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I call myself crazy. I do. I’ve written about it before. I also say, “I am bipolar,” so shoot me. It’s not that I say these things pejoratively, I don’t, I say them because they’re correct usages of the English language and they are accurate. Other people have a problem with this. But you know what, their problem is not my problem. If I want to call myself crazy, or bipolar, or a redhead that’s my business, not yours.
I’m sick of political correctness. This is not a new thing; I’ve been sick of it for years. I think it’s stupid. Don’t get me wrong, I think modifying your language to remove slurs and intentionally hurting others is critical, but I think changing language simply to make a small group of people feel better about themselves is nonsense. Honestly, if you need wordplay to feel better about yourself, you’ve got some serious issues to work through that have nothing to do with me.
The word “crazy” can be used in many circumstances and it is not a negative.
“My day was crazy.”
What? I’m not allowed to say this? Somehow the above is saying something about people with mental illness? No, of course it’s not; I’m using a legitimate word with a legitimate definition to describe my day.
You know, I can use “crazy” as an insult, sure, but it’s my intention that matters in that case. If I say, “Avoid all the crazies, they will hurt you.” That is clearly a hurtful and shows discrimination towards people with mental illness. On the other hand, if I say, “We crazies need to stick together,” it’s not negative in the least. In that statement, I’m referring to everyone under the broad umbrella of mental illness. Could I use different terminology? Sure. Do I mean to insult anyone? No, of course I don’t.
But, of course, that might insult some people. Okay. But what is wrong with me referring to myself as crazy? Absolutely nothing. It doesn’t indicate that there is anything wrong with me it indicates that there is something wrong with all the people who jump down my throat about it. My self-identification is none of your business. You can feel free to self-identify in only medical terms that order words in a way that make you feel good, if you so desire, but I don’t feel the need for that.
Everyone knows about the stigma that people with mental illness face – or, more accurately, the discrimination and prejudice. But you know what, calling people African American didn’t stop white supremacists from existing, not calling people “fags” didn’t stop people from protesting marriage for gay people and wordplay won’t stop the discrimination and prejudice faced by the mentally ill (yes, I said it) either.
So please, please, please stop telling me how to self-identify, how I, a writer, should use language and acting like I’m harming people with a mental illness just by using a legitimate term.
It doesn’t matter if I call myself crazy. Really.
Natasha Tracy is an award-winning writer, speaker, advocate, and consultant from the Pacific Northwest. She has been living with bipolar disorder for 26 years and has written more than 2000 articles on the subject.
Find more of Natasha’s work in her acclaimed book: "Lost Marbles: Insights into My Life with Depression & Bipolar" on Amazon.
Connect with Natasha at the social media links below.
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I just came across this 10 years after it was written. But honestly, it works for me today. I referred to myself as a “nut” and got corrected by a co-worker. I was told it’s not an appropriate term. I’m the one with untreatable ADHD and out of control anxiety – nut fits and it feels like me. I don’t understand why myself identification is someone else’s business.
Hi Mandy,
Your self-identification isn’t anyone else’s business, plain and simple. People think they are standing up for us somehow, but I assure you, in my case at least, I need no such help when it comes to the language I use. It is carefully chosen and fits me just fine.
I would encourage you to say something back to your coworker like, “I don’t tell you how to self-identify, I would appreciate the same respect.”
Of course, if you feel like you can’t say something because it’s a work relationship, that’s completely okay too.
I will tell you though, if “nut” works for you, then it’s totally okay with me, and I’ve been a professional mental health advocate for 15 years.
— Natasha Tracy
Hello Natasha, that you call yourself crazy is ofcoz entirely up to you and I have absolutely no problem with it, but certified crazy (according to the DSM) has also a nice ring to it, like I’m not just crazy, I’m certified crazy :)
I have written on this very topic. If it’s a politically incorrect word for mental illness, I’ve used it on myself. There are so many descriptive words for mentally ill that tell more of the story. My thing is, if you need me to refer to you with a special word in order for you to feel respected, then I will happily do it. But there is no word for mental illness when said without ill intent that will make me feel disrespected. I know what I am. I’m bipolar. I’m not a person WITH bipolar. It is too integral to who I am to just be a side dish.
