How to write about mental health

Mental health is a crucial topic, garnering increasing attention as individuals, communities and organizations recognize its profound impact on overall well-being.

The need for quality mental health content is rising as mental health concerns grow globally. According to data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) between 2001 and 2022, 1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental health condition. Further study of these global survey results by Harvard Medical School and Queensland Brain Institute shows even more concerning trends. Experts indicate half of the world’s population will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

At the same time, mental health services remain stretched thin. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association suggested that nearly 60% of psychologists report no capacity for new patients. This reflects both rising demand and systemic challenges. As of 2025, meaningful change remains limited. And that means that proposed cuts to the 2026 federal behavioral health budget may add new challenges.

Whether you’re writing blogs, creating videos or posting to social media, trustworthy and respectful mental health content marketing requires care.

Writing about mental health: The do’s

If your editorial calendar includes mental health content ideas, you’re already on the right path to building positive mental health awareness. These recommendations for writing about mental health in a clinically accurate and positive way are great next steps.

DO clearly define your goals for the content

Know your purpose before diving into content creation. Are you educating readers about symptoms, sharing patient stories to build connection or dispelling stigmas about mental illness? Patient stories, for example, can play a powerful role in mental health storytelling. They meet readers where they are, encourage empathy and inspire action. Interviews with mental health professionals, on the other hand, can provide valuable expertise. So, when deciding what mental health topics to write about, it’s crucial to align the content with your specific goals to ensure focus and relevance.

DO start with credible sources

As mental health professionals’ workloads and waitlists increase, they have less time to serve as your subject matter experts. Even if they have the time, many are burnt out as the demand for their skills grows.

But here’s the good news: You can create clinically accurate content by starting with credible sources. Be careful, though. Search engines don’t rank results based on credibility, so you’ll have to be discerning.

Professional organizations often lead the charge in creating awareness and conducting research in their area of focus. Start with this list of national mental health organizations from the American Hospital Association. You can also consider recent peer-reviewed research, which you can find through article databases such as PubMed, JSTOR or EBSCO.

DO tailor content to your audience

We know you’re all pros at speaking to your audiences. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that mental health writing requires an extra layer of finesse. Leaning in to understand how your readers will digest — and feel — about the information you’re providing is key.

WG Content’s Director of Content Development, Carol Williams, recalls a time when this was of particular importance.

“I worked on a project for a children’s hospital that required video scripts about mental health for an audience of kids 12 and under. As you might expect, we had to be careful about going too in-depth about certain topics. When approaching information related to trauma, self-harm or suicide, for example, we had to use stories that reflected resilience and problem-solving. The last thing we wanted was to evoke feelings of fear or even worse, shame.”

Of course, as marketers, we’re always working to avoid using clinical jargon. It’s not helpful under the best of circumstances and can be especially confusing to a younger audience. If you can’t avoid using a clinical term, try to explain it simply.

DO connect readers with professional help

Mental health content should never replace professional care. Include actionable resources, such as hotline numbers or links to reputable organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or Crisis Text Line. Providing clear steps to access help ensures your content supports readers in need.

Writing about mental health: The don’ts

When it comes to mental illness and the media, people haven’t always been given the respect — or treated with the sensitivity — they deserve. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we all do our part to be part of the solution. After all, words can be powerful tools. And it’s up to each of us to promote awareness or perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

You may wonder how to craft your behavioral health content with politically correct terms for mental illness. Many organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, offer helpful tips. We have a few suggestions to help you avoid common pitfalls.

DON’T limit people’s identities to their mental health

People are not their diseases. For example, instead of saying “she is obsessive-compulsive,” use “she has obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Likewise, instead of saying “the mentally ill,” refocus to “people with mental health conditions.”

DON’T turn people into victims or use scare tactics

Mental health content should create awareness, not pity or fear. If you use words like “suffers from,” you suggest that people with mental illness are victims. Instead, keep it neutral and clinically accurate. Focus on the facts: “He has schizophrenia,” for example.

“I try to avoid using phrases that might make readers feel bad for having big emotions,” says Carol. “Content should validate their feelings and avoid condescension. Every person deserves respect, and our content should reflect that. Besides, people are perceptive: they know when you don’t take them seriously.”

DON’T use derogatory terms

It’s always best to stick to widely accepted and clinically accurate mental health terms. This will promote understanding. Respect should also be a factor when choosing your mental health terminology: Outdated words to describe mental health, like “crazy,” “insane” or “psychotic,” perpetuate stigma and can alienate your audience.

Mental health campaign example

NAMI’s 2025 “In every story, there’s strength” campaign aims to foster connection and open dialogue around mental health. It urges people to turn their struggles into strengths.

According to the website, “Mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal. Our campaign celebrates the power of mental health storytelling to fuel connection, understanding and hope for those navigating their mental health path. Each story is a testament to the possibility of recovery and the strength that lies within us all.”

Create thoughtful mental health content

By starting with the essential elements — a defined goal, solid sources and directions for help — and avoiding harmful language, you can write with confidence.

Need help writing about mental health? WG Content is here for you! Our team of healthcare content experts knows how to navigate tricky topics like mental health content. Let us know how we can help.

Editor’s note: This post was originally written in December 2021. It was updated in July 2025.

Follow-up questions about mental health content: