- Don’t Label
People want to be known for being a person, not a diagnosis. You don’t introduce your grandma as the woman with diabetes or congenital heart disease.
With the same respect, a person with mental illness wants to be referred to by their accomplishments, qualities, and character, not their struggles.
Psychology Today reported:
“Don’t say, “He’s bipolar” or “She’s schizophrenic.” People are people, not diagnoses. Instead, say, “He has a bipolar disorder” or “She has schizophrenia.” And say “has a mental illness” instead of “is mentally ill.” This is known as “person-first” language, and it’s far more respectful, for it recognizes that the illness doesn’t define the person.”