And the sign said…
Is it just me, or does everybody have some sort of label? Anxiety disorder, sleep disorder, mood disorder, depression… Do you know anybody who doesn’t have something ‘wrong’ with them? Wait – correction: do you know anybody who doesn’t say they have something ‘wrong’ with them?
Let’s get one thing straight:
Mental disorders are real – very real. These problems require proper medical attention and the toll they take on both the suffering individual and their family/friends is at best stressful and at worst devastating. So let’s not get it twisted: just because Prayers and Apples supports holistic treatment (improved nutrition, increased physical activity, spiritual involvement) as a first choice measure, or combined treatment element, in addressing generalized anxiety and mood disorders does not mean that I think these disorders don’t exist, don’t need classified or aren’t as serious as they, in fact, truly are.
I don’t have a problem with diagnostic labels – I have a problem with everybody and their brother randomly passing them out!
This is so informative!! I have to admit, I used to throw around the term OCD all of the time. Until one night I watched this special on children with all of the above type disorders and I told myself never again! These children broke my heart and why would I compare my need to be organized and perfectionist with what they were having to deal with. Great great post!
I know – I’m not 100% innocent myself! All of these terms have become such a casual part of our language that I think it’s really easy to lose sight of just how significant they are to a lot of people! Any effort we can make to protect other people’s feelings is a good thing :) Hope your morning’s off to a good start! :)
I loved this article! I’m so guilty! Literally yesterday I read an article in Womens Health magazine on “a health-draining cycle called apathy” and later told my friend I’m apathetic! I know it’s not a disorder, but just the fact that I gave myself a label is pretty ridiculous!
Yea, it totally goes beyond disorders – we’re all so quick to put names on everything! We need to just live and let live a little bit more, and stop worrying about what it’s called ;)
Fantastically written and it gave me a giggle. I have been known to say a few of the things you pointed out here (OCD, panic attack). *guilty* – I appreciate you putting things back into perspective. I think we’re all becoming a little too dramatic and self diagnostic when trying to describe how we feel.
I’m all about the giggles :) hehe ..glad you liked it! :)
Throwing around clinical terms can water down their seriousness. It’s like depression and anxiety are basically no big deal. I’ve noticed people downplay those terms (i.e. “He’s just depressed. He just has anxiety.”). People also claim to be depressed or anxious to avoid responsibility. I’ve noticed that too. I guess I’ve noticed misuse in both directions (minimization or exaggeration). Hmmm.
P.S. Oh & I’ve reread my comment a few times to make sure it’s just right. I’m so OCD. Heh. Kidding!!! Couldn’t resist.
You’re so right: it goes both ways (exaggeration and minimization) – these disorders *are* a big deal, so we need to make sure their labels don’t get diluted! …lol you’re too cute! :)
Wonderfully written.You are a gifted writer.
Thank you so much! …Wasn’t having the best night & your comment *really* cheered me up! :) Glad you enjoyed the article :)