ve learnt one thing it’s that living with a mental health issue is not about ‘overcoming’ it in pursuit of getting life back to ‘normal’. Spoiler alert: there is no such thing as normal. Why? Because I deem to be typical behaviours or activities to others might not be. Rather, I focus on living a life where I’m thriving through the ebs and flows of life and my mental health. Do you feel hopeful, lighter and full of possibilities just hearing the positive shift that can present when there is a subtle language change from overcome to thrive? I know I do 
⠀ ⠀
I know discussing our mental health journey is about more than the semantics but being mindful of the language we use could inspire a major positive perspective shift not just in ourselves but those around us.
Much love,
Lara X
Psst. Follow me on social media!
You might also like
Joy and Happiness is Your Birth right
It might sound like an extremely obvious or even obnoxious statement to make, but I wonder how many of us take the time in our often hectic and busy lives to truly consider this statement – joy and happiness is your birth right. Yep – you, my dear friend, deserve to be happy for the…
Read More
What Is Self-Love, Exactly?
If I were to say ‘self-love’ to you, what instantly comes to mind? Is it sitting in a bubble bath surrounded by candles listening to Enya with a glass of vino in hand? Believe it or not, there’s a lot more to self-love than simply practicing self-care (though, that is part of the fun).
Read MoreLatest on the ‘Gram
Rosè Nomad 