About these guidelines Our words matter. The language we use to Language evolves. The broad guidance given in this communicate about mental health and wellbeing, document is a snapshot at this point in time and may mental health concerns, suicide, and alcohol and other not necessarily reflect views of language in the future. drugs (AOD) can have either a positive or negative These guidelines will continue to be updated to reflect impact. We have an opportunity to be more inclusive of the changes as language evolves, through the voice people with diverse experiences and views, to reduce of people with lived and living experience and the harm and stigma and to encourage more people to latest research. access and offer support through the words we choose. Our words matter: Guidelines for language use, We acknowledge that the language used in these was developed by Everymind with funding from the guidelines may not reflect the views of all people living National Mental Health Commission. The resource in Australia. While using consistent terms and language builds on the most recent research and was developed can have benefits in our public communication, people in consultation with a diverse group of stakeholders and communities must also be empowered to find their in Australia. This included: people with lived and living own way to put words to experiences. experience of mental health concerns, suicide and AOD, media and other professional communicators, research experts and diverse community members. The work was steered by a Project Advisory and Research Leadership Group. Please refer to Development of the guidelines on page 34 for more information. Key principles This document was developed by Everymind. Preferred citation: Everymind (2023). Our words matter: Guidelines for language use. Newcastle, Australia. These guidelines are founded on three principles: firstly, ‘do no harm’; secondly, ‘aim to do good’ and finally, Contact: ‘stay curious and be open to change’. Everymind 72 Watt Street (PO Box 833) Newcastle NSW 2300 Some words and language that we use can be harmful, with the potential to increase distress, to reinforce +61 2 4924 6900 stereotypes or to contribute to stigma and discrimination. everymind@health.nsw.gov.au everymind.org.au The ‘do no harm’ principle encourages us to reflect on the language we use, to avoid terminology that may © Everymind 2023 reinforce harmful stereotypes or contribute to stigma, or that discourages connection and support. This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce the whole or part of this work in unaltered form for your own personal use or, The ‘aim to do good’ principle encourages us to use language that supports connection, promotes inclusion if you are part of an organisation, for internal use within your organisation, but only if you or your organisation do not use the reproduction for any and acceptance of diverse experiences within our communities, and encourages people to seek help and commercial purpose and retain this copyright notice and all disclaimer offer support when it’s needed. notices as part of that reproduction. Apart from rights to use as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 or allowed by this copyright notice, all other rights are reserved and you are not allowed to reproduce the whole or any The ‘stay curious and be open change’ principle reminds us that language is complex and evolving. Getting part of this work in any way (electronic or otherwise) without first being this right requires us to act on what the research tells us, listen to people with lived and living experience given the specific written permission from Everymind to do so. Requests and and continually adapt based on what we have heard. inquiries concerning reproduction rights should be directed to Everymind on +61 2 4924 6900. The guidelines that follow provide best practice advice for how we can apply these principles in everyday ISBN: 978-0-6489212-7-1 communication. Mindframe is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program. Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Foreword From the co-chairs of the Words and Images Project Advisory Group The words and language we use matters. What we say and how we say it can either engage or alienate others. It can also break down or exacerbate stigma and harm. For those of us with a personal or lived experience, the day-to-day reality can too often involve exposure to hurtful, stigmatising and thoughtless words and phrases that can dominate thoughts and derail individual and community wellbeing. Language continues to change and evolve over time and so it is is important that each of us pays attention to the words we use - in our personal and professional communication and in the material we produce. We are grateful to each member of the project advisory group and to each person, community and organisation that contributed their expertise in the development of these guides and resources. Please use them and champion their adoption with others, appreciating that what each of us considers to be preferred language will be different and may change over time. STEFANI CAMINITI FOUNDER AND CEO, THE INNER NINJA FOUNDATION DR JAELEA SKEHAN OAM DIRECTOR, EVERYMIND “ I have, at times throughout my life, seen and felt the pain of words used by others and actively changed myself to ensure they were not said to me again, directly causing harm to my mental wellbeing. ” STEFANI CAMINITI 04 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Contents About these guidelines ..........................................................................................................................................03 The guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................09 Use language that empowers and reflects people’s lived and living