Posted by Emme_V2 on April 22, 2013, at 18:59:44
Why is it that if someone has a thyroid problem or arthritis or any other "physical ailment", they "go to the doctor" or "get treatment." They "see a specialist" if it requires that extra level of treatment beyond that their primary care doctor is comfortable with.
If someone has an illness that happens to lie in the psych realm, they "get help." Think about all the damning connotations, superiority, and stigma in that loaded phrase "You need help." Why don't we tell people who are depressed or anxious or otherwise experiencing a mental health situation "You are suffering and need to see a medical professional for treatment", be it their primary care doctor, a therapist, a psychiatrist, or maybe even all of them?
Language matters. At least to me. Grumbling over.
poster:Emme_V2
thread:1042493
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20130409/msgs/1042493.html