Young Minds Eye Foundation

ENVISION YOUR FUTURE


Name-Calling: Why we do it, the repercussions, and how to mitigate it



By: Leeanne Lawrence
January, 2023



This January 16-20 was No Name-Calling Week! Did you know that when we call people names, it is a type of bullying, and it is abusive 1? Even when we call ourselves names we are behaving in an abusive way toward ourselves. The way speaks to ourselves and others matters more than we realize.



Why we call ourselves and others names



We may say something about ourselves jokingly, in a self-deprecating way. But there is a possibility that deep down we believe those comments are true. It may be the environment we grew up in, our families making unflattering comments about themselves or one another. Perhaps our peers do it, and we may feel the pressure to fit in, so we do it too. Moments of stress or anger may also result in name-calling. The ability to be anonymous online it's very prevalent there, especially on social media. Regardless of the reasoning name-calling is a negative behavior, and is inappropriate.



The impact of name-calling



Calling ourselves and others names can have long-term negative impacts, especially on mental health. In particular, it can diminish a person's self-worth, identity, and their mood 2. I can attest to this, as I vividly remember the verbal venom spewed by my school bullies. For a long time, I believed every word, and worse, I thought it was who I am. I am fat. I am ugly. I am stupid. Nobody likes me. It was devastating for my mental health; I experienced depression for the majority of my school years. Thankfully, I eventually realized everything they said was complete rubbish. While I'm grateful for having that epiphany the pangs of self-doubt linger within me to this day.



How name-calling can be stopped and prevented



These are ways I have found that help me speak more kindly to myself. Perhaps they will help you as well!


  • Once you realize you are doing it start paying attention to it and write down the events leading up to it, and how you felt. Through journaling, you'll begin seeing what causes it.
  • When you are able to pinpoint the causes, it will be easier to “catch” when you call yourself names in the present moment. You will be practicing mindfulness!
  • Have you heard of mirror talk? It may sound strange, but it's one of my go-tos when I'm being hard on myself. Stand in front of a mirror and talk to yourself, using positive affirmations.
  • Write down all of your best qualities. If you're having difficulty starting, ask your closest family and friends for their input. Read the list out loud to yourself as often as you wish.
  • Practice, practice, practice! It takes time to teach yourself anything that's new, so be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress.


Sometimes learning new ways of behaving can be challenging, even if it's positive changes. If you are struggling, help is readily available. Reach out to your parents, a mentor, your school counselor, and/or family doctor. They can assist by referring resources, such as therapists, programs, and support groups.


Words are powerful, so when talking to yourself and to others, choose them wisely!



1 Gordon, Sherri (2022, July 22). 9 Consequences of Name-Calling. verywell family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/consequences-of-name-calling-460613#:~:text=Harms%20Mental %20Health,helpless%2C%20and%20out%20of%20control


2 BlkSpace Therapy (2021, January 22). 5 Ways Name Calling Effects Mental Health. BlkSpace. https://www.blkspacetherapy.com/post/5-ways-name-calling-effects-mental-health



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