Labels

Labels can be destructive words that hurt others. Is it necessary that we label people in our own confusion of what we do not understand? Does a label bring self some sort of power, no it does not. It only makes self ignorant in this writer's opinion. I often speak to my client's and groups how important it is to understand each other's beliefs. Labeling can sometimes be a form of not understanding someone else. If you do not understand someone, then why do you pretend to know what is right or wrong for them? Mental illness is a perfect example of labeling. When we know someone who is struggling with their mental health, do we try and understand them or judge and label them in a negative stigma. Mental illness is something we need to educate ourselves with, and our children. Addictions is another case where we need to educate and learn about people who are struggling with addiction and be supportive instead of labeling them as hopeless. When I go into schools and present addiction education, self-esteem, or different techniques used in anger management I see labeling all over. Kids being mean and destructive with their labels. Some of the kids I believe really are not aware of their discourse that may damage another. Labeling can be talked about and self has the ability to learn that being different or having a mental illness and addiction is not a deal breaker. Challenges can be turned into triumphs. I hear, see, and witness this every day of my life as a helper. Talk with your family at the dinner table. Educate your kid's and help yourself with understanding how labeling can be hurtful if done in a negative manner. Talk with your peers and learn new ways to work with people who are being labeled in a unhealthy way. Labeling starts with adults and then we pass it to our kids. Pick and choose the appropriate term's when identifying with people who may be different from your own understanding, coming from a different race, having their own sexual preference, or are challenged by their own mental health. Stay in your health, stay in the moment.