“I’m bipolar so I never know how I’ll feel.”

“I can’t help it, I have depression.”

“My anxiety keeps me from going out with my friends much.”

You’ve probably heard someone talk about their mental illness in this way, or have done so yourself. Each of these statements allow a diagnosis to define an individual’s life. They are letting their diagnosis tell them what they can and cannot do.

What is a Mental Disorder

The definitions and subsequent diagnoses of mental disorders were developed as a group of very skilled individuals gathered and developed routine standards for identifying various characteristics of behavior. When disorders are spoken of, it basically refers to a number of characteristics present in any given individual. They are referred to as disorders because to one degree or another they negatively impact an individual’s life.  Disorders are identified as individuals meet a set number of specific criteria which has been labeled as a particular disorder. These change and are adjusted as knowledge in the field of psychology expands.

Why Diagnose

The main purpose of a diagnosis is for information. A diagnosis tells practitioners what courses of treatment are viable. It allows healthcare providers to more easily work together on treatment. Diagnoses can also allow the individual to better understand their behavior and interactions with others. In many cases it can be beneficial, in other cases it may be detrimental. A diagnosis does not tell an individual how they have to behave, but rather some areas in which they may need to be more diligent, certain aspects with which they are struggling or behaviors and feelings they are more prone to than others.

All diagnoses are not equal. Some mental disorders have more severe or immediate symptoms than others, but all disorders can be influenced by both mindset and behavior.

Using Your Diagnosis for Good

If you use your diagnosis to excuse your behavior then you are letting the disorder define you. You are also escaping responsibility for your behavior and actions by blaming your diagnosis. While this is an easier route, it is one that will inhibit your ability to progress. Don’t allow yourself to be defined by your diagnosis. Take it as a source of information.

It can be likened to medical conditions. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you are now going to have to take extra care with your eating and exercise habits. Likewise, if you are prone to anxiety, depression, ADD you will have to take extra care with your day to day living. You will need to be on the lookout for symptoms that arise. It will be important to identify triggers that may lead to increased depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, etc. You will need to be more mindful of thinking patterns and behaviors that lead to episodes. Counselors and professionals can be vitally important in helping you to develop these skills.

Your diagnosis is not a prison sentence. It does not mean that you have to suffer for the rest of your life. The greatest gift of a diagnosis is in giving you information and allowing you to learn about yourself, what skills you need to develop and some personal struggles you will need to overcome. Take advantage of this gift and work, because it will be hard work, to overcome the struggles a diagnosis helps you to identify.