Affects

A girl sits in the classroom.  She stares at the wall.  Around her, people are socializing and working in groups.  She sits alone and doesn't talk.  An empty piece of paper sits in front of her.  Her posture portrays a lack of energy.  She doesn't move, doesn't speak, doesn't react.  This girl has depression.

You might think that the words that you use have no effect on people if you aren't targeting them.  Words, actually, have some of the greatest effects.  They can turn a good day into a bad day, change the opinion of someone, or even change the vote of a nation.  Words can lead to depression also.  When you use derogatory terms, they can hurt people, even to the point of depression.  If we remember to use people first language and language that doesn't belittle others, then we can help to eliminate any feelings of shame and depression.

You can help to make the world a better place by just being aware of what you say.