http://www.smh.com.au/national/crack...728-233el.html
Crackdown call on media use of words like 'loony'
Date July 29, 2012
Jill Stark

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Mr Tanti said gratuitous use of demeaning language around mental illness made it more difficult for young people battling conditions such as anxiety and depression.

''This [makes] it more likely for friends and family members to talk about a terrible decision as being 'insane' or an unpopular teacher as being a 'whacko','' he wrote. ''Other terms such as 'nutcase', 'nutjob', 'psycho', 'insane', 'loony' and 'mad' can cause real damage when used inappropriately. These instances increase the stigma around mental illness, making it less likely a young person will seek help.''

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