Stop referring to mental illness as madness

What the report says

The Observer published a viewpoint urging readers to stop using “madness” to describe mental illness, arguing that the term reinforces stigma and discourages people from seeking help. The piece says mental health and mental illness are not the same thing: mental health refers to overall emotional and psychological wellbeing, while mental illness is a diagnosable condition that can seriously disrupt daily life and often needs professional care.

The article also challenges common myths, including the idea that mental illness is a sign of weakness, that people can simply “snap out of it,” or that those affected are usually violent. It says many conditions are shaped by a mix of biological, genetic, environmental and social factors, and it highlights stress, trauma, poverty, conflict, substance use and weak support systems as possible contributors. The author cites Uganda as an example of a country facing a heavy mental health burden and limited services.

The commentary lists depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders among the more common concerns discussed in Uganda. It also notes that suicide risk is part of the wider public health picture and that access to care remains limited for many people. As general context, mental health advocates often emphasize early support, community awareness and better-trained health workers as key parts of reducing stigma and improving treatment access.

The piece ends by calling for healthier habits, stronger family and community support, and more investment from government and health systems so mental health care becomes easier to reach and less shameful to seek.