Quote:
Originally Posted by DPDisme2661
He said basically that he doesn't proscribe to the typical "labeling" mentality of the mental health profession; that it does people more harm than good to label themselves as having a diagnosed mental illness. He said it is better to focus specifically on things about ourselves we want to change and not worry about labels.
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This was also my realization after a while in 12 step support groups so I STOPPED saying: I'm an ACA, CODEPENDENT, ALCOHOLIC, etc. because it didn't describe my reality or GOAL to recover and get better. I began to notice that others were STOPPING the traditional habit of labeling them self as well.
I decided, like your therapist recommended, to focus on RECOVERY instead of dwelling on all the things that had made me ill in the first place - like very bad, dysfunctional parenting to begin with. It's been a long road and still continues BUT I'm way better now thanks to groups and Self Esteem work.
best wishes,
jim