experiences ................................................10 Adapt language to suit preferences and audience .............................................................................................................12 Use language that is understandable ........................................................................................................................................14 Avoid language that is sensationalised, including in headlines and titles .................................................................16 Consider the language you use and ensure it is appropriate for specific contexts ............................................18 – Mental health and wellbeing ...............................................................................................................................................18 – The language of distress .......................................................................................................................................................20 – Mental health concerns .......................................................................................................................................................22 – Clinical terms..............................................................................................................................................................................24 – Suicide ..........................................................................................................................................................................................26 – Self-harm ......................................................................................................................................................................................28 – Eating disorders ........................................................................................................................................................................30 – Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) ......................................................................................................................................32 Development of the guidelines ..........................................................................................................................34 Supporting resources .............................................................................................................................................36 Support services .......................................................................................................................................................37 References ...................................................................................................................................................................38 06 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |The guidelines Whether we work in media or communication roles, as clinicians or service deliverers, in policy or programs, or are sharing our personal or community experiences, we all have a role as communicators. The choices we make when using language can have a huge impact. Use language that empowers and reflects people’s lived and living experiences Adapt language to suit preferences or audience Use language that is understandable Avoid language that is sensationalised, including in headlines and titles Consider the language you use as it can be helpful or harmful depending on the context – Mental health and wellbeing – Mental health concerns – Suicide – Self-harm – Eating disorders – Alcohol and other drugs (AOD). 08 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Preferred Problematic Ask a person how they would prefer their Using medical terms without asking if this is a experience to be described person’s preferred way to describe their experience Use language that empowers and Someone who lives with suicidal thoughts; a A suicidal person; a mentally ill person person with a diagnosis of a mental illness reflects people’s lived and living experiences She lives with a depression; he has an experience She is a victim of depression; he is suffering from a of mental health concerns mental illness When we share stories of people with a lived and living experience, it can be powerful. These stories have been shown to reduce stigma, increase Treatments have not alleviated their symptoms; They are treatment resistant; they are a lost cause they have survived a lot; there is hope understanding and provide hope for others. Language can also empower and promote the ability of individuals and communities to live with His needs are not being met; they are needing He is manipulative; they are attention-seeking complex experiences and enact positive change. connection • When deciding on the language to use, it is • Use language that conveys messages of hope, important to consult with people who have lived and recovery, and overcoming challenges. But take care living experience, particularly those whose story you not to apply this narrative if it doesn’t align with an may be sharing. individual’s personal experience or story. • Person-first language should be used when • Care needs to be taken with terms that can imply describing someone’s experiences to avoid defining judgments about a person accessing supports, or labelling a person by their experience. e.g. ‘treatment resistant’, ‘non compliant’. • Unless a person uses the terms themselves, avoid words that suggest a lack of quality of life, such as ‘victim’ or ‘suffering’. “ If they see someone that they can identify with and go, “… that could be me”. I think that’s more powerful than anything else.. ” LIVED EXPERIENCE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANT 10 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Adapt language to suit preferences and