Saranyaa Ramesh
Intern, Sept- Oct 2023
In today’s day and age with the advancement of technology and our good old friend - the internet, everybody has access to information. A recent trend seen is one of self-diagnosis where everybody is an expert on mental health disorders. While it's positive that more people are becoming aware of mental health issues, self-diagnosis can be problematic. This can especially be harmful for individuals who are affected by a particular disorder (more on this later.) Dangers of self-diagnosis First and foremost, self-diagnosis lacks the thorough process and assessment that medical and psychological professionals provide. Mental health disorders, for example, often have complex diagnostic criteria that require the expertise of trained professionals. Self-diagnosing individuals may misinterpret common feelings or behaviors as symptoms of a disorder, potentially leading to unnecessary distress or mismanagement of their mental health.
Secondly, self-diagnosis can lead to anxiety and stress. When individuals believe they have a particular disorder, they may experience heightened worry and fear about their well-being. This anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms and significantly impact their quality of life.
In some cases, self-diagnosis can be a form of avoidance behavior. Rather than seeking professional help and facing the true nature of their concerns, individuals might use self-diagnosis as a coping mechanism to postpone or evade the professional evaluation they might need. This delay can lead to worsening symptoms and a missed opportunity for timely intervention and treatment.
Self-diagnosis can also promote stigmatization and misinformation and this is especially true in today’s day and age of social media where the internet is accessible to everybody. People who diagnose themselves and share their experiences with others may spread misconceptions about certain disorders. This misinformation can contribute to societal misunderstanding and discrimination against those who are truly affected by these disorders, and further contribute to social stigma.
Self-diagnosis can also lead to the misuse of treatments and interventions. Many mental health conditions require a carefully tailored, unique approach to treatment. What works for one person may not work for another. Self-diagnosing individuals might attempt various interventions, including medications and therapies, without appropriate guidance, potentially leading to ineffective or even harmful outcomes.
When individuals strongly believe they have a particular disorder, they may unconsciously interpret their experiences and emotions in a way that confirms their self-diagnosis. This cognitive distortion can hinder the development of a more accurate understanding of their mental health and be harmful to their overall well-being.
Self-diagnosis can also impact relationships and support networks. Loved ones may not know how to react to someone who self-diagnoses, especially if they are unsure about the validity of the claim since it’s not diagnosed by a professional. This can lead to strained relationships and hinder the person's access to the necessary support and understanding they might need.
Another significant risk is the delay in receiving proper care. Self-diagnosing individuals may forego professional assessment and treatment, assuming they already know what is wrong. However, only professionals can provide an accurate diagnosis and customize interventions that are effective for the individual's unique circumstances. Lastly, self-diagnosis can limit personal growth and self-awareness. The journey to understanding one's mental health and personal challenges often involves exploration, self-reflection, and seeking guidance from experts. Relying solely on self-diagnosis can shortcut this important process, preventing individuals from achieving a deeper understanding of themselves and their well-being. In conclusion, self-diagnosis, particularly among individuals who believe they are affected by a disorder, can be harmful for various reasons. While self-awareness and seeking information are valuable steps, they should be seen as complementary to, rather than a substitute for, professional guidance and diagnosis in matters of physical and mental health. Encouraging individuals to consult with healthcare professionals is crucial for their well-being and the accurate understanding of any disorders they may be experiencing. We need to encourage more open conversations about mental health while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of seeking professional guidance.
Such an insightful post!