How to Talk About Mental Health 
The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is supporting the "Make It OK" campaign that aims to reduce the stigma about mental illness and mental health. Being afraid of talking about a mental illness for fear of being judged just creates another obstacle to managing a person’s mental health. Talking more openly about mental illnesses is one way we can reduce their stigma.
Sometimes we resort to silence because it can be hard to find the words to say to someone who mentions theirs struggle with their mental illness. Here are some of the tips from the "Make It OK" toolbox to get you to become more comfortable talking about mental illnesses.
What can you say
Let’s pretend someone you know just told you they’re struggling with an anxiety disorder or depression. What do you say? Here are a few suggestions.
- “Oh no, what can I do to help?”
- “I’m here for you if you need me”
- “Things will get better.”
- “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
- “We’ll make it right. It’ll be ok.”
- “Can I drive you to an appointment?”
- “We love you”
What you shouldn’t say
Sometimes our words may reinforce the stigma. Remember that mental illnesses are biological in nature, just like diabetes, and need treatment. Avoid using derogatory or dismissing language:
- “It could be worse.”
- “Snap out of it.”
- “Everyone feels that way sometimes.”
- “You may have brought this on yourself.”
- “There’s got to be something wrong upstairs.”
- “We’ve all been there.”
- Don’t use words such as crazy, psycho, nuts or insane.
Rule of thumb
Although talking about mental illnesses may be uncomfortable for you at first, know that it is also a difficult conversation for your friend. Be nice, supportive and listen. Offer to help and keep the conversation going.
