Real Language, Real Hope

Language reflects our beliefs and the way we view people. We are often unaware of the impact that the words we choose can have on our own attitude as well as on those around us. The way we speak to and about people is a window into what we are really thinking. Communication is a highly complex thing. The words we choose can convey the fact we truly value people – we believe in them – and we genuinely respect them. Or, the words we choose can make it clear we do not. People who experience mental health and/or addiction problems can feel and be put down, discouraged, demoralized, and marginalized. People can either reinforce that with the language they choose or they can fight it. None of us should be defined or limited by our challenges, labels or diagnoses, or by a single aspect of who we are. We are people first and foremost.