We should use our words to focus on people, not their illness or disability

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, my husband and I ran in the Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices (CBHC) Wings of Wellness 5K.

I especially wanted to be a part of the day because I get to co-teach parenting classes in partnership with CBHC. After my co-teacher crossed the finish line, she shared there were times she was ready to give up. But she had a supporter with her on the journey who reminded her of the times in counseling when they ask their clients to share hard things. And it gave her the encouragement she needed to make it to the finish line.

The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to engage in healthy discussions about mental health. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.”

One focus for this year is that mental health is important for all stages of our journeys throughout life. As we age, we may experience life changes impacting our mental health. The more we can be open about talking about mental health, the more comfortable older adults may feel to ask for support.

Likewise, teaching healthy coping skills to children and teens can empower them to take charge of their mental health. In our classes with teens and their parents, we focus on emotions and managing life stressors in healthy ways.

A recent campaign called People Matter, Words Matter focused on showing compassion and combating stigma. Have you ever heard something like “These kids aren’t mentally ill, they just haven’t been parented right.” Children and adolescent behaviors are often caused by fear or unmet needs. And mental illness is more common than you think with one in five children having an identified mental health condition each year.

Maybe you’ve heard someone say, “Not that many people can have anxiety and, even if they do, they should just get a grip.” Know that an estimated 31% of Americans experience anxiety at some point in their lives. It can be difficult to control without the appropriate tools and resources.

Another thing to consider is using our words to focus on the person, rather than using a label focusing on the illness or disability. Instead of saying someone is an addict, try saying they are a person with an addition. Instead of saying someone is retarded, try saying they have an intellectual disability. It helps us to remember people are people, not their condition or disability.

If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people to help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.

Recently, our pastor preached on Psalm 13. David starts out describing his deep depression. “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?” He is at an extremely low point. Yet, he can say just a few verses later that he will trust in God’s unfailing love. The most important message someone with mental illness can hear is there is hope for them. Because God is the God of hope.

Today, I’ll leave you with this quote from Corrie Ten Boom: “Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength − carrying two days at once. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

Emily Marrison is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 740-622-2265.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: People and our words matter when considering mental health