I don’t mind calling myself crazy- I do it all the time. BUT when I’m in a bipolar depression and/or feeling paranoid anybody calling me crazy or or talking about ‘the crazies’ etc reallllly offends me. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because i feel so different to ‘the normals’ when I’m feeling not so great maybe I feel like there’s a ‘them’ and ‘me’. I would so love to not feel this way and get hurt so easily like when I’m ill that but I honestly cannot help it !?! It’s like it twists my insides and I can’t help but react to it like it is affecting me especially in front of people who maybe do want it to affect me. X
Just found your blog through a link from Healthline. My condolences on your father’s death. I like the way you express yourself and enjoyed reading this post about being pc and feel much the same as you do about the subject. Looking forward to reading more of your posts.
I’m totally NOT crazy. My mental illness was always a very sane response to my very insane environment :)
We’re ill in some respects and society is ill in some respects. Everyone works to get better. Part of being mentally ill is intrinsic to me and damaging. Part of what is hurting me is extrinsic. I don’t think being ill gives me any special insight into society. But, I’m a member of society so part of my work is to get better in that role. I can’t do that if my illness as a person is consuming me. I can’t think of myself as “responding” to a negative environment like a victim. My purpose is to get better so that I can work to help society get better.
The thing is, I’m not convinced I get to be happy at the end of that, or fulfilled, or contented. Those are things for the normals to be. I’m going to be what psychotic is when the weather is clear.
Yes. An honest man (woman) who lives in a dishonest world is at a large disadvantage. Sanity in an insane world is quite a quite a disadvantage. WN
All evidence to date shows that clumsy forced laguage change may even reinforce stigma. When people focus on language, it’s also often a tactic to avoid work on real change. People change words and pretend they’ve changed reality. It’s akin to maturbation.
Please give me a link or some source for your “evidence” that “clumsy forced laguage” (have no idea what that is-sounds clumsy and forced? Since there seems to be a great body of data on this it should be easy.
I suppose you are saying this, “clumsy forced “laguage”. As in trying to make ones pt. clear is an attempt to avoid solving the issue at hand. Oh sorry, my clarity paused reality. I suppose clear, unforced or say clear forced language would be better.
Reality is reality regardless of how it is spoken about. Real change will never come about ever by not finding common ground with another if that other is trying to help. I think I may know what your tactics are, but I very much doubt they are altruistic. Sorry for trying to make myself clear, but my forced “laguage’ limits me. WN
I’m not embarrased to say I’m bipolar. What bothers me, mostly at work, is the stigma attached. If I’m having just a plain old bad or off day at work, I get the “did you take your meds today…” People at work tell me they are scared of me because I’m crazy and will come in and shoot them all one day. they may be joking, but there is always some truth in jest.
I’ve been fighting with/learning about/ failing to respond to treatment for bipolar depression for a couple of years now. I’m officially still employed, but only because of the institution’s long-term disability coverage, so I’m not on their payroll. I’ve had a successful career fall out from under me because of what, on good days, I can recognize as something utterly beyond my control. It’s still new enough to me that it stings when I hear people say “I’m so bipolar today” when they’re talking about a frantic day, or a normal mood swing. No, no you’re not bipolar today, sorry about your day.
That having been said: my gosh, if we can’t exercise our sense of the ridiculous sometimes by calling ourselves crazy, it would be even more bleak. I have a well-developed sense of the absurd – and it occasionally amuses me no end to say that I met one of my favorite people in the world at “the bin” — or say “well yes, I am crazy, but not because of that,” or things to that effect.
So thank you for this excellent discussion, and all of the others here that I’ve just discovered. One of the biggest helps to me thus far has been discovering that I’m not alone in this struggle – and that most of the other people I’ve run across who deal with this every moment are also highly intelligent, creative, and thoughtful people who really want to help in whatever way they can.
