Diagnosis as Identity. Can labels help and limit?

[LittleFritter]

The reason behind this post isn't to discredit or dismiss anyone's feelings.

Its about something I've noticed, more and more people identifying as their labels, not just with them. My goal is to spread awareness and talk about how we as "individuals" can shift focus. Instead of "I am diagnosis" what if we helped each other see it more like "I can navigate these tendencies because of this diagnosis" Not everywhere, not always, but its enough to say its worth discussing how to do better for those who are struggling with this specific mindset. Look I know research back up these labels a lot where the damaging aspect is discredited harshly. My issue is not about good or bad its about how we use them. Right now narrative is either "labels save lives' or "labels ruin lives" neither is helping people who are trying to figure out how to live with them. Can we talk about how to steer this to a middle ground? How to validate someone's experience without letting a diagnosis become their identity.

I've notices a pattern with online discussions. Someone shares a struggle like " I am having trouble focusing, social anxiety, just feeling stuck" and problem is replies almost every time turn into a diagnostic check list. "That sounds like ADHD." " Have you considered autism?" What started as "I'm struggling." becomes a guessing game of what's wrong with you.

When the conversation turns to labels ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, it stops being about the struggle and puts focus on diagnosis. Often times OP leads with "I have x, y, z,." as if that is the whole story.

My intention is not to dismiss the value of these categories. They can help people feel seen and understood. But the things is, when someone is only identifying as a diagnosis we then are missing the chance to help them with seeing it as a map not a box. Instead of reinforcing "this is who I am" we could ask "how can we work with this?" How do we shift focus from labeling the problem to navigating instead?

I'm over watching the same old arguments and oversimplified junk get recycled everywhere, Reddit especially. So I am asking... Lets have some fun with this? Share what you've noticed trends, experiences, contractions whatever. What's working for you? What isn't? Goal isn't to brush anything away as wrong but to stay open minded, keep learning, and perhaps maybe just maybe add something new to the conversation.

Honestly with all the negative noise out there, I figured why not, try to create something different. Can we discuss, challenge, and think instead of recycling the same shit. Hit me with you perspective I haven't considered if you got it. Experience to share, cool comment away. Lets maybe do something with this instead of scrolling past it. Hope this makes sense I cant tell but either way intent isn't "hey I know all", don't worry I am well aware I don't. Does anyone even care anymore?