Instead of using "mental illness" or "mental health concerns" or anything else of the sort I think I'm going to start saying "inner disjointedness" (for feelings that are painful or stressful...still need to think of something for the emotions that aren't painful or stressful, but not what the norm would consider "normal"...god I hate mainstream vocabulary...)(more referring to the painful and very stressful part of the experiences I have. As my goal is to be happy and not stressed out, it is disjointed for me. I support my altered emotional states, so I am not self-shaming nor am I being ableist in saying feeling pain is a negative. It's not my end goal so I don't like it!)

Today I will start referring to my own "mental illness" and "psychiatric diagnoses" as "inner disjointedness." I will not allow the industry to define who I am.