Writing with compassion: clear communication for mental health
Deepti Sur | October 7, 2025
Medical treatment and therapy are vital for mental health recovery, but clear communication plays an important role too. For people managing mental health challenges, tasks like reading instructions or filling out forms can feel overwhelming. And when the writing is unclear, it can lead to cognitive overload — adding to their stress and exhaustion.
Cognitive overload happens when the brain receives more information than it can comfortably handle. The overload can trigger anxiety, affect critical thinking, cause decision fatigue, and lower motivation. These can create more challenges and barriers. For example, missing a small detail on a form could mean losing access to support. Dense, confusing instructions might lead someone to skip their medication.
Clear communication:
- eases cognitive overload
- reduces uncertainty
- is compassionate.
Clear communication eases cognitive overload
Managing mental health challenges can leave the mind drained and worn out. Thinking clearly, making decisions, or planning can become a real struggle.
Clear communication helps people take in information with less mental effort. More importantly, studies show that when health information is easy to follow, patients are more likely to stick with their treatment plans.[1]
Think about something as ordinary as picking up medication at a pharmacy. If, instead of long technical leaflets and prescriptions, patients get clear, concise instructions supported by plain words, they’ll know how and when to take their medication. For someone already weighed down by brain fog or depression, this clarity means one less stressor. They can preserve their energy and use it towards things that matter — their wellbeing and recovery.
Clear communication reduces uncertainty
Uncertainty can increase anxiety. Not knowing what will happen or how to get help can make anyone anxious. And for people managing mental health challenges, the anxiety can get worse.
Clear communication helps ease that anxiety. It clarifies what to expect, where to find support, and what steps people can take. This can give people the confidence to approach situations calmly and confidently.
Consider someone feeling anxious about calling a mental health helpline. They might visit the website first to see what to expect. If the site uses good web writing and plain language practices, the information will be easy to follow. The person does not have to worry about missing details or doing something incorrectly. They can focus on getting the help they need. Clearly laid out information can turn a stressful situation into one that feels safe and supportive.
Clear communication is compassionate
Clear communication shows people you care. It says: ‘We see you, we understand, and we want to make this easier.’ It signals respect for people’s time, mental energy, and wellbeing. It demonstrates empathy.
Take a community mental health clinic, for example. Instead of sending appointment letters filled with medical jargon and dense blocks of text, the clinic rewrites them using plain language principles. Each letter now explains, step by step, when to arrive, whom the person will meet, how long the appointment might take, and what they may need to bring.
That clarity changes everything. The letter no longer feels like another barrier to overcome. Instead, it feels like support — something designed with intent and care. A person can walk into their appointment prepared and calm, rather than nervous and unsure. The writing itself becomes an act of kindness and shows people that their wellbeing matters.
Plain language is clear communication
Clear communication is especially important when communicating with people who may already be feeling vulnerable. Evidence shows that clear communication improves engagement and outcomes — and using plain language is the most effective way to achieve it.
Three ways that plain language is a social good
Plain language turns information into a tool for care and support. It can reduce decision fatigue, lower the risk of misunderstanding, and help people retain information better when under stress. And by choosing plain language, you can give people the clarity they need to make informed decisions and feel supported at every step.
Download The Write Plain Language Standard
[1] Studies show that clear communication can improve patient engagement and health outcomes. See: