People today are having more and more mental health conversations. Anyone can fall into the trap of casually diagnosing behaviours as signs of specific mental health disorders. Many of us commonly talk about being depressed as having ‘depression’ or being anxious as having ‘anxiety.’ Resist the urge to diagnose our own and others’ mental health issues.
Awareness is extremely important. Diagnosing yourself or others without proper training and assessment can be at best; unhelpful, and at worst, devastating.
Leave ANY Diagnosis to the Professionals
People must appreciate that Mental health diagnoses can be highly complex. Medical Doctors, Psychologists, and psychiatrists spend years training. They have access to reputable, evidence-based research documents and publications. Professionals must conduct thorough assessments. These experts also consider a wide range of factors, and use science based evidence to arrive at a diagnosis.
We all struggle with a bit of anxiety from time to time. Particularly in response to new situations, change, and when learning new skills. This is NOT diagnosable ‘Anxiety,’ rather a normal response to stressful circumstances. Grief can appear to look like depression, but it is a very different circumstance from someone diagnosed with ‘major depressive disorder.’ Having a few shared symptoms does not equate to a clinical condition.
Social Media Posts and Blogs should never be substituted for professional information. In fact, we need to be very cautious. These posts and Blogs need to be carefully filtered. Social Media can actually be quite harmful and in some cases charges have been laid against unprofessional Social Media Influencers.
Mental health issues and illness often share similar symptoms. For example, you may be experiencing fatigue and low mood which may indicate early stage depression. It may also be signs of anxiety, burnout, stress, or even a physical health condition. Without proper training, it’s incredibly easy to misinterpret symptoms.
Unqualified Diagnosis can be harmful
People who diagnose without credentials can lead to harm. Friends and family may see it as negative judgement and this can further stigmatise them. You may also create a false sense of understanding. Relationships can be inadvertantly damaged. Telling a friend they’re “definitely depressed” might actually lead to feeling unheard. Sufferers may feel misunderstood. It could prevent them from seeking the professional help they really need.
You may cause people to believe inaccurate labels. Labels that are just plain wrong may even shape how sufferers view themselves and influence how others continue to treat them.
Sympathy rather than Empathy
Sympathy helps no one. It disempowers and gives no hope or alternative to the situation. You or another may end up in a worse spiral.
You are better offering them space and empathy, rather than trying to label someone’s experience. Imagine yourself in another persons situation – this is Empathy. It can be as simple as saying something like: “I can see how distressed you, and you’d like to help if you can.”
Asking open questions or encouraging people to ‘tell you more’ about their feelings. You can always listen without trying to solve their problems. Also, listening without judgement. Everyone needs to know it’s okay to not be okay. Also, that they are not alone. You being there for them can be a huge support. Resist the urge to diagnose our own and others mental health issues.
Sufferers should be encouraged to speak to a mental health professional if they’re struggling. You don’t have to name what they’re going through to be supportive. Simply being honest and saying you are not an expert, but you’d like to support them can be very helpful.
Also Avoid Self-Diagnosis
Internet information is where most of us turn to first, which can be a helpful starting point. There are a lot of good websites such as Mindspot and My Compass which offer free telephone, and online modules of learning. Also, self-help information and tools to improve Mental Health. Websites and online AI services should never be used as a replacement for professional treatments. They are useful if you or someone wants to stay well and also reduce the severity of symptoms, but care and due diligence is advised.
Research is clear that a combination of treatments work best to support someone who is struggling with mental health issues. Medication, Talk Therapies, Exercise and lifestyle choices, good quality sleep and having outdoor hobbies and interests can all combine together. Treatments in combination serve to help you and/or others to recover and live their best life.
Professional help can be delayed if someone incorrectly self-diagnoses and begins “treating” themselves. Symptoms can become worse and recovery may take longer and be more difficult. A person accessing research from the internet can be a start. It should not be substituted for a chat to a professional therapist or medical doctor. Resist the urge to diagnose our own and others mental health issues.
Medical and Mental Health Professionals can really help to clarify what’s going on. They can offer some options for treatment that people may not be aware of.
Support Doesn’t Require a Diagnosis
You can be supportive without the need to diagnose. As a friend, family member or colleague the most empowering and important thing you can do is just be there. Validate their feelings, take their problems seriously, REALLY listen, and care. Mental health is a deeply personal journey. The best approach requires sensitivity and respect.
You don’t need to have a diagnosis to be deserving of support. If you’re struggling, you should reach out. Supports for mental health issues are increasingly available. Talking to them is the first step. Ensure you also make some positive lifestyle changes or take time for yourself. Whether or not your experience fits neatly into a diagnostic category. Resist the urge to diagnose our own and others mental health issues.
Mental health exists on a continuum. Everyone feels overwhelmed, anxious, or sad from time to time. It is all part of being human. Sometimes, the best response isn’t a label, but compassion and support.
No Labels, Just Support
We can all learn the skills to be empathetic and to feel empowered to better understand mental health. You can learn how to spot the signs and where to access supports. However, there’s a critical difference between recognizing signs and offering diagnoses. We do need to tread carefully but it is a road worth travelling.
You need to resist the urge to jump to conclusions or offer labels, rather you need to choose empathy. If someone feels safe to open up about to you about their struggles, they are not looking for a diagnosis.
We all seek to be heard and hope for validation that we are not ‘going mad.’ We need to respond to a mental health conversation with compassion. Learn how to use paraphrasing, active listening, and support. Saying things like “That sounds really difficult—I would love to hear more about it?” Or “I’m here for you, tell me more about that.” Creates a safe space without judgment.
All of us can learn how to be empathetic and be a source of comfort. Everyone does not need all the answers, rather, just be willing to listen and support.
Knowing When to Seek Help
In Conclusion, If you’re feeling persistently low, anxious, overwhelmed, or just off, consider speaking to a mental health professional. They can help you explore what you’re experiencing and guide you toward the right kind of support—diagnosis or not.
Professional help is available. In the end, talking about mental health is a good thing. But let’s be mindful of how we do it—and leave the diagnosing to the professionals.
If you are not sure how to have conversations and would love to learn how, contact us today for training opportunities.
