Put People First During Mental Health Awareness Month Editorial Article By: Jennifer McGuire, Wellness Program Manager, Orange County Human Resources
When I sat down to write this article, I tried to think of the most relevant lesson related to mental health that I felt would do the best if it were widely shared. What I landed on is: words matter. Think about it – how frustrating is it when you can’t think of a word to describe something? For that matter, let’s talk about names. Our name is one of the primary ways we identify ourselves so how does it feel when someone calls you by the wrong name? I’m not talking about the occasional and unintentional “Jessica” instead of “Jennifer” when you’ve only met the person a handful of times scenario. I’m talking about the “I-can’t-be-bothered-to-learn-your-name-because-it-isn’t-important-enough-for-me- to-remember” scenario. That hurts! So, just like you reading this article is powerful because you can understand the words – there is great power in the words we choose to use or not use. If you have never been introduced to the concept of person-first language framing, that’s what I want to share with you now. The reason person-first language is powerful is, like it says, it puts the person first. Above all else, all we have is our humanity – we are human. Simply acknowledging that levels the playing field from the beginning. It puts no one above or below another. How does it work? Well, the good news is that it’s very simple because every statement starts out with the acknowledgement of a person. For example, “A person…” and then you fill in the rest! “A person with brown hair.” “A person who drives a yellow car.” “A person living with a mental illness.” Yep, it’s that easy! Changing the way we frame our language, particularly around mental illness and substance use, can continue to change our thinking and actions which are key drivers of prejudice (thinking) and discrimination (action). Many times I have shared my story to often be told how brave it is or how impressed someone is by how I came though. The reality is, I didn’t do it alone and – for that matter – I still don’t. I didn’t pull myself up by my bootstraps – I had help. In fact, I had a lot of it. The truth is that all that help was worth nothing if I wasn’t willing to take it when it was offered to me and that has been (and continues to be) the most humbling part of my journey. I urge you – notice others, use their names, be ready to listen when you say “how you doing?” All these things seem so minor, however, for someone who is struggling they can make all the difference. We are all human and we are in this together so let’s start acting like it!
For those seeking mental health support, there are many resources available. If you’re experiencing a a mental health crisis, you should immediately call “9-8-8” to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Lifleline provides free and confidential emotional
support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories. The 988 Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national standards and best practices. Other national and state supports include the Peer Support Warm Line and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Locally, Encompass Community Supports provides programs and resources, including the S.E.E. Recovery Center. 1 Orange County employees have access to the Sentara Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department. Critical responders have access to peer and professional support available through MindBase.
Sources: 1. https://988lifeline.org/about/
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