For years, we have heard the phrase “John Smith is suffering from depression.” However, that phrase limits the potential of recovery. Although it is true that a mental health challenge is not a walk in the park, it is possible to overcome it. That’s why recently more and more people use the phrase “battling with depression.” It shows that a person has power. We are not just victims of life. We can be our own hero.
What else is different? Well, battling with (insert mental health diagnosis) also humanizes the person. As stated above, we are not victims. We are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, friends. We can look at mental health as an aspect of a whole person.
It also shows that there are ways to treat it. Through therapy, medication and/or support, we are able to be the best version of ourselves.
In addition, people face many battles in life, and we become wiser after each battle, same with mental health. We learn what works for us and what doesn’t. But in addition, we learn how to treat others. We know how it feels to be at our low point so we become a great support system for others.
So, try to refrain from using the term suffering. Humanize mental health. Mental health is not a horror movie. It is just a battle that can be won.
-J
life;better 