Strategies to Reduce Stigma | Communication
Let’s recognize the power of our words in shaping how we think and feel about a subject. The way we talk can either create a supportive or unsupportive atmosphere for employees. Stigmatizing often arises from the use of labels, such as “addict” or “junky,” which are disrespectful and dehumanizing, reducing individuals to a single aspect of their experience. To foster a more empathetic workplace, we can begin by removing such labels and embracing person-first language. Instead of using degrading labels, let’s refer to individuals as “people who use substances,” placing emphasis on their humanity beyond their challenges. By adopting person-first language, we can promote understanding and respect for each person’s complete identity.
Below you can see how many labels can be converted into person-first language:
| Person-first language | Identity-first language |
|---|---|
| Person who uses substances | Addict, junky |
| Substance use/substance use disorder | Drug abuse |
| In recovery | “clean” |
| People with a mental health issue | The mentally ill |
| Person with a mental health issue | Crazy, insane |
| Experiencing/ living with | Suffering from/ struggling with |
| People/individuals without disabilities | Normal people |
| They are experiencing anxiety; they are living with depression | They are anxious; they are depressed |
| They are living with bi-polar disorder | They are bi-polar |
| They are living with schizophrenia | They are schizophrenic |
| They are affected by problematic substance use, alcohol use | They are an addict, a drunk |
