95. Exploring mental health through vocabulary

A bright-lit sign in a flowered background reads, "breathe" in cursive

Introduction

Language has always been a powerful tool for understanding and expressing the complexities of the human experience. For someone living with mental illness, finding the right words to describe their thoughts and emotions can be both challenging and therapeutic. This blog explores how building a rich vocabulary has helped me to articulate my experiences with mental illness, offering both clarity and a sense of control over my internal world.

The power of words in mental health

Living with mental illness often means grappling with emotions and thoughts that are difficult to define or explain. In these moments, the right word can make all the difference. Having a vocabulary that accurately captures the nuances of my mental state allows me to communicate more effectively with myself and others, bridging the gap between internal experience and external expression.

For example, the word "anhedonia"—which describes the inability to feel pleasure—was a revelation for me when I first encountered it. Before learning this term, I struggled to explain the pervasive numbness that sometimes overshadowed my life. But with this word, I was able to name and understand a key aspect of my depression, which in turn made it easier to discuss with my therapist and loved ones. This experience highlighted the power of language to illuminate the darker corners of the mind, providing a sense of understanding and relief.

Building a vocabulary for mental health

The process of expanding my vocabulary has been an ongoing journey, one that has enriched my understanding of mental health and provided me with the tools to better navigate my own experiences. My Words of the Week (WoW) series, which began as a way to share interesting and meaningful words with others, has also become a personal exploration of the language of mental health.

Through WoW, I’ve curated a collection of words that resonate with my experiences of living with mental illness. These words range from clinical terms like "dissociation" and "rumination" to more abstract concepts like "melancholy" and "resilience." Each word in the series represents a piece of the mental health puzzle, helping me to articulate the complexities of my condition and to better understand the various aspects of my mind.

The therapeutic role of language

Language is not just a tool for communication; it is also a means of processing and healing. By finding the right words to describe my mental health experiences, I’ve been able to externalize my thoughts and emotions, turning them into something tangible and manageable. This process of naming and describing has been incredibly therapeutic, allowing me to take control of my narrative and to approach my mental health with greater clarity and intention.

For instance, learning words that describe specific coping mechanisms or therapeutic practices has empowered me to incorporate these strategies into my daily life. Words like "mindfulness," "grounding," and "self-compassion" are not just concepts—they are actionable tools that I can use to manage my mental health more effectively. By expanding my vocabulary, I’ve been able to build a toolkit of words that support my healing and growth.

Connecting with others through language

Another significant benefit of building a vocabulary around mental health is the ability to connect with others who share similar experiences. When I write about my mental health journey using precise and meaningful language, I am better able to communicate with my readers, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy.

Through the WoW series, I’ve received feedback from readers who appreciate the words I share, often because they resonate with their own experiences. This exchange of language has created a sense of community, where we can explore the complexities of mental health together, using words as a bridge to connect our individual journeys. This connection has been invaluable in my own healing process, reminding me that I am not alone in my struggles.

Conclusion: the language of mental health

Building a rich vocabulary has been a crucial part of my journey with mental illness, providing me with the tools to articulate, understand, and manage my experiences. Through the Words of the Week series and my ongoing exploration of language, I’ve been able to find clarity, healing, and connection in the words that describe my mental health. As I continue to expand my vocabulary, I am committed to using language as a tool for empowerment, growth, and community, ensuring that my words reflect both the challenges and the resilience of living with mental illness.

The reference artwork