Language in the Mental Health System

This survey is intended to build a better understanding of some of the hurtful terms used in the mental health system and how it impacts people. It will remain open for responses until the end of 2013. All responses are anonymous!

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* 1. What area do you live in?

Western Massachusetts (Pittsfield, North Adams, Northampton, Springfield, Holyoke, Greenfield, Westfield, Palmer, etc.)

Massachusetts (but NOT in the Western part)

In the United States (but NOT in Massachusetts)

Outside of the United States

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* 2. What is your relationship to or experience with the mental health system?

I currently receive voluntary mental health services

I currently receive involuntary mental health services

I have received mental health services in the past

I am a family member or friend of someone who has received mental health services

I work or have worked in the mental health system in a clinical role

I work or have worked in the mental health system in a peer role

I have both received mental health services AND worked in the mental health system

Other (please specify)

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* 3. What are some of the common words you hear used in the system that you think are most unhelpful? (This could be a word used to explain a particular experience such as 'delusional' or 'decompensating.' It could also be a word or phrase used to refer to a whole group or type of people such as 'consumer,' or 'the mentally ill.' Additionally, it could also include diagnostic labels like 'borderline,' or 'schizophrenic,' or anything else that comes to mind!)

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* 4. Sometimes, a particular person, group or organization develops their own language or words. Sometimes it happens out of frustration or trying to break tension with humor, but can nonetheless still be quite hurtful. Are there any unusual words or phrases that particularly stand out in your memory and that you've heard people use to describe any aspect of people in the mental health system?

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* 5. What impacts have you seen for yourself or for others who get referred to or talked about using some of this language?

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* 6. If you were designing a training on language for people working or setting policies in the mental health system, what would you want to include?

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* 7. Are there particular ways that you have learned to talk about your own or other people's experiences in the mental health system that you find particularly HELPFUL?

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* 1. What area do you live in?

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* 2. What is your relationship to or experience with the mental health system?

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* 5. What impacts have you seen for yourself or for others who get referred to or talked about using some of this language?

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* 6. If you were designing a training on language for people working or setting policies in the mental health system, what would you want to include?

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* 7. Are there particular ways that you have learned to talk about your own or other people's experiences in the mental health system that you find particularly HELPFUL?

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* 8. What else do you have to say on the topic of language and labels in the mental health system?