Get People First Language In Mental Health

People-first language (PFL), also called person-first language (PFL), is a type of linguistic prescription which puts a person before a diagnosis, describing what a person "has" rather than asserting what a person "is".

One of the primary arguments against person-first language is that it separates people from their disability, which often is central to their life experience. Disabilities like autism, deafness, blindness, and paralysis alter a person's perception and sensory experiences.

To use person-first language, simply say the person's name or use a pronoun first, follow it with the appropriate verb, and then state the name of the disability. E.g. Sam has epilepsy (instead of Sam's an epileptic).

Person first language is widely thought of as being very important to use in order to maintain an environment of dignity, respect and hope. Using person first language is also a more accurate way of speaking about people. Placing the person first and the disability second helps eliminate stereotypes that can form.

People First Language (PFL) is a way of communicating that reflects knowledge and respect for people with disabilities by choosing words that recognize the person first and foremost as the primary reference and not his or her disability.

If you are not Disabled and you are demanding the use of Person First Language (PFL), you are being ableist. If you are Disabled and you are demanding that other Disabled people use Person First Language, you are being ableist.

Used in a constructive manner, language can have a substantial impact on people's lives. In the context of mental illness, mental health, and wellbeing, negative words can be experienced as condescending, isolating, and stigmatising, whereas positive words can convey dignity, empathy, and hope.

Many people with disability also embrace 'identity-first' language, which positions disability as an identity category. This language is known as 'identity-first' because the identifying word comes first in the sentence and highlights the person's embrace of their identity.

Use People First Language to tell what a person HAS, not what a person IS. Emphasize abilities not limitations. For example, say a man walks with crutches, not he is crippled. Avoid negative words that imply tragedy, such as afflicted with, suffers, victim, prisoner and unfortunate.