I think stigma is worth it as a word. Discrimination implies there is only a commerce aspect to the problem. For example, there is age discrimination. But there isn’t really a stigma against being 50 years old. Stigma also significantly impacts social relationships, where discrimination (at least as people think about it) doesn’t. If I don’t invite my black neighbor over to my community barbecue, I might be racist but that isn’t discrimination. It’s a free country to the extent I’m allowed to invite who I like to dinner.
Finally, discrimination is usually something you can project onto other people. I’m just as good as they are. They discriminate against me. That is something bad about them. As a result, you can make laws against discrimination and sue people over it.
You can’t make laws against stigma. That’s because stigma is derived from “stigmata”, literally a bleeding sign. A stigma is on me. It’s not something I can project. I am not, in fact, just as good as they are. The stigma makes it apparent to other people, and to me, that this is so. No one is harming me, it’s just obvious.
That is a much harder psychological fight to engage. The reason bipolar people struggle with stigma and not “discrimination” is I don’t think any of us wakes up in the morning 95% confident we are just as good as all the normals six days out of seven.
There is a history of stigmatized groups taking back words used to mark them. However, my personal favorite is Psychotic, not Crazy. I’m Psychotic, at least I am sometimes. Crazy is just a little to mild for my taste.
Extremely good points James! Never thought of it that way. I have never been psychotic myself though have witnessed it many times.
It’s the disdain that drives me nuts (npi) that snickering and devaluation that goes on behind your back (do to me being a really big guy it’s always behind my back more so then with a typical BP. You can’t ever seem to really tell who respects you and who doesn’t. Especially in the non-mental health part of the medical community. I was in the hospital for severe pain yesterday (nothing BP related at all) and you do notice how covertly security lingers a bit around you. It’s not paranoid it’s quite real. This is why I believe MI records should be completely separate from all other medical records. Even if you are told that they are that is bs and the list of medications will give you away regardless. WN
I have had long discussions about this with people. I was diagnosed as a Manic Depressive. Now it seems that I have to say I am bipolar. That covers a lot of illnesses and doesn’t really say what I have. My husband is Schizophrenic. I really am annoyed that the P.C. police say I am supposed to say that Joe is “living with Schizophrenia.” That sounds like when he goes to play golf, he leaves it at home. All this is intended to make it sound more palatable and isn’t the serious condition that it is. That the fact that he is “living with it” means that he can easily cope with his mental illness and nothing needs to be done to help. Now others can go on their way because people suffering from serious mental illness are dealing with it just fine. Fortunately, Joe has had great treatment and has found the right medications and has been free from breakdowns for a long time but not everyone is so lucky. He and I raised three children, he worked for 30 years for the same company and, upon retirement, even wrote a book about his experiences with his illness. But we still say he is a schizophrenic and that is nothing to be ashamed of.
To baffle the average schmuck I say affective disorder having children can have negative effects letting the cat out bipolar is a blanket term never full blown mania being a bp11 I say hypo manic depressive in a mixed state if not experiencing I would say a little hyper and in a depressed state say blue, despondent ,slumpy ect only referring to current state that has not the stigma. One could easily be misinterpreted as a SEVERE BAD 1 PSYCHOTIC
I’m crazy, I have no qualms about it. Do I have trepidations regarding stating it….sure, but it is what it is. I enjoy your articles and relate to most. Almost feel “normal.” Yet, I’m not, I live by my own terms and manage to…barely as today was a “me” day which consists of alcohol an weed hoping to just numb the voices, if not for one day. Tomorrow is another day, and I’m hoping actually for some mania, as I separate apathy and depression into separate categories, some days I long for apathy or mania as at least I live. One can dream right?
