A couple of disclaimers:
1) “Diagnonsense” is not an original word from my brain; it is from the film Girl, Interrupted.
2) I am in no way diminishing the validity or effects of mental illness. In fact, I believe society does not take them serious enough.
I am taking the liberty to use the word “diagnosis” beyond psychological labels for various mental illnesses. In this segment, I am attempting to address the labels placed upon us by our own creation or ones given to us by someone else. Diagnosis can be official (e.g. depression, bipolar, panic disorder . . .), or it may be based on the roles we played in our families or social groups (e.g. trouble-maker, odd one, instigator, black sheep, oops child . . .). Whatever the source, our diagnosis shapes how we perceive ourselves and how we relate to the world.
First, let me elaborate on the positive. The actual diagnosis can be helpful in that it can highlight what we are up against. I personally have understood the effects of depression since adolescence. Its impact on my overall mood and affective state varies – some days it seems completely absent and on others I would be content to sit on the couch, eat cookies, and do nothing all day. I am aware that clinical depression is never too far away from me. Because I understand the diagnosis, I am better able to prevent/avoid slipping into full blown depression. I know that exercise, healthy eating, an hour of alone time in the morning, and plenty of sleep work wonders at preventing the symptoms of depression (or at the very least help me be less cranky!) Every day I have to choice to choose behaviors that prevent depression, or I can cave to its voice and do nothing.
Understanding diagnosis allows me to see the warning signs. If I start using words like “never” and “always”, I know I am heading towards depression. When I start thinking my husband “never helps around the house,” I fail to notice that he emptied out the dishwasher, cleaned up the dinner mess, and is a solo parent at least three evenings per week. My black and white thinking makes me out to be the martyr – I am doing EVERYTHING for this family and the seeds are planted to justify my felt grumpiness. When I notice these words, I have choices – continue down a harmful path or use some self-talk to change my course of thinking.
Diagnosis’ negative impact leads to victimization. We become victims to our labels. Victims are helpless. They have no voice; no power. Victims regain power when they find their voice – when they begin to speak up and fight against their oppressors. And oppressors are tricky, for at times they are ourselves.
Our diagnosis narrative may be genetic, chemical, social, or a result of dysfunction, but it does not have to be our conclusion. The more we understand the dynamics that contributed to the label, the more personal empowerment we gain. Empowered people have choices. We may not always choose our circumstances, labels, or diagnosis, but we do have choice in how we respond to them.
Next . . . “E” for Endurance.
1) “Diagnonsense” is not an original word from my brain; it is from the film Girl, Interrupted.
2) I am in no way diminishing the validity or effects of mental illness. In fact, I believe society does not take them serious enough.
I am taking the liberty to use the word “diagnosis” beyond psychological labels for various mental illnesses. In this segment, I am attempting to address the labels placed upon us by our own creation or ones given to us by someone else. Diagnosis can be official (e.g. depression, bipolar, panic disorder . . .), or it may be based on the roles we played in our families or social groups (e.g. trouble-maker, odd one, instigator, black sheep, oops child . . .). Whatever the source, our diagnosis shapes how we perceive ourselves and how we relate to the world.
First, let me elaborate on the positive. The actual diagnosis can be helpful in that it can highlight what we are up against. I personally have understood the effects of depression since adolescence. Its impact on my overall mood and affective state varies – some days it seems completely absent and on others I would be content to sit on the couch, eat cookies, and do nothing all day. I am aware that clinical depression is never too far away from me. Because I understand the diagnosis, I am better able to prevent/avoid slipping into full blown depression. I know that exercise, healthy eating, an hour of alone time in the morning, and plenty of sleep work wonders at preventing the symptoms of depression (or at the very least help me be less cranky!) Every day I have to choice to choose behaviors that prevent depression, or I can cave to its voice and do nothing.
Understanding diagnosis allows me to see the warning signs. If I start using words like “never” and “always”, I know I am heading towards depression. When I start thinking my husband “never helps around the house,” I fail to notice that he emptied out the dishwasher, cleaned up the dinner mess, and is a solo parent at least three evenings per week. My black and white thinking makes me out to be the martyr – I am doing EVERYTHING for this family and the seeds are planted to justify my felt grumpiness. When I notice these words, I have choices – continue down a harmful path or use some self-talk to change my course of thinking.
Diagnosis’ negative impact leads to victimization. We become victims to our labels. Victims are helpless. They have no voice; no power. Victims regain power when they find their voice – when they begin to speak up and fight against their oppressors. And oppressors are tricky, for at times they are ourselves.
Our diagnosis narrative may be genetic, chemical, social, or a result of dysfunction, but it does not have to be our conclusion. The more we understand the dynamics that contributed to the label, the more personal empowerment we gain. Empowered people have choices. We may not always choose our circumstances, labels, or diagnosis, but we do have choice in how we respond to them.
Next . . . “E” for Endurance.
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