As psychology becomes increasingly recognized as a science, the amount of material produced in the field of mental health continues to grow. While this rising interest contributes positively to society’s awareness of well-being, one crucial fact must not be overlooked: not all information is reliable.
When we encounter psychological information, applying a scientific mindset is essential. We should always ask:
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What is the source of this information?
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Is the source reliable and valid?
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Can this claim be verified or falsified?
Psychology, like all sciences, operates not on absolute truths but on probabilities and risk assessments. Large-scale studies, longitudinal research, and meta-analyses reduce the margin of error, but no scientific result is ever 100% certain. Science, much like humanity itself, is a constantly evolving process.
Every person is unique. While data may show general trends, it can never fully capture individual differences. Scientific inquiry begins with questions and hypotheses, using systematic methods to reduce uncertainty. Similarly, in daily life, when we ask ourselves, “Why did this happen?” or “Why do I feel this way?” we’re already engaging in self-awareness and applying a scientific approach to understanding our inner world.
The Human Search for Meaning and Certainty
Humans naturally seek certainty in the face of confusion. We want to make sense of our experiences. That’s why we search for answers in various places — from social media psychology pages and artificial intelligence to fortune tellers, religious figures, or mental health professionals.
Learning psychology can absolutely help people better understand themselves and others. Accessing accurate, evidence-based knowledge can enhance personal growth and emotional well-being. However, we must remain cautious: when we encounter an article or post and immediately think, “That’s exactly me!”, we should pause.
Behind that thought may lie a tendency toward self-diagnosis and labelling. This can apply both to ourselves and to others. But in truth, formal diagnosis can only be made by psychiatrists with medical training. Even psychologists are not authorized to diagnose in a medical sense.
The desire to name or define our emotional state is understandable — giving a label to uncertainty provides a sense of relief. Yet, these labels are only beneficial in a treatment context, and treatment is strictly the domain of medical professionals.
Self-diagnosis may bring short-term clarity but can lead to learned helplessness, over-identification with a disorder, or even emotional stagnation.
The Most Common Types of Labelling
1. Personality Patterns / Disorders
Terms like narcissistic, bipolar, or borderline are frequently misused.
A person with mood swings is called “bipolar”, one who struggles with boundaries is labeled “borderline”, and someone confident is casually deemed “narcissistic.” These words have become common in everyday speech — but in doing so, they lose their clinical meaning and contribute to stigma.
2. Mental Disorders
Labels such as depression, anxiety, or panic attacks are also misapplied. A tidy person might be called “OCD”, or an energetic one “manic.” Yet, such diagnoses require comprehensive clinical assessment.
3. Attachment Styles and Relationships
“You’re anxiously attached; we wouldn’t work.”
“I’m avoidant; I can’t be in a relationship.”
“She’s toxic.”
These examples reflect how psychological concepts like attachment theory have been popularized and distorted. While these ideas are helpful for understanding relationships, oversimplifying them creates stereotypes rather than empathy.
4. Misuse of Medical Terms
The term “autistic” is often misused to describe someone introverted or socially awkward. But autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition — a difference in brain processing, communication, and sensory experience.
Misusing such terms not only distorts their meaning but also stigmatizes individuals with medical or psychological diagnoses by implying they are “abnormal” or “deficient.” A diagnosis should never define a person’s worth or identity — it merely identifies their needs for understanding and support.
Beyond Labels: Seeing the Whole Person
In the digital era, people frequently label themselves — or others — after reading just a few sentences online. However, defining a person through a single term strips away their depth and complexity.
Human beings are shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors. Many psychotherapists adopt a transdiagnostic approach, meaning that even if someone has a diagnosis, therapy focuses on the whole person, not the label.
This approach supports holistic healing and reduces the risk of relapse by emphasizing strengths, resilience, and personal growth rather than pathology.
Therefore, we must be mindful — not only of how society labels us but also of how we may unknowingly label ourselves. Before saying “I’m depressed” because we feel low or tired, let’s pause and reflect. Maybe we’re just exhausted, or simply in a process of inner recalibration.
Remember: You Are Not Your Label
We are not our problems.
We are our personalities, our values, our relationships, our coping mechanisms, and our capacity to grow.
Developing awareness of labelling tendencies helps us perceive both ourselves and others through a more compassionate and balanced lens.
Final Reflection
This article aims to raise awareness about the dangers of self-diagnosis and the spread of psychological misinformation in the digital age.
May it remind us that understanding ourselves does not require a label — only curiosity, reflection, and kindness.
Stay well and aware. 💛