What are the consequences of labeling people? Mad. Maniac. Mentally ill. Crazy. Insane. Disturbed. Neurotic. These, along with all the official diagnostic terms that appear in the DSM-5, represent labels used by the public, the courts, and mental health professionals to describe people who display mental disturbances. Ideally, of course, an accurate diagnostic label leads to good communication among mental health professionals and an effective treatment program for afflicted individuals. Sometimes, however, labels create confusion - or worse. Labeling can turn people into stereotypes, masking their personal characteristics and the unique circumstances that contribute to their disorders. And if that were not enough, labels can provoke prejudices and social rejection. ~ Psychology: Core Concepts, Chapter 12.1, pg 545 They are so right. Preaching to the choir right there. And its not just stereotypes and prejudices/discrimination in the general population but amongst some of the people who are supposed to help you. Doctors, nurses, health practitioners. Five years ago, they labeled my health problem as a subconscious mental disorder. (conversion disorder) Now I cant get anyone to listen to me because of the labels on my charts. They deny key evidence become of whats on a sheet of paper. And its not just me that suffers. Ive become increasingly aware of the fact that they use mental disorders as almost a scape goat if they hit a problem they cant understand or figure out. It pisses me off!
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:59:43 +0000
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