In 2015, the American Psychiatric Association released the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Illnesses. This manual is the industry standard for diagnosis and understanding of symptoms for feelings and mental statuses.
While I was in Seminary, my diagnosis professor intently taught us that a diagnosis serves 3 purposes:
1. clear communication about symptoms;
2. clear communication among professionals;
3. clear communication to insurance/billing agencies.
In a world where celebrities are talking about their mental health diagnosis or recovery, sometimes it would be nice to hang our own hat on a diagnosis that would explain all our problems- but that does not give us much hope for a life after a diagnosis, which again is useful for communication about someone’s symptoms moving forward.
Things can be different, which may involve labeling the problem. There is hope for you today and it involves healing and not just a label.
Through a variety of means, medical and psychological diagnosis’s do not remain on us forever. The suffering can be alleviated and the Lord provides a way out via supportive and helping relationships. We could be left alone in pain but we aren’t; Research and clinical work with a therapist can alleviate all sorts of life’s problems. The problems we face do not define us but can instead be defined by us to prompt healing and change. If you or someone you know is struggling to move forward, you can reach out below.
There is hope for mental health statuses, and a diagnosis is not a forecast of how life will always be. Things can be different, which may involve labeling the problem. There is hope for you today and it involves healing and not just a label. For the next 6 weeks, I will be addressing topics like pediatric mental health, depression, suicide, and anxiety. Not only will I be labeling them, but I will be identifying ways to move past these labels and into life after the label.
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Disclaimer: Grayson’s credentials are noted in the footer below. This blog post is not intended to replace therapy or counseling services. While this post may represent psychoeducational content that brings clarity or helps you personally, Grayson encourages you to process your findings and concerns with your mental health counselor and/or other trusted people in your life. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about the content of this post, or want to start counseling please contact Grayson directly.
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