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DiscussionLet’s Change The Term “Mental Health”
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Nov 11, 2023 | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I dislike "behavioral health" because I think it, too, puts the onus on the person whose..."
I totally agree with you on this @jk77, as well as what I replied with above on the imprinting and damage laid upon vulnerable, young, innocent minds and psyches...a phrase I think of, and only occasionally share, as I have few people in my life who I can discuss this with, is:
"no one asked me if I wanted to play this game!" ...
...referring to how when one has no where else to turn, there is no other option in youth, this oppression is unconscionable.
BUT, on the term "behavioral health": it does sit a little more gently than "mental health", but I then immediately thereafter think of "(mis-)behaving", or even just "behavior" as words used to describe / judge / label children or teens who don't seem to know any better.
Definitely NOT the connotation I'd want applied to this aspect of being.
And, I certainly respect those for whom it doesn't matter, or is just wording. But, for me, and society-at-large, words are so important as a starting point - obviously, subtlely or subconsciously - especially in this situation which is so intangible to begin with - that I feel strongly about working this through.
Many wrongs must be righted by at least using a word or phrase that doesn't further encumber this challenge to living our best lives.