Down The Rabbit Hole of Self-Diagnosis in Mental Health

Written by Jessica A. Jaramillo, MS, LPC. Interim Crisis Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor at the Counseling Center

  

Apr 10, 2023

What is happening with the exploding phenomenon of the “mental health self-diagnosis”? Is it helpful, dangerous, or both? Let’s dive in!

It is also important to recognize that most of us will struggle with some, if not most, of these symptoms at some point in their lives (being impulsive, irritable, depressed, anxious, experiencing mood swings, lack of concentration, having low motivation, etc); but duration, frequency, intensity, the amount of co-occurring symptoms, and to what extent it impairs function are all pivotal factors when diagnosing. Mental health conditions are complex and often require specialized knowledge to be understood, and a self-diagnosis may lead us to overlook or misunderstand important aspects of the mental health experience.

For Most, It's A Relief to Know

Simply finding an explanation can be cathartic, and it can create access to communities that provide normalization, support, and validation. However, to obtain professional care (such as medication management) you’ll need an official diagnosis. The good news is is that by knowing where you stand, you can advocate for your care and needs, and back-up your conclusions with informed opinions.

Sometimes, a self-diagnosis does not lead to a path for self-improvement, but instead creates a safe and comfortable framework with which to justify all behaviors without a desire for change or accountability (and without a professional to challenge this, it can be easy to become stuck). 

Overly Identifying with A Diagnosis

Social media often veers into the path of glamorization and/or justification. There is a very fine line between understanding something through an appealing lens versus the much more raw and unpleasant reality of what it looks like.