“Crazy: adjective. mentally deranged, esp. as manifested in a wild or aggressive way” (dictionary.com).

Words have a surprising amount of power, especially when they’re used to label someone. You may be surprised to learn that the word “crazy” actually has no psychological bearing; in fact, one of the first things you’d learn in a psychology class is to never use the word “crazy.”

“Crazy” tends to be an all-encompassing word that is often used to dismiss something – or someone. It can be a very biting, hurtful word for someone who’s suffering from mental health problems; it can (and often does) suggest that whatever problems you have aren’t important or real.

Unfortunately, words like crazy or insane are immediately negatively associated with mental illness, creating stereotypes like the violent bipolar woman (Fatal Attraction) or the paranoid schizophrenic spouting conspiracy theories (American Beauty).

These stereotypes are far from realistic. In fact, people with mental illness are two and a half times more likely than the general population to be the victim of violence, rather than the perpetrator, according to the Washington, DC, Institute of Medicine in 2006.

On the other hand, there are people with mental illness who would rather own the word crazy. It can be seen as easier to take the word and wear it proudly, so it can’t be used against you. This varies from person to person, so always be careful how you use it; you never know who it might hurt.

Because of this, it can be very hard to talk to family and friends about mental illness. One of the best ways to approach the conversation is to be prepared. If you think you’ve got something, do your research. Be informed. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to communicate what’s on your mind. Google is your friend.

Further, there will be questions or knee jerk reactions. Remember that they most likely aren’t well informed on this topic, or perhaps believe in harmful stereotypes. Remember that this person, be it mother, father, sibling, or friend, doesn’t mean to offend you (but that doesn’t mean you can’t call them out for it).

On the flip side, you may know someone who has a mental illness who you believe needs help, and that conversation could be just as hard.

Because of the stigmas discussed earlier, people aren’t always receptive to the idea that they may show sigs of a mental illness, that they may be crazy. Make sure to show compassion during this conversation; stay calm and be sure to really listen to what they have to say. A little empathy can go a long way, especially if this person feels like they’re alone.

As always, if you are having trouble coping with a mental illness, or you have a friend who you think could use some extra help, the Counseling Center is located by the OSA building, with walk in hours every day from 1 pm to 2.30 pm.