audience The words we use are more likely to connect and engage with people when they reflect the preferences and needs of the audience. Although consensus about the language we use is • Terms often used to describe mental illness sometimes difficult to obtain, where possible, the or suicide may not exist or translate easily in words used to describe a person’s experience should other languages. be aligned with their preferences. When sharing a person’s story in the media, using their story in a policy • Words used to describe a specific community or or case study or having one-on-one discussions, we population group’s experience should be aligned should seek clarification on preferred ways to describe with their preferences. their experience. • Language that acknowledges and honours the • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and diversity of personal experiences, identities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities sexualities, genders and bodies can be empowering may have different beliefs or understandings when or healing. communicating about these challenges. Preferred Problematic Asking a person what words they would like used Making assumptions or adding labels to a person’s to describe their experience experience that they do not use Use of language guides or glossaries prepared by Assuming or applying medical or English-based community groups or cultural organisations terms that may not be accepted or used by particular communities Checking for updated guidance on a specific Using outdated language community or population group’s language preferences 12 | mindframe.org.auPreferred Problematic Experiencing suicidal distress; thoughts of suicide Academic terms like suicidality; suicidal ideation Use language that is understandable Suicide or self-harm Intentional self-harm; deliberate self-harm Further suicides; increase in suicidal behaviour Coding or data related terms that can be To increase understanding, we should use language that is following a suicide death stigmatising such as intentional self harm; non-judgemental and non-stigmatising, and avoid terms that deliberate self harm may not be known or are confusing to a broader audience. Comparing the likelihood of suicide between Academic terms such as survival modelling; burden • Public communication should use simple, everyday • When presenting data, ensure use of descriptive groups; impact of living with illness or injury of disease; non-fatal burden language, rather than only using medical or terms such as ‘significant’ are consistent with the clinical terminology, unless the medical or clinical scientific meaning of the word. terminology is widely understood and accepted within a particular audience. • Care should be taken to use plain English terms to Impact of caring for someone who is Academic terms like carer burden describe outcomes of research rather than research experiencing mental health concerns • Some terms used in data collection, data releases terms that can cause distress. and academic writing can be stigmatising when used in public communication and should be reworded. Measuring the years of life lost (YLL) due Using only acronyms e.g. DLYs; YLLs; YLDs to premature death; years lived with a disability (YLD) Where a person’s day-to-day life, relationships Service related terms like psychosocial disability with other people or the ability to work are without defining them impacted. 14 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Preferred Problematic Increased number of suicide deaths; high risk Suicide epidemic; shadow pandemic; surge in period; higher rates of suicide deaths; rates skyrocket Avoid language that is sensationalised, Suicide rates predicted to rise unless action Sensationalist language like rates to soar taken; action needed to prevent suicide deaths; including in headlines and titles town with high rates of suicide Language should help to inform rather than alarm people. While Unusual behaviour Labelling language like crazed; deranged; psychotic elements of communication such as headlines or titles are designed to gain attention and encourage audiences to click-through or read further, Predicted increases in mental distress Mental health time bomb engagement is not an excuse for sensationalised or alarming language. Area with high rates of drug use; area of concern Alarmist language like drug affected town • When presenting current data or data modelling of • When writing a headline, reflect on whether predicted distress or suicides, avoid sensationalist mentioning a person’s diagnosis will sensationalise language and use more neutral terms. the issue and is therefore likely to reinforce stigma. Person currently using methamphetamine; Derogatory language such as meth head; junkie Language selection of this kind may miss the key person seeking treatment for drug dependence • Avoid descriptions of behaviour that imply the messages within the story, or simply generate an existence of mental illness or are inaccurate. Focus opinion based on the headline itself. instead on terms that more accurately describe individual behaviour. • Where possible, opt to paraphrase quotes where people have used stigmatising or otherwise inflammatory language in relation to issues such as mental illness or suicide. 