Researchers from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) have unveiled the world’s first Mental Health Metaphor Dictionary, a groundbreaking compilation designed to illustrate the essential conceptual metaphors employed by individuals dealing with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Developed in collaboration with the Linguistic Applications Interuniversity Research Group (GRIAL) of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the dictionary is a significant outcome of the MOMENT project. This initiative aims to identify metaphors within the realm of mental health, shedding light on the underlying conceptualizations that shape our understanding of these conditions.
Marta Coll-Florit and Salvador Climent Roca, the researchers leading the project, emphasize that metaphors extend beyond literary embellishments, acting as powerful linguistic tools in everyday communication. The Mental Health Metaphor Dictionary is not merely a linguistic repository; it serves as a tool to heighten awareness about the challenges faced by those with mental illnesses.
The dictionary is organized both alphabetically and thematically, encompassing metaphors related to living with a mental disorder, communication and social context, and medicine and professional practice. These metaphors are derived from firsthand accounts shared on blogs and social media platforms, allowing for an authentic and unfiltered representation of lived experiences.
The researchers stress the non-neutrality of metaphors, emphasizing their potential to shape perceptions. For instance, the choice between saying ‘fight your illness’ and ‘live with your illness’ carries distinct connotations, highlighting the importance of language in framing the narrative around mental health.
An essential aspect of the repository is its role in promoting respectful discourse on mental health. By analyzing metaphors critical of the medical profession or highlighting societal stigma, the dictionary aims to foster empathy and understanding, urging for more considerate dialogue from public institutions and the media.
Moreover, the researchers propose the dictionary’s potential use as a tool for detecting psychopathology. While not a diagnostic instrument, it can offer insights into identifying potential disorders or gauging the progress of therapy based on the metaphors employed.
In a landscape where domain-specific repositories are scarce, the UOC’s Mental Health Metaphor Dictionary stands out as a pioneering initiative, offering a comprehensive understanding of the metaphors that shape the narrative surrounding mental health.