I was just discussing with a friend getting officially diagnosed with a mental illness. She said she didn't like getting diagnosed, because it made her feel labeled, like she was just "one of many" and that she was put in a box. She said she also read somewhere that people, once diagnosed, actually begin to show more symptoms as a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy.
I was surprised to hear this view, but apparently it's quite common. On the other hand, I appreciated being officially diagnosed, because it made me feel better to know I'm not just faking it -- I have a real illness and it's not my fault. It also made me feel less alone to know that I'm not the only one who's ever felt this way.
What are y'all's thoughts?