What a wonderfully intelligent world I’ve found in this blog! I was just diagnosed month ago with BP @ 52 years old. Ask anyone and they would lovingly agree I am crazy. This mental condition, not “illness”, comes with benefits. Spontaneity, creativity, charm, and energy. What I’ve been hiding for years is the deep, never ending depression that has driven my life on fear. I have gone public with my diagnosis, in my attempt to erase the stigma. Thanks all for this conversation.
Well stated. Are you aware of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance? Something you could contribute to, not necessarily $$$. They might even pay you. Regards; Jim Blaha
I totally agree, when I talk to people I trust in my daily life, and on my blog I will say that I’m Bipolar, not I have bipolar disorder, to me the first one feels more correct, just in the same way that I openly say I’m gay. After all both are statements of fact, and changing the word it not going to make any one with a prejudices suddenly think different of that information. What will learning that I do not fit what their definition of someone that has a major disorder is, and that it is not the kind of crazy they think of when they originally thought of it. I don’t really use crazy to describe myself very much, but also not many people in my daily life know about me having the disorder. The people that have been at work long enough know I used to be a little erratic in my behavior and such, and that I wound up in hospital once but that the hospital would not say if I was there or not, would not tell them where nor call me. So they would have in inkling of something being up but I don’t feel my whole workplace has to know. As the grape vine or gossip moves fast and very quickly everyone in the store would know. But that’s just me.
Right on!
Sorry some of my words were sounding a bit ….odd(?)
Re my explanation of uni I was accepted as ENGLISH MAJOR in my 20 s then freaked out at possibility leaving
Nest,plus lack sleep,etc….breakdown.
As I went down comments more after I wrote mine got published,
I saw many complimentary towards you gf.
But,what I’m saying its odds & sods ( UK) term for here & there,
The compliments ….
I think every time you write,
I’m not going to say,oh great write!
I guess I’m more to the core of the person…
I’ve been told I’m very empathetic.
Anyway.
Just pointing out what I see.
I’m not saying I’ve got it right.
No way.
But Natasha,
I do understand the workload,stress factor,
Hope you have NATASHA DAYS….OFF……phone…off Internet…off…
Beauty isn’t just aesthetic ……..
Thanks for the article! It really is about changing the stigma instead of language on many levels. As long as humans don’t change their attitude, each new term will eventually have a negative connotation. I can call myself crazy, but I realized I don’t like my son calling me crazy. He’s young and he’s not referring to mentally ill persons, just using it to be funny calling everything that.
It involves me changing my views. It is really the intent behind the words that matters most, but some words like n***** have too much negative history IMO to use by anyone. Words and emotions are a funny mix.
I think it’s a personal choice.
I agree,however you feel comfortable referring to yourself: bipolar MI crazy…etc.
It isn’t anyone’s business,just as whom you share more of yourself with.
I like to call myself myself a blonde with a big brain /w BP.
Other times,I leave out the BP if I’m having an episode cause it’s obvious something is happening….
I’ve a feel for people in the outside world,
When in doubt,don’t disclose.
I’m private out there as well,as I live in a relatively small city…..
Or on my stable days,w a safe person,I’ll say oops my brain just got the novocaine shot…..
Lol!
Just trying to share a useful coping tool of mine that helps….
Anyway,I guess for ME I’m not a fan of crazy term more BP…..I really can’t articulate.
But if it works for Natasha,I’m not bashing you in the least.
Hardly to the contrary,I’m one of your biggest fans & you’ve likely helped saved my life with your site many many times.
With freedom, & to express my feelings on great topics.
Getting me back writing again,which was good therapy for an almost made it ENGnmajor …
I think,speaking,outspoken as I do…..
You’ve done me & im sure so many more such good …..
I don’t think you truly really realize that,I look forward to each new topic to discuss.
We all try,every day is a struggle struggle.
I want you to know,I appreciate all your struggles ( as one of us) plus as a writer as well…..
I don’t always feel ppl here say that.
We should.
Your friend TOO
Sandra,BP fighting along in CYBERSPACE… Hugs….xo
Thanks for being the politically incorrect crazy voice in the dialogue. I always use crazy. It describes my life perfectly. Keep it up you beautiful crazy lady.
