Mental Health Terms We’re Getting Wrong: Myth vs. Reality
Recently, during my Master’s university interview, the professor and I discussed how mental health is perceived by a certain segment of Gen Z. I recall frequently mentioning phrases like "trauma bonding," "I like my surroundings to be neat, so I have OCD," and "Oh my God, I am so traumatized." I've noticed a surge in these expressions, particularly on popular social media platforms like Instagram. While I acknowledge that some individuals who use these terms genuinely mean what they say, what about creators who use them simply because they are "trending"? Could it be that those who are truly vulnerable regarding their mental health feel triggered or overlooked by this casual use of language? This raises a thought-provoking question.
In today’s blog on debunking mental health terms used in the digital era, I will be a learner just like all of you! I hope that by exploring new concepts related to mental health today, we can become more conscious of how we use these terms. Let us all be mindful and work together to make the world a better place, both mentally and physically.To start off, we would be understanding the real meaning of these given terms/phrases along with understanding on how we can re-phrase or use them in the future context.
Wrong Usage: “Omg I am so traumatized by looking at my teenage photographs”.
Actual Meaning: “ It is an emotional response to a negative event such as an accident, abuse (of any kinds), witnessing the death of a loved one amongst the others.
Re-phrasing the comment: “Omg, look at my teenage pictures, we were such kids, I am so embarrassed - ahaha”.
2. Narcissism/Narcissistic personality disorder:
Wrong Usage: One of my friends is so obsessed with their looks and loves to always be the centre of attention, ugh they are so narcissistic.
Actual Meaning: A mental health condition that is characterised with symptoms such as sense of grandiosity, lack of empathy, sense of entitlement, and need for admiration from others.
Re-phrasing the comment: “ My friend seems to be very self-centred, vain, and seems to care a lot about their looks, I wonder if I should talk to them about it” ?
3. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder):
Wrong Usage: I tend to forget my belongings easily, and when I stand in long queues, I become very agitated. It feels like I have ADHD.
Actual Meaning: A mental health condition that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, impacting work, school, and personal life.
Re-Phrasing the comment: I tend to forget my belongings easily, and standing in long ques makes me feel very impatient. I should really work on both.
4. Trauma Bonding:
Wrong Usage: Me and my bestie have the same toxic relationship patterns, so we just trauma bond over iced coffee.
Actual Meaning: It is a hormonal attachment to that which is created with repeated abuse to someone, in this the individual also develops sympathy and affection towards the abuser and looks at them from a different perspective.
Re-Phrasing the comment: My best friend and I have shared similar relationship experiences, so we vent to each other over iced coffee, mainly because we understand each other.
Becoming aware of mental health is an important step, but it’s equally vital to recognize the potential harm in over-trivializing it. Now that we've begun to understand the various terminologies surrounding mental health, it's a good time to pause and reflect. We must be mindful about what we say, as our words can have a profound impact on those around us. Labels can often perpetuate stigma and misunderstanding, and it’s essential that we strive to create an environment where open dialogue and understanding prevail. Instead of focusing on trending labels, let’s uplift “the extra knowledge we can gain about mental health.” Until the next blog post, I’m sending all the positive vibes your way.
