Use these alternatives to stigmatizing language:
- Say “diagnosed with” instead of “mentally disabled/suffering from”
- Use phrases like “a person with schizophrenia” instead of “schizophrenic” to avoid defining individuals by their condition.
- Use phrases like “suicidal behaviors” instead of “suicide threats” to avoid downplaying or becoming overly graphic with statements.
- Use updated, accurate terminology:
- Say “mental disorder” instead of mental disease.
- Say “psychiatric treatment facility” instead of “mental institution”