Dear Natasha,
I think everyone should identify themselves however they want to. I choose to say “I have schizoaffective disorder,” but if you choose to say, “I’m bipolar,” that’s fine with me and it’s up to you. I agree with you about political correctness being annoying.
My husband and I were having a discussion about the word “crazy,” and we decided that one needn’t have a mental illness to be crazy, and that not all people with mental illness act crazy. As Forrest Gump would say, crazy is as crazy does.
Great writing as usual, I am fk crazy I know this always have, bipolar meds and therapy etc can make me more stable but doesn’t change what I know deep down and it fits. I understand why people who are having one off episodes etc don’t feel this but if you have spent a lifetime with mh you learn some truths about yourself and it helps to be real.
Words have their literal meaning, and they have connotations. For example, the word ‘pig’ literally means an animal with a snout. However people have assigned connotations to the pig, for example that a pig is unclean. So the word ‘pig’ can be used when it is not literally meant, when it is meant for its connotations. So let’s say a woman is groped in a bar inappropriately so she slaps the man and calls him a ‘pig’. What this means is that he is low and dirty like a pig (even though the pig is not literally like this).
A word such as ‘lunatic’ originally referred to someone with a mental illness, usually a psychotic disorder. This was actually a neutral term. However culture attached connotations to being a lunatic, and it became a term to give someone behaving in an irrational way, even though ‘lunatics’ don’t constantly behave in irrational ways as implied. The connotation of the lunatic being an outsider or not normal is pertinent here.
What is stigma? It’s a collection of cultural-social connotations representing the beliefs and practices of the community. As Natasha said, language is simply a means of expression. You can’t change the stigma by merely changing the language. You need to actually prove a variation of meaning and THEN use the language in this new way. When Natasha says she IS bipolar, or IS crazy, she is using the same word and showing what it really means, that she is an accomplished writer, a beautiful person, highly logical, and bipolar. She has basically shifted the connotations in this way by backing up her language with REAL meaning changes.
You can’t achieve the same thing by saying “We can’t treat them like patients, let’s call them consumers instead and hope that everything else changes.” Merely changing the word is useless. Real meaning changes, real changes in belief must be demonstrated.
Me too. As I’ve said it’s like black american’s turning around the n-word insult and embracing it and devaluing its impact. That’s the way I see it. WN
Love this…I TOTALLY AGREE
Hey Natasha, long time fan and was just having this discussion with a client today. As you know, we or should I say, people who live proactively, know that we only draw meaning from things to which we give meaning to. Some people are not offended by racial slurs and use them freely and even as terms of endearment. Anyhow I love your writing and have been a big fan for a long time :)
Keep it up you crazy girl :)
–Josh – NYC
If you’re going to call yourself crazy, call yourself crazy beautiful, because your brain as a writer is beautiful and you should be called and call yourself by what you truly are, a crazy beautiful writer.
You, SAY IT, too, Aaron! Natasha is a crazy beautiful writer!
I have to say, that is crazy lovely of you. Thank you.
– Natasha Tracy
Sorry for the typos — corrections: Natasha was misspelled, and this should read: “Why do we use “stigma” instead of” using the word “don’t” in there — change it to “do.” I tried to edit, but couldn’t find a way to do that..
“SAY it”, Ntasha! I totally agree! I’ve been trounced by a few people who identify as “not crazy,” but I agree that if I, you, or anyone want to call ourselves crazy critters, that’s fine with me/us. One piece of language, however, that I would recommend be changed in the mental health community including :”consumers” a word i also don’t like as I think it’s a slur, but the main one is “stigma.” Why us? Why don’t we use “stigma” instead of “discrimination” or “prejudice” for people with other disabilities? Or people with brown or black skin tone, rather than — yes, pink like me! Frankly, the general public hasn’t got a clue what the “stigma” means anyway. And, doesn’t it mean the wounds on Jesus from being crucified — I guess that’s “stigmata” but it’s close. Why us?