Label, Stigma, And Bears, Oh My!

Let's set the record straight.  No one is a diagnosis.  You are not Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia,  Bipolar, etc.  You are Bill, Keisha, Joanne, Myron, but maybe you've recently been struggling with symptoms that fit a particular diagnosis.  Diagnoses help professionals, health insurers,  and even clients speak the same language to understand a set of symptoms, but DO NOT define a person.  There are times when it could be helpful to identify with others who suffer from similar symptoms, or even find comfort in getting a diagnosis that, at least, answers some questions you've had about your emotional/psychological state.  Ultimately though, diagnoses are specific collections of human emotions and behaviors that have caused enough distress that people seek help or have had serious life consequences as a result.  In my view, when the symptoms are no longer present, you no longer have a diagnosis (in most cases).

Is stigma real?  Yes, unfortunately.  Our society hasn't yet put mental illness on equal judgmental footing as medical illness.  Some folks still look at anxiety and depression, to name two disorder categories, as being weak or crazy versus being ill.  We wouldn't criticize cancer patients as being weak because they have cancer.  When you can manage your emotions fairly easily, it is difficult to understand the difference in intensity, frequency, and complexity of those emotions in someone who is currently ill.  Their defenses and coping skills have been overwhelmed, throwing them into emotional disarray.  If it were so easy to feel better, don't you think they would?  Thankfully, due to many high profile people speaking out and organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness, stigma has lessened over the years.  A wonderful book about stigma and mental illness is Telling Is Risky Business.  

Ultimately, we are at our best when we can be empathetic, loving, and supportive of our family, friends, and neighbors who may be struggling with mental illness.  In addition to reducing stigma, this allows them an opportunity to feel safe enough to discuss their problems with us and, who knows, maybe avoid  suicide, overdose, or self-harm.  I see my job as supporting my clients so that they find emotional balance and no longer suffer the symptoms that have caused them such pain.  Collaboratively, I work to help clients become the best that they can be, feeling capable of managing their emotions in healthy ways.  I do not see them as a diagnosis or an illness.  They, like me, are fellow human beings who can use a helping hand when things get rough.