Are We All Traumatized? The Rise of Misue in Mental Health Terminology Among GenZ
Contributing Commentary by: Jana Boraei, Karen Mohamed, and Salma H. Bayoumi
College campuses are a microcosm of vibrant life. Cafés hum with laughter, sidewalks echo with animated debates, and study halls thrum with the quiet intensity of minds at work. Yet, amid this lively tapestry, there’s a subtle but unmistakable thread running through conversations, one that catches the ear and lingers in the mind. Words like ‘trauma’, ‘toxic’, and ‘gaslighting’ are now everyday vernacular, tossed around to describe everything from a relationship to a disappointing group project. What initially seems like progress in mental health awareness reveals a deeper, more troubling phenomenon: the casual misuse of mental health terminology.
In her sunlit office at the American University in Cairo, Dr. Alexander Gaiz, Associate Director of the AUC Wellbeing Center, reflects on this trend. Her tone is calm but laced with concern. “Every generation has its own slang,” she begins. “But when terms like ‘psychotic’ or ‘retarded’ are thrown around casually, we risk something far more significant than just a linguistic shift. These words represent deeply personal and often painful experiences. Misusing them trivializes that reality.”
Recent research underscores the gravity of this issue. A study conducted in the UK revealed that 49% of adults use terms like schizophrenic or autistic incorrectly in casual conversation. This is more than a linguistic faux pas; it’s a cultural problem with real consequences. As Norman Lamb, a former Member of Parliament, pointed out, “Misusing definitions of ill mental health confuses our understanding of already-complex conditions. We should be sensitive to the negative impact caused by the casual use of words like ‘schizophrenic’ and ‘autistic’”. These words can stigmatize those who suffer with such conditions. Lamb further expressed, “ we want to support, not alienate, those with mental ill health.”
For Nour, a sophomore at AUC, this trend feels almost normal. “I see jokes about being triggered or OCD every day on TikTok,” she says. Her voice carries a mix of amusement and unease. “Sometimes it’s funny, but when I think about it, it also feels wrong; like we’re making light of things that are actually serious.” Nour’s words capture the tension of a generation caught between the normalization of mental health discussions and the trivialization of the terms that underpin them.
Dr. Amira Dabbour, a psychiatrist and psychology professor at AUC, has witnessed the repercussions of this trend firsthand. “A student once told me they were ‘traumatized’ by a bad grade,” she recalls, her voice a blend of empathy and frustration. “Their disappointment was valid, of course. But trauma is something much deeper, a profoundly distressing experience with long-term consequences. When we use these words so casually, we strip them of their meaning and diminish the experiences of those who are truly suffering.”
The issue is more than just a matter of semantics. Misusing mental health terminology has far-reaching implications for those living with mental illnesses. Research shows that casual misuse can deepen stigmas, isolate individuals, and make it harder for those in need to seek help. Words like OCD, bipolar, and autistic are reduced to caricatures, turning legitimate struggles into punchlines or quirky traits. For many, this linguistic shift creates a painful disconnect between their reality and society’s understanding of their condition.
Mariam, a senior at AUC majoring in psychology, shared her struggles with seeking help for anxiety. “I was surrounded by people who claimed to be chronically anxious, so I thought my anxiety was normal,” she reflected. However, when her anxiety become debilitating and she finally sought support, she realized the severity of her condition.
Dr. Gazis emphasized the distinction between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorder, stating, “There is a huge difference between the two.” She explained that diagnosing specific disorders requires thorough checklists of symptoms. When serious conditions like anxiety disorders are normalized, it can be harmful. This normalization distorts the perception of these conditions, often discouraging individuals from seeking the help they truly need.
Dr. Iman El Omary, Associate Director, Student Well-being and Outreach, often encounters students who have self-diagnosed based on social media trends. “I’ve had students come to me convinced they were bipolar because they were experiencing mood swings during finals,” she says, shaking her head gently. “What they were going through was normal stress, but self-diagnosing based on memes or viral posts only added to their anxiety. Part of my job is helping them unlearn these misconceptions.”
The rise of social media has played a significant role in amplifying this phenomenon. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram offer a steady stream of mental health content, much of it well-intentioned but overly simplified. Dr. Dabbour highlights the dangers of this trend. “Social media has made mental health conversations more accessible, which is a good thing,” she says. “But it has also created a culture where complex diagnoses are reduced to buzzwords. People see a relatable post and adopt the language without understanding its weight.”
For Sohaila, a graduating senior at Ain Shams University, this realization was a turning point. She remembers casually referring to a group project as “traumatizing.” “It didn’t even cross my mind how heavy that word really is,” she admits, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. After attending a mental health awareness campaign, she began to understand the gravity of her words. “There are people who’ve experienced real trauma, things I can’t even imagine. Using that word for my frustration wasn’t just wrong; it was disrespectful.”
This overuse of mental health terms isn’t just a harmful trend; it’s part of a larger cultural shift that risks eroding empathy and understanding. A recent survey found that 76.8% of young people believe the casual misuse of these terms has diluted their seriousness. While the intention is often to express emotions or connect with others, the result is a dangerous oversimplification of mental health issues.
Dr. Gazis offers a broader perspective on the problem. “People use these terms as emotional shorthand,” she explains. Youth use it as a way of expressing something intense or complicated. But in doing so, they unintentionally diminish the lived experiences of those with mental illnesses. “When you call someone OCD because they’re neat or schizo because they’re moody, you’re not just mislabeling them. You’re perpetuating stereotypes that make it harder for people to be understood and supported.”
This cultural shift also has profound implications for how society approaches mental health education. Dr. Dabbour believes the solution lies in fostering psychological literacy. “We need to teach people what these terms truly mean,” she says. “Workshops, social media campaigns, even integrating mental health education into school curricula—these are all steps we can take to build a culture of understanding. It’s not about policing language; it’s about encouraging mindfulness and respect.”
The role of influencers and content creators is also critical. With their vast reach, they have the power to shape public perceptions of mental health. Dr. Gazis emphasizes this point. “A single, well-informed post can reach millions of people and correct misconceptions,” she says. “Social media isn’t the enemy; it’s a tool. We just need to use it wisely.” Words matter and they can carry the power to heal or harm, to connect or alienate. As Susan Olson, a mental health advocate, points out, “We don’t need to judge people for misusing these terms, but we do need to lead with empathy. Instead of calling someone OCD for being neat, why not describe them as meticulous or perfectionist? It’s a small change, but it can mean a lot.”
This shift in language is not insurmountable. Across campuses and communities, efforts are underway to raise awareness and foster empathy. Students like Sohaila are rethinking their language, recognizing the weight their words carry. “I used to call everything traumatizing without a second thought,” she says. “But now, I’m trying to be more mindful. Respecting what these words mean is the least we can do.”
As the sun sets over university campuses, casting them in a warm, golden glow, the conversations continue. Educators, students, and mental health professionals are coming together to address this linguistic trend. The casual misuse of mental health terms may be widespread, but with awareness and effort, it’s a habit that can be unlearned. In doing so, this generation has the opportunity to create a legacy of empathy and understanding, a culture where words are used not to diminish, but to uplift; not to alienate, but to connect.
This isn’t just about language; it’s about building a world where mental health is respected and valued. A world where those who struggle aren’t met with caricatures or stereotypes, but with compassion and support. And it starts with something as simple, yet powerful, as choosing words wisely.
