In our society today, it's common to speak about diagnoses as though they are standalone diseases—unavoidable biological misfortunes that suddenly emerge from the depths of our DNA. We say things like, "I have an anxiety disorder" or "I have ADHD," as if these labels define us, as if they are permanent afflictions we are destined to endure.
But here’s the truth: we’ve been misled.
These diagnoses are not diseases. They are simply names for clusters of symptoms—descriptions, not destiny. Consider this: if someone says, "I have low mood most mornings, feel inadequate, harshly judge myself after commenting on someone’s Instagram post, and worry they'll dislike me, leaving me alone forever," is that a disease? Or is it a pattern—a mental and emotional loop formed through experiences, relationships, or critical periods in life?
These patterns aren’t random; they are learned. They stem from what we’ve lived through, absorbed, and adapted to. And because they are learned, they can also be unlearned.
This is what thoughtful therapists understand: the behaviors and mental patterns we call “symptoms” were once protective adaptations—ways to survive, feel competent, or preserve our self-worth in a particular moment. But over time, these adaptations can trap us in loops that no longer serve us.
The good news? Just as these patterns became embedded in our inner world, they can also be untangled, explored, and healed.
Healing doesn’t always require therapy, though therapy is a powerful tool. Practices like journaling, introspection, meditation, and deep conversations can also guide us to analyze, reinterpret, and reframe the relationships and experiences that shaped us. These practices allow us to release the old protective patterns and replace them with ones that reflect who we are now—stronger, wiser, and more aware.
Understanding the roots of these patterns empowers us. It gives us agency to retrain our responses, unlock our potential, and rewrite our inner narrative. Therapy, when approached thoughtfully, provides a space for this growth—a safe environment to connect the dots, process our emotions, and create meaningful change.
Below, you’ll find insights from other professionals who share this nuanced perspective on diagnoses and the meaning they hold for individuals and families:
"A Psychiatric Diagnosis Is Not a Disease"
This Psychology Today article challenges the common misconception that psychiatric diagnoses are equivalent to biological diseases. It argues that these diagnoses are simply labels for clusters of symptoms rather than clear-cut medical conditions. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and meaning of these symptoms within an individual’s life, rather than treating them as immutable diseases.
"What a Psychiatric Diagnosis Means – and What It Doesn’t Mean"This article discusses the misconceptions surrounding mental health diagnoses, emphasizing that they are not definitive indicators of brain abnormalities but rather constructs that can carry stigma and misunderstandings.
"Psychiatric Diagnosis: Impersonal, Imperfect and Important"Published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, this piece examines the limitations and challenges of psychiatric diagnoses, arguing that they often lack clear boundaries and can lead to overmedicalization of normal experiences.
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