16 | mindframe.org.auConsider the language you use and ensure it is appropriate for specific contexts Context matters. When communicating about these experiences, we need to consider the contexts in which words are used and the ways in which they may affect identity, understanding, attitudes or behaviours. Mental health and wellbeing The term ‘mental health’ should be used to describe • The term ‘social and emotional wellbeing’ is the a positive concept of wellbeing. We should take care preferred term for Aboriginal and Torres Strait to avoid using it interchangeably to describe mental Islander peoples as well as some other groups illness or mental health concerns as these terms have or communities. different meanings. • Avoid using language that implies mental health is a negative state or implies that mental health and mental illness are the same. Preferred Problematic Mental health and wellbeing; mental wellbeing; Suffering from mental health social and emotional wellbeing Promote mental health; enhance wellbeing; Prevent mental health; respond to mental health; prevent mental illness; respond early to distress; the concerns of people living with mental health supporting people with mental health concerns The term ‘social and emotional wellbeing’ includes and goes beyond conventional concepts of mental health and mental illness. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it is the preferred terminology to describe mental health. It is a holistic and whole-of-life view of health that incorporates the physical, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of individuals and their communities1. Underlying this perspective is the interconnected nature of individual and community, with community a fundamental part of identity and concepts of self within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. “It also recognises the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality and ancestry, and how these affect the individual.” 2 18 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |The language of distress People use a range of words and terms to explain Despite the intensity of these experiences, distress their own experience that may not align with common is often seen as ‘less serious’ in the eyes of the definitions or diagnostic terms3. broader community and the service system, creating a disconnect between people who experience distress The language people use is often more descriptive of and what the word indicates to health professionals what it feels like or the impact of the experience. and others. When people with lived and living experience were asked to describe ‘distress’ they detailed intense physical and emotional experiences. Commonly used words Emotional experiences Physical experiences Anxious Rising panic; feeling of dread or Being frozen or paralysed; impending doom breaking down in tears Helplessness Spiralling; feeling out of control A rock on my chest; churning or like everything is falling apart stomach; heart racing Pain Internal emotional pain; intense Hands shaking; limb weakness; emotion losing my voice Unrelenting Overload of emotions; Can’t focus or concentrate; lack persistent worry; racing of sleep thoughts “ Feeling that there is a set of bricks on each part of [your] body weighing you down while a helium balloon inflates in the pit of your stomach. ” FEMALE 18-24 20 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Mental health concerns To date, there is no common consensus on whether The current use of mental ill-health has been as an it is best to use general terms like ‘mental illness’, ‘umbrella’ term to describe mental health concerns ‘mental ill-health’ or diagnostic terms (e.g. depression, and mental illness. This use has generally been in policy schizophrenia) or, terms that describe experiences, such settings, in frameworks and strategy communications, • Where possible, language that is being used to • Use accurate terms to describe treatment and as ‘distress’, ‘mental health concerns’ or ‘mental distress’ and among some service providers. Increasingly, this describe experiences should be defined or explained support for mental illness. in our communication. However, when these terms are term is not preferred by people who have a lived and so that the audience is aware of the term’s meaning used, they should reflect current definitions (Our words living experience as it does not reflect or describe their and why it is being used. • Avoid using language that implies mental health matter: Glossary of terms mindframe.org.au/glossary-of- own experience. services are similar to prisons (e.g. ‘discharged’ terms) and consider the context of the communication. • Use person-centred language when describing rather than ‘released’ from hospital). a person who lives with a mental illness or is When we communicate about mental ill-health experiencing mental distress. • Avoid using diagnostic terms out of context. sensitively and accurately, we can change public misconceptions, challenge myths and encourage • Avoid using outdated and derogatory terms community discussion. However, when we use associated with mental illness. words that undermine a person’s experience or are stigmatising, this can have the opposite effect. Where possible, we need to choose language that describes Preferred Problematic a person’s experience of distress or trauma as this experience-focussed language can promote public Mental health concerns; mental health Using the term mental health as a negative state or empathy and understanding. challenges; mental health difficulties to imply an experience of mental illness A person living with mental health concerns Using labels, derogatory terms or slang that is offensive such as mentally ill; insane; mental patient; lunatic; psycho A person accessing support or treatment for, or Victim of; suffering from; afflicted with; living with, a mental illness hospitalised for Has a diagnosis of schizophrenia; accessing A schizophrenic; an anorexic; a depressive treatment for anorexia; living with depression Their behaviour was unusual Crazed; deranged; mad; psychotic “ Antidepressants; psychiatrists; mental health Derogatory terms such as happy pills; shrinks; The old language about speaking about mental workers; support services nuthouse health concerns is so dark and negative and dead end, whereas with recovery-oriented