Lex-CHIP Prescription of a Person Campaign:
Words Matter for Mental Health
Let’s Use Person-First Language!
How do I recognize a person facing a mental health challenge or crisis?
Warning signs of a mental health crisis can include:
- Sudden, drastic mood changes
- Violent or dangerous behavior
- Thoughts about self-harm
- Inability to function
- Withdrawal from family, friends, work, school
- Increasing substance misuse
With respect, support, and without stigma, encourage reaching out for support
Sometimes, it’s not what you say, but how you say it
When speaking with someone who may be facing a mental health challenge, choose words that focus on the person and which communicate respect and recognition that the person is a valuable and unique human being. Use person-first language
Learn more about mental health
learn more about person-first language
