These terms might be alien to some, but commonplace to others. So to preface this article, I'll first define these terms.

Neurodivergent

A person who has a developmental disorder and/or a mental illness.

Neurotypical

A person who does not have a developmental disorder and/or a mental illness.

These terms originally only referred to people on or off of the autism spectrum. As time has gone on, these terms have evolved to refer to anyone on or off the mental illness spectrum. These terms are regarded safer by the community, in general, as many others are considered ableist/ablist.

Ableism/Ablism

A form of discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities.

The terms in question are:

- Crazy

- Psycho

- Mental

- Insane

- Psychotic

- Mad

- Referring to a person by their diagnosis (An example is a slur such as "Hey, Schizo" for someone with schizophrenia)

- Another widely used expression that bears a negative connotation:

http://www.depressioncomix.com/posts/153/

What many people fail to realize when it comes to talking about mental health and illness, is the best terminology to use. It's important, especially with such sensitive topics, to use language that does not bear a negative connotation in the community of those affected by mental illness. It's up to us, to not only be progressive about the issue regarding the stigma of mental health but to also use the correct language when we are talking about it.

Not all these words and subjects are wrong to everyone. Some people take it in stride and with humor, but others are quite sensitive. So talk to those affected by a mental illness in your life, see what works and does not work for them.

Some tips to keep people who live with a mental illness from a great speaker on Transforming Stigma, Mike Veny:

1. Recognize that this is an uncomfortable conversation and you don't have to be an expert to talk about it. If it were an easy conversation, you wouldn't be watching this video or reading these words. The only way that we, as a society, will develop this into an easy conversation, is to simply have it.

2. Learn healthy, appropriate, respectful, and “people first” vocabulary. This simply means that when you talk about it, put the person before the mental health challenge in your language. For example, avoid saying "the mentally ill." Instead say, "people who live with a mental illness."

3. Take the lead by asking others how you can support them and LISTEN! When someone you know is struggling with a mental health challenge, it's CONFUSING! People who struggle aren't always looking for answers or to vent. Most of the time, they are looking for empathy. Even if you can't comprehend what someone is struggling with, do your absolute best to see it from their perspective and validate that.