Many people turn to a mental health diagnosis as a way to make sense of their struggles and better understand themselves. A diagnosis can bring clarity, validation, and hope but it can also come with risks, like over-identifying with a label or feeling boxed into a definition that doesn't capture your full self.
In this episode, we'll explore:
How receiving a mental health diagnosis can shape self-identity and life story
The benefits of diagnosis, validation, language for your experiences, and access to support
The risks of letting a diagnostic label define you too narrowly
Strategies for balancing self-understanding with a more fluid sense of identity
Whether searching for meaning through diagnosis can sometimes limit growth
How cultural and societal narratives influence the way we interpret diagnoses
Practical tips for valuing the insight of a diagnosis without letting it hold you back
If you've ever asked yourself, "Does my diagnosis define me?" or "Am I finding meaning or boxing myself in?" this episode is for you. Join us as we discuss the complex relationship between mental health diagnoses, self-understanding, and the ongoing search for meaning in our lives.
Hosted by: Bisma Anwar, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and
Ayah Issa, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
To learn more or get in touch:
Bisma Anwar: therappuccino.com/contact
Ayah Issa: ayahissatherapy.com/contact
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