Posted by deirdrehbrt on May 31, 2003, at 13:28:43
In reply to Re: Why am I so obsessed with a label? » stjames, posted by Dinah on May 31, 2003, at 9:18:06
This thread reminded me of something that my psychiatrist said during my first hospital stay. I asked him what the diagnosis was, and he merely described the symptoms that we were going to work on. I asked again, and He said something that upset me at the time: that He found that
many people who are given diagnoses try to live up to them. He would rather work on the issues.
I guess that has some benefit, as just about anyone who reads a book on abnormal psychology will identify with at least one disorder.
On the other hand, not knowing what we are working on makes it a lot more difficult. I like to read about people like me; it makes the journey seem shorter, there is company that wouldn't have been there otherwise.
I guess a label is important to me in the sense that I can find help much easier. I think it becomes a problem though when it becomes a badge of honor; a weapon in the competition to be "sicker than you". If we use it to get well, then we're using it as intended, and it is a great tool toward our recovery.
Dee.
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:230170
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030529/msgs/230435.html