In recent years, casual phrases and pop culture slang have become even more present in everyday conversation, changing the way students interact with one another.
But, when can those casual phrases become harmful? When can the phrases, which may seem harmless, have deeper implications?
In an article published in April, Spartan Shield staff contributor Trinity Malmen wrote about the oppressive ableist language present at Pleasant Valley High School and how using such language is harmful to the disabled community at the school.
Malmen’s article is important because it began a conversation about the necessity of using correct speech in everyday conversation. Since language is such an integral part of human interaction, it is important to use it in a correct and precise way; the type of language one uses can convey many things.
While Malmen pointed out the importance of being aware of word choice regarding students living with disabilities, it is also important to be aware of the word choice used in regards to students living with mental illnesses.
Students living with mental illness are not uncommon at PVHS. In fact, a recent article by Spartan Shield writer Jeanelle Cho pointed out this fact; in it, she discussed a project undertaken by a PV student which showed the prevalence of invisible illnesses–which include mental illnesses–at PVHS.
Many students casually reference topics regarding mental illnesses in their daily speech, which in turn downplays the seriousness of those mental illnesses. In doing so, this can convey a certain ignorance regarding mental illnesses.
For example, a student organizing their locker may state that they need their books in a certain order because “they are so OCD.” One should not rush to judgment; this student may in fact have OCD. However, they may just like things in order.
This is where an important distinction must be made. Just because one likes something done a certain way does not mean that they struggle with a mental illness. There is a distinction between mental illness and personal preference–being neat is a far cry from having OCD.
OCD is an anxiety disorder that can sometimes become disabling and can drastically affect a person’s life. Using an important term like that in a light manner downplays its importance and seriousness and can even seem derogatory. This can become detrimental and belittling to a student living with a mental illness.
The same is true of other common and misused phrases.
Other commonly misused phrases include the following: that makes me so depressed, it made me have a panic attack, she looks anorexic, that makes me have anxiety. Although these phrases are not always misused, many times they are.
In general, it is important to be careful with speech, especially regarding areas that can drastically affect others’ lives, like mental illness.
Senior Michaela Whitten notices the prevalence of language like this at PVHS and explored why this might be so. “I do hear and recognize that the use of mental illnesses is used by some people regularly in a light-hearted manner. It in a way has become a sort of norm. This regular usage, I think, might stem from our generation’s dark humor and our generation’s high risk of mental illness,” she said.
Whitten offers a deeper insight into this issue because of her experiences. She stated how her experiences have affected her thoughts on this issue. “As someone who has struggled for several years with depression and anxiety, it’s interesting to see how certain phrases have more impact than others. [Some things] aren’t necessarily offensive [to me].”
She expanded on which phrases she finds offensive to herself and which ones she does not. “Depression and anxiety are emotions that people can feel, even when they aren’t suffering from a larger condition. [But,] I have found it to be uncomfortable and bad when people start romanticizing mental illness or it’s symptoms,” she said.
Whitten believes that this regular and lighthearted usage is not beneficial, and shows a lack of understanding within the student body. “This usage does show a degree of ignorance. It turns this serious mental illness that affects millions of people into something that is more of a quirk. It shows a lack of understanding, and it shows a lack of empathy.”
PVHS counselor Valerie Tucker expanded on this idea. “It’s dangerous to take clinical terms and use them in our casual speech. [One can] trivialize the seriousness of what [those living with mental illness] are really experiencing. It is important to recognize that people who have [mental illnesses] have been diagnosed and cannot always function,” she said.
Instead, in certain instances, the word “organized” might be better to use instead of “OCD.” The word “stressed” might be better to use than “anxious.” The word “thin” might be better to use than “anorexic.”
This is especially true when people use these phrases as jokes. A commonly misused word is “triggered.” Students use this word as a way to be funny; in reality, though, this word is used by people who have survived traumatic incidents when they are having flashbacks.
For example, a soldier having PTSD may be triggered by something which causes them to have flashbacks to war. But, a student disagreeing with another student’s statement is probably not “triggered” on the same level a soldier struggling with PTSD is; therefore, they should not use the word “triggered.”
Tucker realizes this language imprecision is not always intentional. However, she stated the necessity of being aware. “Not everything people say is meant to be a source of controversy, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful. Old phrases, like ‘think before you speak,’ ring even more true. Think about what you are saying so its message is not misconstrued. Ask to clarify.”
Whitten echoed Tucker’s statements. “People, in general, should be careful in their speech. You never know if you might say something incredibly rude or hurtful to or about someone you are around. You cannot take words back, and those words can make an impact on someone’s life–whether it is about mental illness or not.”
In general, Tucker believes that “[we need to] be sensitive to what we say.” Whitten agrees with Tucker. At the end of the day, Whitten believes that sensitivity and understanding are important regarding this issue.
Whitten summed up her thoughts well and gave a positive perspective to this issue by holding out hope for more understanding. “If we lived in a world in which everyone properly understood and felt true empathy for those who live with a mental illness, who really knows if everyone would stop using mental illnesses as jokes? I would like to hope so.”
