Stuck in a Disorder?

What happens when a label defines us?

I remember when I was diagnosed with ADHD.

I suddenly understood why I got so lost in my thoughts and why it seemed like everyone else focused so effortlessly.

It helped me realise that I wasn’t stupid or strange. I had a real struggle.

When my clients start to recognise that they have experienced trauma, there’s a lightbulb moment of self-understanding for the first time, rather than endless judgment and frustration.

Labelling a problem can give us direction and help us see the way forward.

But have you ever felt like you can never change, and you’ll never improve your life?

The danger of diagnosis is that it can sometimes lead us to feel like we are defined by a problem.

We might think of ourselves as a traumatised or anxious person, rather than a person living with trauma or anxiety.

If a problem defines us, then we don’t see hope to work on it.

Instead of using an understanding of our problems to set more helpful and healthy expectations, we might lower our expectations so low that they become self-fulfilling.

The person who learns that they have social anxiety may believe that they can't socialise at all because something is wrong with them.

Or they can use that knowledge to be compassionate with themselves and plan gradual steps to overcome their anxiety and reach their social goals.

If a diagnosis or label has left you feeling helpless, you know the problem, but not the solution.

You deserve to see how you can appreciate yourself and live a better life.

Am I the right therapist for you? Schedule a quick chat to find out.

The above is not intended as medical advice or diagnosis and should not replace consultation with a medical professional. The above is my opinion, based on my background, training, and experience as a therapist and person. All examples are hypothetical amalgams, not involving actual people.