Language is so important. More than ever it frames the debate, creates headlines, fills social media channels and sadly can alienate, castigate.

We all have different views on society, on politics. In the UK, to me the last few years has been unremittingly grim. And yes I’m not the only one who thinks that.

Am I pleased there was a change in government last year, YES, maybe the right word is RELIEVED.

Am I pleased with the new government. NO, but to me it’s way less bad than what came before it. A bit of good stuff, some puzzling stuff, some bad stuff.

The BAD stuff includes LANGUAGE. I don’t like the language the government often uses in terms of Mental Health and Disabilities, in terms of the many needing real help. Way too often the language is grim, divisive, and riddled with stereotypes which easily make its way on to the front page of gutter newspapers. It portrays a real insensitivity and a clear lack of understanding on the real issues and problems many face during every day life. What happened to the so called enlightenment that society went through on how it sees Mental Health and Disability.

I completely understand the need to control spending, to ensure it’s targeted where it’s needed. BUT…

The language often being used creates the false impression that most on Mental Health and Disability benefits are intentionally work shy, have a choice to either push through any issues they may face to work or to choose to stay at home, lead a life of leisure paid for by taxpayers. How the rising mental health crisis is just a sign of an increasingly work-shy population, it just can’t be based on real need. How the rising demand for special educational support is more down to pushy parents than actual individual child need. How every pound spent on a child with specific educational needs is in some way depriving the vast majority of pupils much needed new books or teaching opportunities. That those benefits that are essential to so many people are in some way an extravagance, a waste of resources, unfair on hard working taxpayers.

This language then fuels so much which is wrong in our modern world. False information, bullying, victimisation, mistrust, division and hatred.

Is it really 2025, is this really positive change and new hope….

56 thoughts on “Language”

  4. Funding for mental health is being reduced, if not retracted altogether where we are in the UK. We are not asking for handouts, we are asking for support and professional guidance. Fifteen months on and we are no nearer treatment due to ‘cutbacks’.

    Like

    Reply

      1. I know Gary, and feel for you and Hawklad as you’re not getting the support you should and vitally need. We feel we are going round in circles and glad we have found a private support team. The NHS is lost for us Brits.

        Like

  8. You are so right about language and I am sorry about what you are dealing with. Can certainly empathize as our president is not very good at language either amidst other things!

    Like

    Reply

  13. While I worked in the US school special education system, I noted the level of concern was similar to concentric circles… those on the front lines were typically the most loving, helpful, compassionate. Yet the further away from the students, the compassion and care seemed less and even aversive. Politicians… I believe there are blinders on their eyes that keep them focused on what’s in front of them, while the front line people are rarely seen. This is generality of course, but my experience. May your sphere grow with people who are compassionate, understanding, and helpful…🩵

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Thanks for sharing this. I have lived with the stigmatization that comes along with mental health, substance use, etc., etc. for most of my life. As a person in recovery with a bunch of mental health diagnoses, I struggle to maintain gainful employment. So I am able to receive disability. There are still people who ask me what’s wrong with me, call me lazy. Sometimes it becomes the voice in my own head.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Perception has a lot to do with it. Also how we are feeling when someone says something. Truth be told, that some words have far too much power over us. Some say that the only person who can actually hurt us is ourselves. Personally though, I’ve found that last sentence itself hard to swallow and it sounds like someone who is overcoming solipsism.
      Anyways, let’s try half a dozen words and see how they sit:
      1) Wibble-wobble 🪼
      2) Indubitably 👍
      3) Discombobulated ‍💫
      4) Kerfuffle 𖡎
      5) Snickers 🍫 (sounds like “It’s knickers” 🩳🩲).
      6) Phenomenon 🎵🎶

      Like

      Reply

  16. How helpless you must feel being not taken serious but even seen as “pretending”. I hope the new government is better than the old and I am glad that you say, it goes in that direction at least. But I hope too that mental health will receive more attention and support. However, those people vote too!

    Like

    Reply

    1. I guess we have to wonder if “humanity” itself is a myth. Individuals with KINDNESS running through them like a stick of rock are getting rarer, and not surprising when sticks of rock at the seaside say such horrible things these days. Is it intelligent to believe the concept of compassion in our species, one that dominates all the others and eats the dead flesh of many… Still, more tea vicar?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Money and power have the louder voice and too many follow it who sit in the wrong position with that attitude. But, and I am very sure about that, can only work for a while. People want to see their basic needs met – which is what they really need, what really counts – and not to line the pockets of those who are trying to take it away from them.

        Like

  17. My daughter has worked for many years as a Commissioner for Nottingham Council, in the field of mental health. She knows better than anyone what an uphill struggle it is. Her husband is schizophrenic and, though he has tried, is never likely to be able to work full time.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  20. Language is definitely important. Governments should be leading and be a good example modeling the correct use of the correct language, but sadly this isnt the case. Not in ireland either!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment