Our words matter: Guidelines for language use
The way we talk about mental health, suicide, and alcohol and other drugs can have a powerful impact. Words can support people to feel understood and seek help, or they can reinforce stigma and cause harm.
Our words matter: Guidelines for language use is a practical, research-informed resource developed by Mindframe. Designed for media, researchers, service providers and anyone communicating about mental health and wellbeing, it offers clear guidance to help people choose language that reduces stigma, challenges misinformation, and encourages help-seeking and help-offering behaviours.
Funded by the National Mental Health Commission and developed in consultation with a diverse range of stakeholders across Australia, the guide is user-friendly and grounded in evidence.
Inside, they advise:
Use language that empowers and reflects people's lived and living experiences
Sharing stories of people with a lived or living experience can be powerful.
2. Adapt language to suit preferences and audience
The words we use are more likely to connect and engage with people when they reflect the preferences and needs of the audience.
3. Use language that is understandable
To increase understanding, we should use language that is non-judgemental and non stigmatising, and avoid terms that may not be known or are confusing to a broader audience.
4. Avoid language that is sensationalised, including in headlines and titles
Language should help inform rather than alarm people. While elements of communication such as headlines or titles are designed to gain attention and encourage audiences to click-through or read further, engagement is not an excuse for sensationalised or alarming language.
5. Consider the language you use and ensure it is appropriate for specific contexts
Context matters. When communicating about these experiences, we need to consider the contexts in which words are used and the ways in which they may affect identity, understanding, attitudes or behaviours.