From "The Language We Use" issue of Visions Journal, 2018, 14 (1), p. 40
Mindset: Reporting on Mental Health
Mindset, a project from the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma with support from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the CBC, is a comprehensive resource for anyone who covers mental health or substance use.
Canadian Psychiatric Association Media Guidelines for Reporting on Suicide: 2017 Update
www.cpa-apc.org/wp-content/uploads/Media-Guidelines-Suicide-Reporting-EN-2018.pdf
Information and guidance for anyone who reports on suicide.
HeretoHelp Plainer language mental health information
www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/plainer-language-series
HeretoHelp and BC Partners have six mental health booklets with audio designed for adults who are learning English or who would otherwise benefit from very basic, jargon-free language. The booklets are written in plain, clear language at a Grade 4 reading level to introduce mental health and mental illness.
Institute for Families The Language We Use
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFB52ddIuSg
In this short video, individuals and family members share the impact of language in interactions with service providers and others. For more on helpful conversations around mental health, the Institute of Families offers Unfolding Conversations, with more on what to say—and what not to say. You can download a copy at www.familysmart.ca/files/FamilySmart-Unfolding-Conversations-2017.pdf.
Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research Words, Values, And Canadians: A report on the dialogue at the national symposium on language
www.uvic.ca/research/centres/cisur/assets/docs/report-words-values-and-canadians.pdf
The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (formerly Centre for Addictions Research of BC) report on the language of substance use and shares recommendations.
BC Centre for Disease Control Harm Reduction Services Language matters: Reduce stigma, combat overdose
towardtheheart.com/reducing-stigma
Quick tips for people who talk about substance use, including health care providers caring for patients who use substances. You’ll also find a series of case studies to facilitate discussion about stigma and discrimination and at the bottom, a link to resources like Respectful Language and Stigma: regarding people who use substances report.
