Good question. In my opinion, a formal diagnosis is not important TO ME for therapy, but knowing a bit about what my problems are, IS important for me to help myself. I'm dealing with depression and anxiety at varying levels. One of them will dominate for a while, which makes me focus on dealing with it, then it will improve and the other may or may not step up. What is important is knowing how both of those operate and how they affect me. That way I can adjust how I cope. Sometimes I'm better at coping than others, but I'm still here so I must be doing OK.

I've never found therapy helpful beyond having someone to talk to. I never left with any skills to help me when not in session. That's my fault, but in the interim I've found my own set of skills. I'm struggling lately, so obviously they need some tweaking. They will always need tweaking as my life circumstances change. Life is change.

All of that being said, what IS important is, do YOU need a formal diagnosis to make progress and get better? How will it help?

I wish you well. Good luck.