mentally handicapped vs mentally ill

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Mentally handicapped' is considered outdated and can be offensive, so 'mentally ill' is the preferred term to use when referring to someone with a mental health condition.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 573 views

mentally handicapped

This phrase is considered outdated and can be offensive. It is not commonly used in modern English.

It is better to avoid using this term and opt for more respectful and current language when referring to individuals with mental health conditions.

Show examples from the web [+]

someone who is mentally handicapped is not able to learn or develop skills at the same rate as most other people because they have a problem with their brain.
USAGE Nowadays both mental handicap and mentally handicapped are considered to have inappropriate and negative connotations. The phrases learning ...
developmental disability. (redirected from Mentally handicapped) Also found in: Dictionary, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Related to Mentally handicapped: mental ...
The Social Welfare Department provides various support services for mentally handicapped persons aged 15 or above, including vocational rehabilitation ...

Alternatives:

intellectually disabled
cognitively impaired
developmentally challenged
person with a disability

mentally ill

This phrase is the preferred term to use when referring to individuals with mental health conditions.

It is more respectful and accurate to use 'mentally ill' when describing someone with a mental health condition.

Show examples from the web [+]

Some of his co-workers thought he was mentally ill.
He was mentally ill, and instead of pressing charges Drea got him into treatment.
Everyone thinks the mentally ill are violent criminals.
We are starting the Tim Blake Foundation for the mentally ill with a substantial endowment.
I was hoping to work with mentally ill children.
Most mentally ill people are not violent, inspector.
The young and the mentally ill.
This place is for the mentally ill.
Only in February did the hospital for the mentally ill open again.
And the sentencing reform rollbacks for the mentally ill.
Switzerland has taken steps to legalize assisted suicide for the chronically mentally ill.
They began efforts to reform prisons and care for the handicapped and mentally ill.
Every client I've had that wasn't mentally ill fit Athens' profile.
Gotham deserves a world-class treatment facility for the mentally ill.
We call people like are not mentally ill.
But he is not mentally ill .
Many mentally ill people prefer to call Professor The Higher Animals.
James Holmes may be mentally ill.
They seek to be places of acceptance and integration for the mentally ill.
Observe that this definition does not apply solely to the delusions of the mentally ill.

Alternatives:

person with a mental health condition
individual with a psychiatric disorder
emotionally distressed individual
person experiencing mental health challenges

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mentally handicapped vs mentally ill