This document discusses the importance of language when describing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It compares everyday language used to refer to feelings of sadness or worry with clinical diagnoses of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The key criteria for each diagnosis are outlined according to the DSM-V. Myths about depression and anxiety are debunked and facts are presented. The discussion emphasizes that word choice shapes perceptions and it is important to discuss mental health accurately and without stigma.

1. Everyday Language
and Clinical Diagnosis
in Depression
and Anxiety
Jenna Hannan, OTS & Amanda Gilroy, OTS
Thomas Jefferson University
Department of Occupational Therapy
Philadelphia, PA, USA

2. Objectives
● Compare everyday language used to
describe 2 mental health conditions
with definitions of the clinical
diagnoses (major depression and
generalized anxiety disorder)
● Discuss myths and facts about
depression and anxiety disorders
● Describe importance of word choices
in talking about mental health

3. Why is Language Important?
● Language shapes how we see the world
● Words can make us feel good and they can
cause us to feel bad
● We have a choice in the words we use to
describe ourselves, others and the world
around us.
● These choices have a powerful effect on how
we view mental health and people with mental
health conditions

4. Example 1: Major Depressive disorder
Everyday
language
•“I’m so depressed”
•“I’m worried about
her, she’s seems so
‘down’ all the time”
DSM-V definition:
▪ 9 criteria, must meet
5/9 to be diagnosed
with major
depressive disorder

5. Major Depressive Disorder:
Must have 5/9 of the symptoms below
• Depressed or irritable most of the day, nearly
every day
• Decreased interest or pleasure in most activities
• Big changes in weight or appetite
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in activity (more/less active than usual)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Hard time focusing/concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts or plans

6. Depression vs Sadness

7. Think about language...
An example:
“I’m so depressed.”
vs.
“I feel sad today.”

8. Myths and Facts
● Myth: Depression that severely interferes with a
person’s everyday life is very rare.
● Fact: Depression is a leading cause of disability in
America and affects over 350 million people worldwide
(WHO, 2012)
● Myth: People can control their depression and “snap
out of it” if they want to
● Fact: People with depression benefit from treatment
Medications and psychological counseling
(psychotherapy) benefit most people (Mayo Clinic, 2015)

9. Example 2: Generalized Anxiety disorder
Everyday
language:
•“I’m so anxious
about my
presentation today.”
•“She seems so
worried all the time.”
DSM-V definition:
▪ 6 criteria, must
meet 3/6 to be
diagnosed with
generalized
anxiety disorder

10. Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Must have 3/6 of the symptoms below
● Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
● Being easily fatigued
● Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
● Irritability
● Muscle tension
● Sleep disturbances (falling or staying asleep)

11. Anxiousness vs. Generalized Anxiety
Disorder

12. Myths and Facts
• Myth: Anxiety disorders are not very common.
• Fact: About 18 percent of American adults - nearly
one in five - experience some type of anxiety
disorder in any given year (NIMH, 2013).
• Myth: If you have an anxiety disorder, it is
important to avoid stress and situations that make
you feel “stressed.”
• Fact: Avoiding anxiety tends to reinforce it. People
can be anxious and still do whatever they have to
do with proper treatment (ADAA, 2014).

13. Summary
Today we discussed:
• Depression vs. Clinical Depression
• Anxiety vs. Generalized Anxiety
Disorder
• The importance of word choice
when discussing mental health

14. Discussion
• What comments do you have about
the topics presented today?
• Of the things we discussed, what
was the most surprising to you?
• Any “take-home messages” for you
personally or to share with others?

15. References
Common Fabrications, Fibs, and Folklore About Anxiety. (2014, January 15). In Anxiety
and Depression Association of America. Retrieved from
http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/myth-concep tions
Criteria for Major Depressive Episode: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fifth Edition/ Edited by the American Psychiatric Association (n.d.) Retrieved
from http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Goldberg, J. (2012, September 14). Is it Depression or Just the Blues?. In Depression
Health Center. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/depression/is-it-depression-or-the-
blues
Hall-Flavin, D. K. (2014, March 5). Major Depressive Disorder. In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved
from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/clinical-
depression/faq-20057770r
Language Matters in Mental Health (n.d.). In Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. Retrieved
from http://www.hogg.utexas.edu/initiatives/language_matters.html
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). In Any Anxiety
Disorder Among Adults. Retrieved from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/1anyanx_adult.shtm