I'm interested to know how other people feel about the term 'mental illness' and whether those of us who live with mental health hurdles resonate with the terms 'mental illness', 'mental health', mental sickness' etc.
I have always resisted the term mental illness. It has never felt 'right' for me, and therefore I wonder if there is a better term that those of us who experience what are seen as mental health hurdles. One that doesn't feel like we are being labelled, put in the corner, or aren't 'normal' because of the hurdles we face that don't carry physical symptoms like a broken bone or flu.
I don't feel like I am mentally sick or ill, and I never have, even at my worst moments. I don't know if this is because of connotations I carry around these words. I wonder if other people feel the same, and if the stigmas hold them back from opening up about their hurdles and struggles - because they don't want to be put in that box - classed as being mentally unwell.
I was chatting to a friend the other day, and while talking she said the term neuro-diversity. This terms describes how we are all at different areas of the neuro spectrum - creating neuro-diversity.
One of the things I like about this term is that it encompasses everyone. We are all on the scale, and can shift along the scale fluidly. However I do think it might be a too technical or feel like jargon.
Plenty there to ponder...I wonder if we will have moved forward in 5 years.
Blessings x