Labeling Yourself: Helpful or Harmful?

Written by Aakifa Shafeer

We often hear people say things like “I’m depressed,” “I think he’s narcissistic,” or “I have bipolar disorder.” But do we ever pause to question whether these statements are actually true? Many people use mental-health terms loosely, without fully understanding what they mean. While this may seem harmless, it can cause more damage than intended,; especially when these labels are used to describe other people. Misusing such terms can spread misinformation and minimize the experiences of those who are genuinely diagnosed.

This tendency to label behaviors and emotions without proper assessment reflects the growing issue of self-diagnosis.

Self-Diagnosis

Most individuals experiencing mental health challenges will seek support from a professional, which may lead to a formal diagnosis. Others may diagnose themselves before consulting a professional. The process of self-diagnosis usually begins online, where people find others with similar experiences or read about certain disorders and relate these to their own feelings. In this way, they learn about a specific disorder, believe it accurately represents their personal experiences, and begin using that diagnostic label to describe themselves or their emotions. (Underhill, R., & Foulkes, L, 2025).

Why Do We Self –Diagnose?

Desire for validation

People often turn to self-diagnosis to make sense of their experiences. Labeling their struggles can provide comfort, reassurance, reduce feelings of loneliness, and make difficult experiences more manageable.

Media and Societal Influence

Social media platforms often simplify complex health conditions, and society’s openness about mental health can encourage individuals to identify with certain disorders. With the internet providing easy access to information and professional resources sometimes limited, people may be nudged toward self-diagnosis rather than seeking a formal evaluation.

Ease of understanding disorder labels

Certain conditions, such as ADHD and autism, have recognized diagnostic criteria, though formal assessment can be complex. Identifying with these disorders on your own can help people feel seen, heard, acknowledged, and connected, reinforced by shared experiences, research, and media discussions (Chateau Recovery, 2024).

Drawbacks of Self-Diagnosis

Normal behaviors or traits could be wrongly labeled as “disordered.”

Individuals should take responsibility and avoid labeling their unique traits, experiences, or behaviors as abnormal, unless it is necessary.

You could postpone receiving important medical care.

 Self-diagnosis can hide serious symptoms

 It can delay necessary medical care

Any treatment you choose on your own might not be suitable.

Treating health conditions usually involves multiple steps, and failing to follow a structured plan may be harmful.

The diagnosis you arrive at may be inaccurate.

Professionals assess patients by gathering evidence, forming a theory, and testing it cautiously rather than relying on a simple checklist (Cleveland Clinic, 2025)

IF You Are Concerned About Your Health

Notice how stress affects you day-to-day.
Confide in people you trust about your worries.
Prioritize your well-being by getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in meaningful activities.
Share your concerns with professionals when needed.
Remember: you know yourself best, and a professional can help turn that understanding into coping strategies for your well-being (Nationwide Children’s Hospital,2024)

While it’s natural to want answers, self-diagnosis can be misleading. Trust your experience, but always seek guidance from a professional to ensure your well-being and get the right support.

References

Chateau Recovery. (2024, May 30). The potential harms of mental health self-diagnosis: Risks and realities. Chateau Health & Wellness. https://www.chateaurecovery.com/the-potential-harms-of-mental-health-self-diagnosis-risks-and-realities

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, May 21). Why self-diagnosis is dangerous (and what to do instead). Cleveland Clinic Health. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dangers-of-self-diagnosis

Nationwide Children’s Hospital. (2024, March 20). The dangers of self-diagnosing your mental health. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2024/03/the-dangers-of-self-diagnosing-your-mental-health

Underhill, R., & Foulkes, L. (2025). Self-diagnosis of mental disorders: A qualitative study of attitudes on Reddit. Qualitative Health Research, 35(7), 779–792. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323241288785