Researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) have introduced the world’s first Mental Health Metaphor Dictionary, a pioneering initiative aiming to shed light on the intricate language used by individuals grappling with serious mental illnesses. Primarily focused on disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the repository compiles key conceptual metaphors drawn from firsthand accounts of those living with these conditions. This innovative tool offers insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals and provides valuable resources for mental health professionals, communicators, and the families of those affected.
Led by Marta Coll-Florit and Salvador Climent Roca, researchers from the Linguistic Applications Interuniversity Research Group (GRIAL) of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the project seeks to raise awareness and visibility surrounding the experiences of people dealing with mental health issues. Coll-Florit emphasizes the potential impact of the dictionary, stating, “We believe that this dictionary can help us all to reflect on the way we talk about mental health and to realize the power of our words.”
The Metaphor as a Powerful Tool Developed as part of the MOMENT project, the dictionary serves as a critical outcome in identifying metaphors prevalent in mental health discourse. The researchers argue that metaphors are not neutral but carry the potency to illuminate certain aspects of reality while potentially obscuring others. For instance, the choice between phrases such as ‘fight your illness’ and ‘live with your illness’ can significantly shape perceptions— the former emphasizing struggle, while the latter underscores acceptance.
The dual nature of Metaphors The MOMENT project’s findings highlight the dual nature of metaphors, categorizing them as either beneficial or harmful in public discourse. Empowering metaphors, conveying themes of empowerment, control, or positive emotions, are recommended for use in public discourse and in relationships with individuals diagnosed with mental disorders. Coll-Florit and Roca suggest that these empowering metaphors should be encouraged by those with mental disorders to counteract pejorative views.
Organized for Insight The Mental Health Metaphor Dictionary is organized alphabetically and thematically into three key areas: metaphors of living with a mental disorder, metaphors of communication and social context, and metaphors of medicine and professional practice. By systematizing and exemplifying these metaphors, the repository offers a window into the thoughts and experiences of individuals dealing with mental health issues, fostering understanding and reducing feelings of isolation.
Blogs and Social Media as Valuable Sources A distinctive feature of the repository is its reliance on texts from blogs and social media, offering an unfiltered glimpse into individuals’ lived experiences. The anonymity provided by these platforms allows for more candid expressions, contributing to a wider and more diverse range of metaphors compared to traditional research settings.
Promoting Respectful Discourse The repository has proven valuable in collecting metaphors critical of the medical profession and those highlighting the suffering caused by social stigma and discrimination. The researchers emphasize its potential to promote more respectful discourse on mental health in both public institutions and the press.
Gateway to Detecting Psychopathology Beyond its linguistic insights, the Mental Health Metaphor Dictionary could serve as a tool for identifying psychopathology. While not a diagnostic tool itself, the researchers propose that analyzing the type of metaphors used could offer insights into the stage of a disorder or the effectiveness of therapy.
A Pioneering Initiative This groundbreaking collection of metaphors is the first of its kind, distinguishing itself in a landscape where domain-specific repositories in languages other than English are scarce. The UOC researchers highlight the uniqueness and potential societal value of this initiative, positioning it as a pivotal contribution to the understanding and discourse surrounding mental health.