Changing the language: launch of a new guide to language for mental health
Posted on 6 March 2025
A new guide has been developed to help encourage positive conversations and an improved understanding of the impact that language, words and phrases can have on people when they are accessing mental health support.
Launched this week by Sussex Health and Care, a partnership of organisations across Sussex, the ‘Changing the language: a guide to language for mental health’, has been coproduced by people with an interest in supporting a positive change of the language we use. This has included people with lived and living experience of mental health difficulties and using services, experts by experience, families and carers, and people working in health and care services across Sussex.
Originating as part of the community mental health transformation programme in Sussex, the Mental Health Language Reference Group was formed to provide a forum for further learning and resources to be developed. The group has written the guide together which brings together local learning and feedback from over 100 people that have been involved in the work throughout the last two years.
When reflecting on the process of developing the guide, an expert by experience representative of the Mental Health Language Reference Group said: “Whilst co-producing the guide I was able to freely share my own experiences and learnt so much from others in the group. Having such a diverse range of experiences and discussions was what made it so rich.”
The aspiration is that the guide will be used in conversations, workplace meetings, clinical appointments, and staff training. The guide does not provide a list of do’s and don’ts, but instead offers suggestions of things we can all do to be more aware of the language we use.
Neil Blanchard, Chief Executive for Southdown, said: “For me, using respectful, accurate language in mental health is essential because words shape understanding and empathy. Thoughtful language reduces stigma, promotes inclusivity, and encourages people to seek help. By validating diverse experiences and avoiding harmful stereotypes, we foster an environment where individuals feel supported rather than judged.
Empowering terms help individuals view their mental health challenges as aspects of their experience, not definitions of their identity, and create a society more compassionate, informed, and willing to embrace mental health issues openly.”
As well as mental health language, the guide also provides guidance on communicating with specific groups of people, including people who speak English as an additional language or do not speak English, people who have accessibility needs and/or a disability, and people who are neurodivergent. Throughout the guide there are references to other useful resources and guidance to help support learning.
Dr Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “This guide is a culmination of two-years’ worth of honest conversations, not avoiding the tricky topics, and working in collaboration with stakeholders.
It is an excellent example of how working with people who have a lived experience of accessing mental health support we can develop solutions together.”
The ‘Changing the language: a guide to language for mental health’ is now available to download. Click the button below to download:
