mental illness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mental illness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing psychological disorders or conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, or behavior. Example: "Many people with mental illness face stigma and discrimination in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mental illness?

The Guardian

She suffered from mental illness.

The New York Times

"They learn about mental illness.

The New York Times

Did they suffer mental illness?

The New York Times - Books

Take one explanation: mental illness.

The New Yorker

"It's not just mental illness".

The New Yorker

It's like a mental illness.

The Economist

Mental illness is treatable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mental illness is multicausal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mental illness has rules.

The New Yorker

It's a mental illness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "mental illness", prioritize respectful and accurate language. Avoid stigmatizing terms and focus on the individual's experience.

Common error

Refrain from using "mental illness" as a casual descriptor. Instead of saying someone is "acting mentally ill", describe their behavior specifically and objectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental illness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a category of health conditions affecting the mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Many examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in defining and discussing these conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mental illness" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term for describing conditions that affect a person's cognitive, emotional, or behavioral state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While widely used, it's crucial to employ respectful and accurate language, avoiding stigmatizing terms. Alternatives such as "mental health condition" or "psychological disorder" can be used to reduce stigma. The term appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources, highlighting its relevance across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

psychological disorder

Replaces "illness" with "disorder", offering a clinically focused term.

mental health condition

Emphasizes "health" rather than "illness", reducing potential stigma.

psychiatric condition

Uses "psychiatric" for a medical context.

emotional disorder

Focuses specifically on emotional aspects of the condition.

behavioral disorder

Highlights behavioral manifestations of mental health issues.

psychological problem

A more general term for mental health difficulties.

cognitive impairment

Addresses disorders affecting cognitive functions.

emotional imbalance

Describes the condition in terms of emotional instability.

neurological condition

Refers to conditions related to the nervous system impacting mental health.

psychiatric disease

Uses a more clinical and formal term for mental health issues.

FAQs

What are some less stigmatizing alternatives to "mental illness"?

Consider using terms like "mental health condition", "psychological disorder", or "emotional wellbeing challenge" to reduce stigma and promote a more positive perspective.

How can I use the term "mental illness" in a sentence respectfully?

Frame your sentences to focus on the individual's experience rather than labeling them. For example, instead of "He is mentally ill", say "He is living with a mental illness" or "He is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition".

What's the difference between "mental illness" and "mental health"?

"Mental health" refers to overall psychological wellbeing, while "mental illness" describes specific diagnosable conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, or behavior. Good mental health does not preclude the possibility of experiencing a mental illness at some point.

Is it appropriate to use "mental illness" to describe everyday stress or anxiety?

No, using "mental illness" to describe everyday stress or anxiety trivializes the experiences of people living with diagnosed mental health conditions. It's important to distinguish between temporary stress and persistent, impairing symptoms of a mental illness.