Have I Been Misdiagnosed?

A diagnosis. What a mixed bag of emotions it can be to receive a medical term for what we have been struggling with. Being diagnosed with a mental health illness can come with relief, sadness, confusion, motivation, dread, understanding, peace, or even anger. Some of us suffer silently with our mental health symptoms out of fear of being told we have a mental illness, or that there is officially something “wrong” with us. Some of us over diagnose ourselves by scrolling through WebMD and Reddit, desperately trying to find at least one other human being that can relate to what we are experiencing. Both of these are attempts to feel normal and that we belong with others, which is one of the most fundamental needs of being human. The important part to remember is that you are not your diagnosis. You are not a depressed person, you a person struggling with depression.

Here are some frequently asked questions I’ve been asked (and often thought about myself) regarding mental health diagnoses.

Do I need to have a diagnosed mental illness to go to therapy?

No. Therapy can look very different depending on what the needs of the client are. Some people are struggling with a specific mental health diagnosis, and therapy (treatment) is then designed specifically to work through the symptoms of that disorder. Other people do not meet criteria for any mental health diagnosis, they are just stressed tf out and want someone to talk to. You can certainly experience relationship issues that could be worked out in therapy without having a mental illness.

I don’t agree with the diagnosis my provider gave me. Is it possible they are incorrect?

Yes, it is certainly possible. I personally have been on the giving and receiving end of this issue. If you ever feel that you do not agree with your diagnosis, talk to your therapist. We are educated and trained on how to properly diagnose, but we only see puzzle pieces to the full picture of your mind. If you do not trust your therapist enough to disagree with them, maybe it’s time to find a new therapist. It may be helpful to get a second opinion from another professional or discuss with family and close friends. It may also benefit you to take a step back and curiously approach why you are disagreeing with your diagnosis. Maybe there is a part of you that does not want to be labelled as someone who has depression, bipolar disorder, or OCD?

Do I need to tell other people that I have a mental illness?

This, of course, is 100% your personal choice. There are both benefits and consequences from sharing this very personal part of yourself with others. Being able to explain to your partner that you have been diagnosed with depression, can allow them to not take it personally when you don’t have the emotional energy for date night. Explaining how your PTSD is triggered by loud noises, can allow your friends to understand why you can’t go to the concert with them. One of the greatest benefits of receiving a diagnosis is understanding; both from yourself and those close to you. However, when this information is in the wrong hands, a diagnosis can be used as manipulation, shame or can be stigmatized against you. Use your best judgment with who you share this information with.

“I'm aware mental illness is stigmatized,
but the stigma is worth it if I've realized
Who I'm meant to be, armed with my diagnosis.”

- Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, A Diagnosis.

Mental health diagnoses can be a lot to navigate. If you have any questions that were not answered above, please feel free to reach out!