How Hurtful Words Effect Mental Health?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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They may be depressed, upset or have low self-esteem, and they may overthink something minor (to you) that you said

. Your intentions may be good and if someone misinterprets it, it is really frustrating.

How might negative language affect a person with mental health issues?

Certain language

sensationalises mental illness and reinforces stigma

. Terminology that suggests a lack of quality of life for people with mental illness. Labelling a person by their mental illness. Descriptions of behaviour that imply existence of mental illness or are inaccurate.

How do negative words affect the brain?

So, when we allow negative words and concepts into our thoughts, we’re

increasing the activity in our brain’s fear center, causing stress-producing hormones to flood our system

. These hormones and neurotransmitters interrupt the logic and reasoning processes in the brain and inhibit normal functionality.

What are 3 things that affect your mental health?

  • childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect.
  • social isolation or loneliness.
  • experiencing discrimination and stigma, including racism.
  • social disadvantage, poverty or debt.
  • bereavement (losing someone close to you)
  • severe or long-term stress.
  • having a long-term physical health condition.

How your words can affect someone?

Words can build up or tear down. They can motivate or discourage.

Words influence others and build relationships at work and personally

. They can tear down relationships.

How do words affect behavior?

How the Words We Choose Shape Our Lives. Words have power.

Their meaning crystallizes perceptions that shape our beliefs, drive our behavior

, and ultimately, create our world. Their power arises from our emotional responses when we read, speak, or hear them.

What should you not say to a mentally ill person?

  1. “It’s all in your head.” …
  2. “Come on, things could be worse!” …
  3. “Snap out of it!” …
  4. “But you have a great life, you always seem so happy!” …
  5. “Have you tried chamomile tea?” …
  6. “Everyone is a little down/moody/OCD sometimes – it’s normal.” …
  7. “This too shall pass.”

Why is language a mental behavior?

Language matters in mental health.

Words we use shape how we see the world–and ourselves

. We have a choice in the words we use to describe ourselves, others, and the world around us. The words we choose and the meanings we attach to them influence our decisions, beliefs, and well-being.

How do you deal with a mentally unstable person?

  1. Listen without making judgements and concentrate on their needs in that moment.
  2. Ask them what would help them.
  3. Reassure and signpost to practical information or resources.
  4. Avoid confrontation.
  5. Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact.

Can words cause physical pain?

Far from being soothing,

words and counselling can actually increase the intensity of physical pain

, a study finds. Warnings such as “this may hurt a bit” or “you might feel a little pain” can be counterproductive and actually compound feelings of discomfort, it is believed.

Can words change your brain?

In their jointly written book,

Words Can Change Your Brain

, Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist at Thomas Jefferson University, and Mark Robert Waldman, a communications expert state, “a single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.”

Do words affect emotions?

Previous studies have shown that

mere words, particularly affective words, can dampen emotional responses

. However, the effect of affective labels on emotional responding in the long term is unknown.

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

  • Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.
  • Long-lasting sadness or irritability.
  • Extreme changes in moods.
  • Social withdrawal.
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

What can trigger mental illness?

  • Genetics. …
  • Environment. …
  • Childhood trauma. …
  • Stressful events: like losing a loved one, or being in a car accident.
  • Negative thoughts. …
  • Unhealthy habits: like not getting enough sleep, or not eating.
  • Drugs and alcohol: Abusing drugs and alcohol can trigger a mental illness. …
  • Brain chemistry.

What are the 5 factors affecting mental health?

Experiences such as

the way we are treated by others, our financial situation, our relationships, where we work, life changes and our physical health

all affect our mental health.

Can Hurtful words cause trauma?

The take-home message is that

occasional harsh or angry words are not going to traumatize a child for life

. However, frequent verbal bashing could be as bad as sticks and stones that break their bones.

Do words really have power?


Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble

.” Think of the power we wield and the impact we can make if we become more intentional about encouraging our sponsored children. The right words make all the difference.

How does negative words affect your life?


They may be depressed, upset or have low self-esteem, and they may overthink something minor (to you) that you said

. Your intentions may be good and if someone misinterprets it, it is really frustrating.

How your words affect your child?


Through positive words, parents can promote children’s cognitive functioning

. With negative words, a child’s brain functioning can be interrupted. Yes. Words have power.

How powerful are your words?



Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity

. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”

What are the signs of a mentally unstable person?

  • Feeling sad or down.
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities.
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.

What is the mental breakdown?

A nervous breakdown (also called a mental breakdown) is a term that describes

a period of extreme mental or emotional stress

. The stress is so great that the person is unable to perform normal day-to-day activities. The term “nervous breakdown” isn’t a clinical one. Nor is it a mental health disorder.

Can being around depressed person make you depressed?

And this group doesn’t have to be only best friends and loved ones — most research says that it can extend up to three degrees of separation. This means that

if your friend’s friend’s friend has depression, you may still be at higher risk of developing it as well.

Can you say mental illness?

2. Don’t say “mentally disabled,” “mentally handicapped,” or “mentally ill.” Say, “has a mental illness.”

It can also be appropriate to say “mental health condition,”

since many people who deal with mental health concerns may not have a formal diagnosis or a full-fledged illness. 3.

How can poor mental health affect your physical health?


Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses

. These illnesses include diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. Schizophrenia has also been linked to a higher risk of heart and respiratory diseases. Mental health conditions can also make dealing with a chronic illness more difficult.

What’s another way to say mental illness?

  • craziness.
  • derangement.
  • insaneness.
  • lunacy.
  • madness.
  • mental illness.
  • psychopathy.
  • psychosis.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.