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Person-First Language Guide

We live in an ever-changing world, and it can feel like there are new terms and phrases we should be educating ourselves on daily. It can be hard to know how to respectfully refer to people who are dealing with homelessness, addiction, and mental illness, and sometimes, staying up to date on what’s “politically correct” can feel like a chore. So, you’re probably thinking, why keep up with it at all? Our answer is simple. When you choose to underscore the person before their hardship, you’re making that person feel seen for who they truly are—a human being, not a struggle. So, is it worth it? Every single time. 

Here are a few small changes we encourage everyone to apply to their everyday vocabulary: 

WHEN TALKING ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

Instead of saying

  • homeless people
  • the homeless
  • transient populations

Say

  • people experiencing homelessness
  • people experiencing unstable housing
  • people experiencing housing insecurity

WHEN TALKING ABOUT ADDICTION

Instead of saying

  • drug users
  • addicts
  • drug abusers
  • alcoholics
  • alcohol abusers
  • smokers

Say 

  • people who use drugs
  • people with substance use disorder
  • people with alcohol use disorder
  • people who smoke

WHEN TALKING ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS

Instead of saying 

  • mentally ill
  • crazy
  • insane
  • mental defect
  • suffers from [condition]
  • asylum

Say 

  • people with a mental illness
  • people with a mental health disorder
  • people with a diagnosis of a mental illness
  • psychiatric hospital/facility

Someone experiencing any of these issues is just that—someone. They are human beings first, and it's important to emphasize that in the language we use. When you use person-first language, you help dismantle stigmas and create a more compassionate community. 

Click to download a printable person-first language guide.

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