The Power of Communication and Language for Mental Health

Generation Z has spearheaded movements to decrease mental health stigma. There has been an increase in mental health references on social media, with widespread acceptance of terms often used in therapy, such as “gaslighting” or “trauma”. While it has been empowering for many people to have access to so much information about mental health and its terminology, the validity of this information should be evaluated. Mental health misinformation has become more and more common, which has actively contributed to the increase in self-diagnoses. Although mental health struggles are becoming more normalized, the vast amount of misinformation undercuts others’ struggles. On apps like TikTok and Instagram, there are thousands of viral videos that highlight vague traits of a mental disorder, such as OCD, and convince viewers that they have this disorder without seeking a professional diagnosis. These vague traits of OCD can be “neat-freaks” or “people who like things tidy”. While these traits can be symptoms, self-diagnosing with OCD based on these traits is not a well-informed decision. Online users spreading this misinformation undermine the experiences of those who struggle with medically diagnosed OCD. Additionally, if the term “OCD” becomes used so often that its nuances and challenges are minimized, those with serious conditions may not feel or realize they need help because their condition seems to be “normal”. In the same vein, someone claiming they are “triggered” by someone chewing too loudly does not carry the same weight as someone else who is “triggered” by an action or feeling that reminds them of past trauma. Moreover, using the word “trauma” for anything that is mildly displeasing undermines those who have experienced traumatic events that impair their ability to function and behave. Mental health awareness has also been increased through music, as references to mental health struggles have largely increased in the past years. After analyzing the top 25 rap songs at five points between 1998 and 2018, researchers found that there was a 12% increase in top songs with references to suicide, a 16% increase in depression-related references, and a 36% increase in mental health metaphors (Medaris, 2024). Although this normalization has started to become a global movement, there are still areas where mental health is stigmatized and unsupported. 

For example, India is experiencing an alarming mental health crisis. Conducted by the National Institute Of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), the 2021 National Mental Health Survey reported that at any time, 10% of India’s 138 crore (equivalent to 10 million) population has a mental illness, and 0.8% (1 crore) of the population is suffering from severe mental illness. Other estimates report that as much as 15% of India’s population experiences mental health struggles (Meghrajani et al., 2023). Discrimination and stigma persist in India, delaying or preventing diagnoses and treatments, exacerbating mental health struggles. This, combined with a shortage of mental health professionals, inadequate infrastructure and resources, and insufficient integration into primary healthcare, results in few opportunities to improve mental health. Beyond concern for general well-being, a mental health crisis decreases work productivity and long-term disability, ultimately reducing economic growth.

In Zimbabwe, stigma around mental health results in limited support and resources for those who are struggling. Zimbabwe’s mental health negligence is most apparent in their language: the Zimbabwean Shona language does not even have a directly translatable word for “depression” that denotes the emotional symptoms characteristic of the illness (Patel et. al, 2001). However, there has been progress to invest more in mental health support for Zimbabweans. In 2021 and 2022, the country conducted its first-ever Investment Case for Mental Health. Through this, the current state of mental health, including developments and challenges of the mental health system, was analyzed. The Investment Case illustrates how the amount of leading mental, neurological, and substance use conditions can not only be burdensome on the impacted individuals, but the economy as well. Absenteeism, inadequate job performance, and lost workforce productivity can be attributed to poor mental health, resulting in significant economic losses. Reports of the Investment Case estimated the intervention costs, economic benefits, and health gains of clinical interventions for six leading mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, epilepsy and alcohol use disorder), as well as two population-based interventions (a pesticide ban and a universal school-based socio-emotional learning intervention). By operationalizing these findings, Zimbabwe could alleviate its mental health conditions and provide both health and economic benefits (Chimbwanda, 2023). 

 There is a fine line between being able to openly discuss mental health struggles while also acknowledging that these conditions are not just quirks, but real disorders that affect the lives of many and may need to seek help for them. Seeking help for conditions that make you feel like you cannot live your daily life is crucial, especially for those who do not have access. Those from areas with little mental health support, whether it is from your country or relatives who stigmatize it, can recognize the importance of the struggles they minimize because of those they are surrounded by. Although there has been progress to spotlight and support mental health struggles, it is crucial to remember those who still suffer under the notion that mental health should not be talked about. To make mental health knowledge more accessible, individuals must recognize the power of therapy-speak communication in their lives. Understanding “therapy-speak” can be therapeutic and an informative tool for ourselves and others to recognize the importance of mental health while ensuring that those who are struggling know that they are not alone. Being able to effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings is beneficial for relationships and for improving your well-being. Knowing what “abuse” is and what an abusive relationship looks like will make recognizing them and being able to get away much easier. Recognizing the power of words can break barriers: although the Zimbabwean Shona language did not encompass the emotional nuances of the word “depression”, avenues to rectify the country’s mental health state have started to be operationalized. By putting words to amorphous feelings, genuine understanding can be fostered about yourself and those around you, allowing individuals to acknowledge when they need support.