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# Chloe Carmichael on the dangers of self-censorship
- URL: https://www.jermwarfare.com/chloe-carmichael-on-the-dangers-of-self-censorship/
- Published: 2025-12-12T06:17:05.000Z
- Updated: 2025-12-12T06:17:05.000Z
- Description: She argues that free speech, while always framed as a political issue, is actually a mental health issue that affects people internally.
- Author: Jerm
- Tags: Culture wars, Censorship, Free speech, Psychology, Chloe Carmichael

[Chloe Carmichael](https://www.drchloe.com/?ref=jermwarfare.com) is a clinical psychologist who frames free speech as a critical component of mental health and emotional well-being. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/82/c7826764-1091-409a-ac4a-3cdf32a7a528/content/images/2025/12/Witch_Trials.jpg)

She argues that open dialogue fosters authenticity, personal growth, and psychological resilience, while censorship and self-censorship can undermine mental wellness. 

In her book [*Can I Say That?*](https://www.amazon.com/Can-Say-That-Matters-Fearlessly/dp/151078490X?crid=166QIZZQTY60B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.995VBdQCkilutA-gOCY%5FFSvZBcouBrMtNMiQbAIbKQfGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.C76UKBgvEHn1D9b6xWwvRvaD6myRTxO9ksoEx6xj6K8&dib%5Ftag=se&keywords=carmichael+can+i+say+that&qid=1743424788&s=books&sprefix=carmichael+can+i+say+that,stripbooks,105&sr=1-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=ivba-20&linkId=d01d717dcba290a0c753ad3254b21504&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=jermwarfare.com), she explores free speech not just as a legal right but as a psychological tool, offering strategies to speak confidently even in socially sensitive contexts. 

> Free speech is meant to protect unpopular speech. Popular speech, by definition, needs no protection.  
>  
> — Neal Boortz

## 🎙️ Podcast episode

This episode was recorded for [my UK Column show](https://www.ukcolumn.org/series/jerm-warfare?ref=jermwarfare.com) and is freely available.

[Watch episode](https://www.ukcolumn.org/video/chloe-carmichael-on-the-dangers-of-self-censorship-jerm-warfare?ref=jermwarfare.com)

[Please help](https://support.ukcolumn.org/?ref=jermwarfare.com) keep UK Column independent.

## Talking points

- Self-censorship is common and can hinder honest expression.
- Free speech is legally protected but socially constrained.
- Open dialogue helps correct misinformation.
- Words alone are not violence; this view may weaken discourse.
- Cultural norms shape how speech is expressed and received.
- Self-restraint differs from fear-based self-censorship.

> Free speech is my right to say what you don't want to hear.  
>  
> — George Orwell