Language and mental health

Sometimes the hardest part of a struggle is finding the words for it. Language shapes how we understand our own minds, and how comfortable we feel asking for help.

What it is

South Africa has many official languages, and mental health terms do not always translate neatly between them. Some languages have rich, specific words for emotional and spiritual distress that English lacks, while some English clinical terms have no direct equivalent in other languages. This can make it harder to describe what you are feeling, or to be understood by others, including at times, healthcare workers. Language is not just about words, it also carries cultural meaning and history.

Signs to notice

• Struggling to explain what you are feeling because the "right" words do not come easily.
• Feeling misunderstood when trying to describe emotional distress to someone from a different language or background.
• Using physical descriptions, such as "my heart is heavy" or "my head is not right", rather than clinical terms, and not being taken seriously.
• Avoiding conversations about mental health because you are not sure how to start them in your home language.

What helps

• Use whatever language and words feel most natural to you. There is no need to translate your experience into clinical terms to be valid.
• If you are supporting someone else, ask them to describe how they feel in their own words, rather than assuming what they mean.
• It is okay to say "I don't have the words for this" as a starting point. That is still a valid and useful thing to share.
• When seeking professional help, ask if a counsellor can work in your home language, or use an interpreter if needed, this can make a real difference.
• Draw on cultural expressions, proverbs, songs or sayings that capture how you feel, they can be just as meaningful as clinical language.

When to reach out for help

If you are struggling to express or understand what you are feeling, and it is affecting your daily life or relationships, reaching out to a professional can help. A counsellor can help you find language for your experience, even if you are unsure where to start.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors can support you in the language you are most comfortable with. SADAG's Mental Health Line, 011 234 4837, can also assist and direct you to language-appropriate resources across South Africa.