language, there are elements of hope and a brighter Discharged from hospital Released from hospital future… that it’s part of the human condition to have mental health concerns from time to time. Clinical or medical terms used only within the Psychotic driver; schizophrenic economy; ” correct context bipolar weather LIVED EXPERIENCE FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANT 22 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Clinical terms To date, there is little consensus on whether to use Those in favour of using diagnostic language argue diagnostic terms in public communication about that use of these terms: mental illness4. • Increases visibility and understanding of less It is more common for health professionals, including common, complex mental illnesses (such as people working in the mental health and suicide schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). prevention sectors, to suggest using diagnostic language. It is less common for peer workers or • Reduces stigma associated with mental illness by people with a lived and living experience to hold this framing it like physical and other illnesses. view. • Provides ‘shorthand’ information for health Those against using diagnostic language argue: professionals. • The terms are stigmatised and can have negative From both perspectives, there is a desire to reduce consequences for those who are labelled with stigma and promote understanding and empathy such diagnoses. towards people experiencing mental health concerns. • The terms are not a useful way to describe a When we communicate about this issue, we should person’s unique experience. take time to consider which words may work best to achieve this goal at that time and in that • The terms are associated with a health system particular context. where they may have experienced harm. “ “ I have examples in my life where it’s just appalling, the image people have of what you’re capable of if you have a particular It’s important to target that language, diagnosis. And I don’t think we should and also, just in the interest of presume that the public are knowledgeable, normalising the terms themselves I think we presume the public have a limited and ensuring that they’re not these capacity for this knowledge. mysterious and scary labels. ” ” PEER WORKER HEALTH PROFESSIONAL 24 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Suicide Discussions surrounding suicide can cover a range of • Avoid giving details about the method or location of behaviours and impacts. This includes thoughts about a suicide attempt or death. suicide, suicide attempts, deaths by suicide and impacts experienced by caregivers and those bereaved by • Avoid language that broadly relates to methods when suicide. The language we use to communicate about discussing suicide or self-harm. each of these experiences has the potential to isolate people and reinforce stigma or it can engage and • Avoid labelling people who have attempted or died empower people to take action. by suicide by the method used. • Avoid using language that suggests suicide is a • There is conflicting evidence about the use of positive or desired outcome, or a ‘solution’ to content advice, but if adding this advice, avoid problems or life stressors. phrases like ‘trigger’ or ‘trigger warning’. • Avoid using the word suicide out of context. • Avoid using the term ‘commit’ in communication about suicide as the term’s association with crime and/or sin can be stigmatising. Preferred Problematic Died by suicide; took their own life Successful suicide; completed suicide; committed suicide Suicide attempt; attempted to end their life Unsuccessful suicide; failed suicide bid Increased rates of suicide; higher rates of suicide Skyrocketing rates of suicide; suicide epidemic A person who attempted or died by suicide; Labelling terms associated with suicide methods he died by suicide Tragic death; a tragedy Set free; free from his demons; finally at peace; can rest at last Refrain from using suicide out of context Political suicide; suicide pass/ball (in sports); suicide mission Content advice; the content includes discussion Trigger warning of suicide 26 | mindframe.org.auSelf-harm There are many different reasons why someone may Avoid language that implies self-harm is manipulative or harm themselves. The language we use to communicate attention seeking. about self-harm can help to normalise experiences, offer hope or encourage people to seek help and offer • Avoid language that gives details about the method support. Other language may be distressing or harmful, of self-harm. making self-harm seem like a solution or helpful coping strategy for our problems or encouraging others to • Avoid labelling people who self-harm by the self-harm. method used. • Avoid using language that trivialises self-harm. Self-harm should always be taken seriously as it indicates underlying distress and the need for effective support. Preferred Problematic A person with a lived and living experience Self-harmer; attempter; attention seeker of self-harm; she self-harms; he is a person who self-harms They have harmed themselves Any description of self-harm methods Experiencing self-harm; self-harming Attention seeking; manipulating others; going through a phase 28 | mindframe.org.auEating disorders The language we use to communicate about disordered • Always present eating disorders as a serious physical eating and eating disorders can help to increase and mental illness and not a lifestyle choice. community understanding and encourage people to seek help or access support services when they • Avoid language that focuses on appearance, size, need it. Other language may alienate members of the weight, shape or describing physical measurements. community, increase stigma, trivialise or sensationalise the issue or