The Power of Labeling

There’s this thing called “the clinical illusion.” It means that if a clinician works with people who are having a really hard time day-to-day, say with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, and someone comes in with the same diagnosis who does really well, the clinician may not take them seriously.

In this case, comparison and expectations are the root of more stigma and the demand that the person receiving care prove how healthy they are--unless they’re happy being treated as if they are lying about their health.

What difference does the label of a diagnosis make if the person is functioning well enough to be self-supporting, maintain relationships, contribute to society, and participate in meaningful activities?

Sometimes I think it’s the clinical delusion that causes people to have to fight for who they are.