When Words Become Triggering

It’s best to think before you speak, especially when it comes to the realm of mental illness talk.

Words are often one of our leading guideposts when it comes to interacting with each other in society. Non-verbal gestures may be what we first come to know — such as smiling when faced with something pleasurable — but we can often express ourselves best through the use (and nuance) of language.

But language is a convoluted thing. Definitions can vary depending on the word, but intent can also be a factor behind even the simplest conversations. What do we mean when we are using this word to describe that person?

When it comes to the realm of mental health awareness, I tend to dwell on language a lot myself. Too often I’ve heard things said in anger or in jest, and a lot of it straight-up makes me give pause. Below, I’ve shared some phrases and words that came to the forefront of my mind regarding conversations I’ve heard or even things I myself have said at some point.

The point being: sometimes we have to stop and examine what we say and to whom we say it.

“He’s so cray-cray, you know?”

There’s a little girl I know who got into the habit of using the term “cray-cray” in regards to her…