inadvertently contribute to disordered • Use general terms (avoiding specifics that could eating or eating disorders. be used as a ‘how to guide’) to describe behaviour without reference to the steps taken, frequency of • Avoid using language that implies that all eating behaviour or any implements used. disorders are the same or all experiences are the same. • Avoid language that presents eating disorders as glamorous or as an option for dealing with problems. • Use person-centred language rather than labelling a person by their diagnosis. • Use plain terms to describe behaviour rather than adjectives or descriptions that imply a • Use inclusive language. Eating disorders are value judgement. experienced by all ages, demographics and genders, including men and gender diverse people. Preferred Problematic A person with a lived and living experience of An anorexic; bulimic; binge-eater an eating disorder; a person with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa; they are accessing treatment for anorexia nervosa Using language that does not focus on Describing people as thin, skinny, or giving appearance, size, weight or shape specific weights If necessary, use general terms such as purging, Detailed and specific information on how a person bingeing, restricting engaged in behaviours, or frequency of behaviours Simple language without value judgements Successful pursuit; unsuccessful attempt 30 | mindframe.org.auAlcohol and other drugs (AOD) Public attitudes and beliefs can have a significant impact • Avoid language that may glamorise AOD use, on individuals who use AOD and have the potential particularly pro-alcohol reporting as this can to influence their ability to seek help or access support result in initiation or increased use, especially services. Some of the words we use can be stigmatising in young people. for people who use AOD, while more thoughtful language can accurately inform and positively influence • Avoid combat-related language and terms. General community attitudes and lead to reductions in terms are preferred. AOD use. • Avoid outdated and derogatory terms associated • A person should not be defined by their AOD use. with AOD use. Instead, use person first language and terminology that accurately describes a person’s use of AOD. • Avoid terms that present people who use AOD as delinquent, violent and morally weak. Instead use • Use accurate plain language to describe AOD use language that reflects AOD use as a public health rather than colloquial, informal or conversational issue. terms. • Avoid describing someone who uses drugs or • Avoid sensationalist language that may create or previously used drugs as ‘dirty’ or ‘clean’. Instead encourage moral panic within the community. This use language such as ‘person who uses or no longer includes descriptive terms that may exaggerate facts. uses drugs’. Instead, describe trends or patterns as an ‘increase’ or ‘decrease’ in use or prevalence. Preferred Problematic Person who uses drugs; has an addiction to Addict; junkie; crackhead; drunk; alcoholic; alcohol; a person who uses cannabis pot-smoker Person with a dependence on drugs; Drug habit substance use Person who no longer uses drugs; person who Clean; dirty; fallen off the wagon currently uses drugs Respond to or address drug use in Fight or combat drugs; war on drugs the community Increased rates of crystal methamphetamine use; Ice epidemic concerning rates of substance use 32 | mindframe.org.auDevelopment of the guidelines Most people in Australia will be affected either health concerns, suicide and AOD. Additionally, the directly or indirectly by mental health concerns, Words and Images Project Advisory Group and a suicide, self-harm, disordered and eating disorders Research Leadership Group were established to inform and AOD. These experiences are important and need to project design. be discussed by and with the community. But how we communicate about them matters. The following activities also informed the development of the guidelines. The language we use can have either a positive or negative impact on a person’s life. Some language used 1. Scoping review of existing guidelines relating to to describe suicide, self-harm and eating disorders, for language use, including guidelines used by media, example, may encourage further harmful behaviours, sector stakeholders and governments in Australia. while certain language around mental ill-health or AOD use can reinforce negative stereotypes and stigma5,6,7,8. 2. Scoping review of language used on websites by member organisations from Mental Health Language is powerful and is an important tool. Australia and Suicide Prevention Australia. Incorporating these guidelines into our personal or professional communication, our work processes and practices, our policies and strategies, will help positively 3. Consultation survey related to stigma, completed To support these findings and delve further into impact people’s mental health and wellbeing, prevent by media and professional communicators, sector language use, Everymind worked with researchers at harm and reduce distress and stigma. organisations and people with lived and living the University of New England and the University of experience. Melbourne to analyse two data sources3,4. The National Mental Health Commission funded Everymind to develop these guidelines focused on 4. Everymind worked with researchers at the University Everymind acknowledges the support of all those language related to mental health and wellbeing, mental of Newcastle to conduct further consultation and a involved in the development of these guidelines ill-health, suicide, self-harm, disordered eating and consensus study. including members of the: Words and Images Project eating disorders, and AOD. Advisory Group; Words and Images Project Research 5. A series of 