Breaking the Silence, Not the Truth: Stigma and Self-Diagnosis

Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to seeking mental health treatment. The misconceptions and fears surrounding mental health and illness both labels, and devalues, people. It defines them by their difference rather than their full humanity and reduces them to a diagnosis. The prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, shame, and feelings of unworthiness that result, prevent people from accessing the support, resources, and understanding that they so desperately need. It is the silent gatekeeper to mental health care by turning mental health struggles into secrets, and secrets into suffering.

Think about it. You’ve probably heard it, and maybe even said it, “they need therapy!” Let’s play around with that a bit by changing the emphasis.

“They need therapy.”
“They need therapy.”
“They need therapy.”

No matter how you say it, it is rooted in social judgment. It labels that person as “other.” It implies that someone is acting crazy, is not normal, and obviously needs help which fuels shame, discourages open conversation, isolates people, erodes their self-worth, and creates real barriers to accessing care. Those who seek care are viewed as being weak or broken.

It is time to change these perceptions. In fact, seeking mental health care is brave. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and caring for it should be as normal as seeing your doctor. Struggling doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. Asking for help is a sign of strength, a declaration that you are choosing to show up for yourself even when it’s hard. Talking openly about mental health not only breaks down stigma but also creates space for others to feel safe seeking support. Recovery and growth are possible, and no one should have to walk that road alone.

The good news is that a shift is happening. I see it every day on social media as more and more people are talking openly about their mental health challenges online which is sloooowly creeping into daily conversations and interactions in the real world. Maybe you have watched a reel or follow an influencer who has shared personal stories of struggle, symptoms, and treatment that resonate with you or someone you know. Perhaps you’ve finally felt seen and understood in your experience. There is even a chance that you are part of an online community with others. If you’re reading this blog, it might have even encouraged you to seek help.

While I LOVE that we are breaking down the walls of stigma, self-diagnosis comes with its own set of risks. It is important to remember that online posts only provide snapshots of someone’s experiences without seeing the whole picture. As a result, you may identify similar symptoms or challenges and believe that you share a diagnosis as well, but diagnosis is far more complex. Diagnosis explores frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms as well as their impact on daily life. You may also experience confirmation bias by only noticing symptoms that fit your belief clouding the possibility that you are experiencing something different and unique to you. And, don’t forget, your social media algorithm is going to show you more of the same content that you already interact with reinforcing your self-assessment.

So, it is great that social media is starting the conversation. Stigma strives in the silence, but healing begins when we speak openly about mental health.

That’s where my work comes in. When you bring your concerns to me, I don’t just look at a checklist of symptoms. I look at the whole picture. I take the time to understand your personal history, daily life, stressors, and strengths. I use evidence-based assessments, clinical expertise, and a collaborative approach to clarify what might really be going on. Together, we can sort through overlapping symptoms, get to the root of your concerns, and create a plan that fits you, not just a label. My goal is to replace uncertainty with understanding, help you make informed choices, and equip you with tools that truly work for your unique needs. Without this support, you run the risk of mislabeling yourself, overlooking other conditions, and maybe even self-treating in ways that aren’t helpful (or may even be harmful).

In my work, every conversation grounded in compassion and clarity helps dismantle stigma, making it safer for you, and for others, to seek the care you deserve.