What impact do the words we use have on people who access mental health services?
That is the central question considered in an important new guide Changing the Language
The guide has been coproduced by people with an interest in supporting a positive change of the language we use.
This has included people with lived and living experience of mental health difficulties and using services, experts by experience, families and carers, and people working in health and care services across Sussex.
SIS Linguists played an important role in contributing feedback and challenging assumptions:
- Mental health can be very highly stigmatised in other cultures, which can result in people not feeling able to seek support from fear of being judged or bringing shame to their family/community
- People have different levels of understanding about mental health, so we need to be able to offer different levels of information and language
- Many people in certain diverse communities would not access online information, either because they do not use digital technology or because the information is not available to them in their language
- Some medical words and language we use within mental health does not directly translate in to other languages, which results in interpreters needing to provide a lot of context to describe what the words would be, for example Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Services should provide clear descriptors and information about types of treatment and services, instead of relying on the medical terms alone
- It would be really beneficial for the interpreter to be able to have a short pre-meet session with the member of staff before the appointment, to be able to get some more information about the sorts of words that will be used in the session, as well as to make the member of staff aware of some cultural differences to be mindful of
As well as mental health language, there is also guidance on communicating with specific groups of people, including people who speak English as an additional language or do not speak English, people who have accessibility needs and/or a disability, and people who are neurodivergent.
There is also a helpful Top 10 Tips
The guide establishes 3 principles:
- The language that works best is clear, supportive, person-centred, inclusive, and adaptable.
- Clear and simple language that is accessible, relevant and everyone can understand.
- Language tailored to the person in front of you, which recognises a person’s preferences and background.
For me, using respectful, accurate language in mental health is essential because words shape understanding and empathy. Thoughtful language reduces stigma, promotes inclusivity, and encourages people to seek help. By validating diverse experiences and avoiding harmful stereotypes, we foster an environment where individuals feel supported rather than judged. (co-design contributor)
Inclusive language to me means using terms that respect all identities and experiences. It’s about acknowledging diversity and ensuring no one feels alienated or misunderstood because of how
they are described or addressed. (co-design contributor)
The central aim is to start a conversation around language. To improve understanding of the impact that language, words and phrases can have on people when they are accessing mental health support.
The guide was launched in an online meeting attended by 190 people. The meeting was led by Dr Oliver Dale – Chief Medical Officer, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Natasha Barefield – Engagement and Co-production Lead, Possibility People
I attended and had the opportunity to thank all our colleagues who have worked hard on this guide. I was also able to emphasise some of the experience shared by SIS Linguists. We hope to invite the guide authors to our next Linguist Peer Learning Session to continue the conversation. We have already put up the 10 Tips in the SIS Offices.
Sussex Health & Care are aiming to develop the guide in other formats, including Easy Read, audio and video in the next 12 months. We have asked that accessible translation also be considered.
Arran Evans – SIS Director