10 focus groups to further consult with Leadership Group; Mindframe Media Advisory Group; This work was conducted within a research framework key stakeholders, including people with lived and Mindframe Journalism and Public Relations Educators to ensure the scientific rigor of the approach, to build living experience and from priority population groups Advisory Group; and participants in the roundtables, consensus and to support effective dissemination of to explore their perceptions, attitudes, opinions and focus groups and surveys. the guidelines and supporting resources. beliefs about safe, inclusive and non-stigmatising public representation of mental ill-health and suicide. As part of these guidelines, collateral will continue to be Everymind has ensured that consultation has included created by Everymind through the Mindframe program, priority populations including people with lived and 6. A Delphi survey to establish consensus between to support the implementation of the guidelines. living experience, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander three expert groups (professional communicators peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including media, sector professionals, and people LGBTIQ+ communities, men and young people. with lived and living experience) on guidelines statements. The project was initiated through consultation with people with lived and living experience of mental 34 | mindframe.org.au Our words matter: Guidelines for language use |Supporting resources Support services Lifeline Youth A suite of supporting resources has been developed • Quick reference guide for service providers – a 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au to complement these guidelines and aid in their quick-use guide designed to help service providers Kids Helpline implementation. apply the advice provided in Our words matter Suicide Call Back Service 1800 551 800 | kidshelpline.com.au in all areas of service delivery including providing 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au Headspace • Our words matter Guidance cards – quick-use cards individual or group support, clinical documentation, designed to provide specific examples of problematic supervision, and professional development. StandBy Support After Suicide 1800 650 890 | headspace.org.au and preferred language so communicators can 1300 727 247 | standbysupport.com.au ReachOut consider the impacts of their language selection. • Glossary of terms – this online glossary provides descriptions of broad terms that are currently in Beyond Blue au.ReachOut.com • Quick reference guide for researchers – a quick-use use or emerging as preferred terms. This glossary is 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums guide designed to help researchers apply the advice designed to be updated as the words we use evolve. provided in Our words matter to their research MensLine Australia Other resources outputs, such as journal articles, reports or • Our words matter language checklist - this checklist 1300 789 978 | mensline.org.au Head to Health mental health portal presentations. provides a quick-use overview of the guidelines. headtohealth.gov.au Butterfly Foundation 1800 334 673 | butterfly.org.au Life in Mind suicide prevention portal lifeinmind.org.au Priority populations SANE Australia online forums Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander saneforums.org 13YARN (13 92 76) | 13yarn.org.au Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and/or Intersex 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au Culturally and Linguistically Diverse embracementalhealth.org.au Defence and Veterans Defence and Veterans Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling 1800 011 046 (24/7) | openarms.gov.au ADF All-Hours Support Line (ASL) 1800 628 036 36 | mindframe.org.auReferences 1. Gee, G., Dudgeon, P., Schultz, C., Hart, A., & Kelly, K. 4. Nicholas A, Ross A Reavley N (2022) Language data (2014). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and analysis for the Everymind Words and Images Project, Emotional Wellbeing. In P. Dudgeon, H. Milroy, & R. Report for Everymind, Newcastle, Australia. Walker (Eds.), Working Together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing Principles 5. Everymind (2019) Mindframe Guidelines for Alcohol and and Practice (2nd ed., pp. 55-58). Commonwealth Other Drugs, Mindframe website, accessed 23 February, Government of Australia. https://www.telethonkids.org. 2023. https://mindframe.org.au/guidelines au/globalassets/media/documents/aboriginal-health/work- ing-together-second-edition/wt-part-1-chapt-4-final.pdf 6. Everymind, (2020) Reporting suicide and mental ill-health: A Mindframe resource for media professionals, 2. Commonwealth of Australia (2017) The National Mindframe website, accessed 23 February, 2023. Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait https://mindframe.org.au/guidelines Islander Peoples Mental Health and Social and Emotional Well Being 2017-2023, p. 6. Accessed 23 February, 2023. 7. Everymind (2020) Guidelines on media reporting of https://www.niaa.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/ severe mental illness in the context of violence and mhsewb-framework_0.pdf crime, Mindframe website, accessed 23 February, 2023. https://mindframe.org.au/guidelines 3. Wayland, S. & Fatema, S.R. (2022) Language data analysis for Everymind Words and Images Project, Report 8. Everymind (2021)Guidelines on reporting and for Everymind, Newcastle, Australia. portrayal of eating disorders: A Mindframe resource for communicators, Mindframe website, accessed 23 February, 2023. https://mindframe.org.au/guidelines 38 | mindframe.org.au72 Watt Street (PO Box 833) Newcastle NSW 2300 +61 2 4924 6900 mindframe@health.nsw.gov.au mindframe.org.au © Everymind, Australia 2023