Do Mental Health Terms Confuse and Stigmatize?

I have lived with a condition since age 19 (for almost 30 years) that has many names. It could be called a mental illness, a brain disorder, a mental health condition, etc. Much of the time I have been quite stable, and capable of holding a full time job and contributing meaningfully to family life and community. 

In the last year I have become much more active in mental health communities and conversations. I have noticed in mental health circles a trend to avoid the word ‘mental illness’ and I wanted to look at this. 

We all seek health, to a greater or lesser degree, with or without a brain disorder. Healthy living practices will lead to better quality of life for everyone, and as Dr. Eric Arzubi has said it is possible to have good mental health while managing a complex mental health challenge. Conversely it is possible to have poor mental health without a mental health diagnosis. 

For me, the word ‘mental illness’ is comforting. It suggests that I did not choose to have this condition. It is a dis-ease. Likely with a genetic component, no different than diabetes or cancer. During an episode, it is hard to call what I am experiencing ‘mental health.’ At its worst, it makes me and everyone in my inner circle intensely uneasy! At this time I am very ill and at times a risk to myself, as I am without inhibitions and my decision making ability is compromised. Health practices such as diet, exercise, sleep, etc. have no effect when the episode fully takes hold of me, and an intervention, usually involving western medicines, is needed.

I am happy to call my illness a ‘brain disorder,’ if this is viewed as a more inclusive term that encompasses a wider range of experiences that may or may not be biological in nature. The brain is complex and can swing in and out of homeostasis in many directions on a spectrum, influenced by many different stimuli. 

When someone is having a challenging episode, I just want to be sure that whatever we call it is compassionate and understanding of the serious nature of their experience. 

Wishing you all connection, creativity and as much stability as is possible today!