Self Diagnosis

[Saturnal Snowqueen]

What are everyone's thoughts on self diagnosis regarding mental conditions? Is it helpful, or does it end up being more harmful in the end? Is it overdone?(everyone has *insert condition here* these days!) If it's not, what are some are the benefits? Do you have a self diagnosis, or did you and it turned out to be true(or false)?

It's always been very obvious that I had anxiety before I got formerly diagnosed. I mean, it's very obvious, as I've had fears that made it hard to live everyday life since I was a yougin'. As an adult, I was diagnosed as an "AuDHD"(ADHD and autism mixed). I always suspected I had one of the two at least, but never self diagnosed, just always had it there at the back of my head as an explanation for things. I never officially self diagnosed because I didn't want to center my identity around something that may not even be true about myself. Some people do that, and it's their life but also like, you don't know for certain. It just also seem a little extreme at the time to label myself with such things but also I'm basically inhuman anyway so what the heck.

 

[The Cat]

I believe it is helpful, it can lead to the right conversations to have with a professional to get proper treatment and understanding how to function better in the world in which we must live... I think it should be corroborated by a reputable professional, but it can be very helpful for elements of self care. Acceptance is a big part of therapy after all.

 

[Pionart]

I would personally trust my self-diagnosis over diagnosis by a professional at this point.

Though I don't really diagnose myself with anything other than severe depression.

My "schizophrenia" is actually just intense spiritual experiences. I'm sane most of the time, but when you're hit with extreme mystical experiences every day for weeks, it can lead to insanity.

I used to have social anxiety. It was self-diagnosed, and mental health professionals seemed to just take my word for it. I think that's what was happening anyway, I don't recall ever being tested or questioned on it. I'm also self-diagnosing that I no longer have it. I cured it through mystical experiences and alcohol. I'm still shy though.

I have physical problems due to a range of factors, and have wondered if it's anxiety related, but I can't actually pinpoint the anxiety. So I don't think I'm a particularly anxious person, I just have some overlapping symptoms, like trouble leaving the house.

I'm not autistic. I question whether autism is even a real thing. My social problems stem from being a genius/very different from everyone else. So I don't socialise how everyone else does or understand social rules etc. But it's not because I inherently have a problem with such things, but because everyone is so different from me. I guarantee that if I were put among people more similar to myself - something that people tend to take for granted - that I'd be socialising just fine.

Lastly, I have a lot of PTSD, and the mental health system has greatly contributed to that, due especially to psych ward stays. I guarantee I won't recover from it for my whole life.

 

[Frosty]

I dont believe its helpful. I think it leads to more misinformation and stigma than its worth.

I understand that not everyone has the ability to see a mental health professional, which is why I dont mind people suspecting they have a diagnosis- but I have seen way too many people claim to have diagnoses without really having an understanding of what that actual diagnosis entails. This prevents them from seeking actual help for their problems and instead undermines actual treatment.

Imo its the same thing as suspecting you have a physical disease and then claiming youve cured it by using random alternative means. Like, theres no debate really that diagnosing yourself with cancer or a heart problem and then saying that you cured it by cutting out gluten, is dangerous. That mindset confuses people who could actually benefit from seeing a professional. Its the same thing with mental health. By self diagnosing you arent only minimizing a disorder with honestly fairly rigid criteria, but you are making it more confusing for people when it comes to what to do about it.

I have more thoughts on it, but from what Ive seen- the people who have self diagnosed usually present with very stereotypical symptoms that both entraps them in the mindset that they are sick and theres nothing they can or should do about it. And it leads to a seemingly pervasive feeling of helplessness that is only temporarily muted by the feeling of being part of a group. And this happens most often in teenagers, who are already struggling with identity formation.

Its just, not a good idea unless it leads to getting an actual diagnosis. But again, Ive been lucky enough to have the means to do this- so I cannot speak too well/be too judgmental if self diagnosis comes from an inability rather than an unwillingness to seek out professional help. I just think thats obviously the ideal, and that some of this self diagnosing Im seeing seems to lead to more pain and confusion than anything else

 

[alishakihs]

I think it should be endorsed by a reputable expert. But anyway thank you for the article

It's always been very obvious that I had anxiety before I got formerly diagnosed. I mean, it's very obvious, as I've had fears that made it hard to live everyday life since I was a yougin'. As an adult, I was diagnosed as an "AuDHD"(ADHD and Candy Crush). I always suspected I had one of the two at least, but never self diagnosed, just always had it there at the back of my head as an explanation for things. I never officially self diagnosed because I didn't want to center my identity around something that may not even be true about myself. Some people do that, and it's their life but also like, you don't know for certain. It just also seem a little extreme at the time to label myself with such things but also I'm basically inhuman anyway so what the heck.

 

[Maou]

I would see it only as a tool, if you plan on actually getting better and not just being a victim. You should never start talking about something with intention of giving advice online etc. if you are self diagnosed. The issue is, mental illness is "cool" nowadays, and people want in on the victim complex sympathy, and to get those extra brownie points for whatever their actual and exaggerated "Disabilities and conditions" are. I also think things are far over diagnosed, because the businesses involved want customers. Cannot get customers to sell medication to, if the bar is too high.

Only those who are truly honest with themselves will ever get better in terms of mental health and self diagnosis and attempting self care.