In recent years, therapeutic terms like “manipulation,” “gaslighting,” and various diagnostic labels have become part of everyday conversation. While raising awareness about mental health is important, the casual misuse of these terms can dilute their meaning and, more worryingly, endanger others.
The Problem with Mislabeling
When terms like “narcissist” or “gaslighting” are used loosely, they can lose their clinical significance. For example, calling someone a narcissist because they exhibit selfish behavior ignores the complex criteria required for a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Similarly, labeling disagreements or misunderstandings as “gaslighting” can trivialize the serious psychological abuse the term originally described.
This overuse can harm relationships, stigmatize individuals, and prevent people from getting the professional help they need. When diagnostic terms are thrown around carelessly, those truly suffering from mental health issues may feel invalidated or misunderstood. It can also lead to false accusations, damaging trust and communication between people.
How It Endangers Others
Misusing these terms doesn’t just dilute their meaning; it can also endanger others. For example, accusing someone of being manipulative or gaslighting without fully understanding the context can escalate conflicts and create unnecessary hostility. This can result in serious social consequences, from strained relationships to workplace discrimination.
Additionally, the use of terms based in incorrect information can lead to mismanagement of mental health concerns. It is important that the meaning behind words continue to carry their weight and effectively communicate the severity of an experience or situation. This dilution or twisting of terms can prevent someone from accessing the appropriate treatment or support they need.
A Call for Caution and Compassion
As therapists, we advocate for increased awareness and understanding of mental health. Instead of jumping to conclusions or labeling behaviors with clinical terms, let’s promote open, honest communication and encourage people to seek professional guidance when they’re struggling.
By being mindful of our language, we can help preserve the integrity of these important concepts and protect the mental health and well-being of ourselves and others.
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For readers seeking more information or guidance on mental health topics, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our therapists who can provide professional insight tailored to your individual needs. You can book an appointment by calling (352) 363- 1998.
Misusing clinical terms doesn’t just dilute their meaning; it can also endanger others. For example, accusing someone of being manipulative or gaslighting without fully understanding the context can escalate conflicts and create unnecessary hostility. This can result in serious social consequences, from strained relationships to workplace discrimination.
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“Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today
to get through this thing called Life.” — Prince
I’m shifting gears from the 3-a-week blogs on poems/pods/books. I’ll keep sharing what I’m leaning into going forward….just not in this same 3x/week form.
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed some of the poems, books, and podcasts! For me, the rhythm of looking for words that inspired me provided a steadying direction, a light in the darkness, and a fresh exposure to things I previously didn’t take time for consistently. If it benefited you as well, in some small way, as we navigated the past 7 weeks in this crazy new reality we’ve landed in — that makes me happy.
I’ll leave you with a favorite poem, Ithaka, by Constantine Cavafy.
Apparently, this poem was one of Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s favorites too. I think of the journey of her life — with all it’s highs, lows, tragedy, perseverance and influence. What a life to navigate. What a journey.
We’re all — like Ulysses in Homer’s Odyssey — on a scary, wonderful, character defining journey. The journey, of course, is life. COVID-19 is now part of our life. Not for the entire journey, most of us, but for a piece of it.
We’ve spent so many, many years focused on the destination. Our entire Western culture is all about destinations. Always in a rush. Rarely, I think, do we learn the lessons of life in all the hustle and bustle of living, let alone savor the journey we’re on.
And along comes C-19 and insists–demands–we slow down. In the slow down, what will we learn? What have we learned? What do we yet have a chance to see differently?
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t minimize the pain and suffering and death surrounding this pandemic. And I’m not advocating any spiritual bypass. At the same time, this giant curve ball has finally interrupted our inevitable fast march into the same future we’d been staring down for years, one with certain tragedy, and one that felt almost impossible to interrupt.
In what ways has the curve ball helped you appreciate this thing called life, rather than wish it over faster? Or get to your destination quicker?
Ithaka
As you set out for Ithaka
hope your road is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.
Laistrygonians, Cyclops,
angry Poseidon—don’t be afraid of them:
you’ll never find things like that on your way
as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,
as long as a rare excitement
stirs your spirit and your body.
Laistrygonians, Cyclops,
wild Poseidon—you won’t encounter them
unless you bring them along inside your soul,
unless your soul sets them up in front of you.
Hope your road is a long one.
May there be many summer mornings when,
with what pleasure, what joy,
you enter harbors you’re seeing for the first time;
may you stop at Phoenician trading stations
to buy fine things,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
sensual perfume of every kind—
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
and may you visit many Egyptian cities
to learn and go on learning from their scholars.
Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you’re destined for.
But don’t hurry the journey at all.
Better if it lasts for years,
so you’re old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.
Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her you wouldn’t have set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.
And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you.
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.
I’ll see you soon.
In the meantime — be well, wash your hands, and stay connected!
Lisa
P.S. You can read Ithaka in a lovely collection of poetry, She Walks In Beauty: A Woman’s Journey Through Poems. It’s edited by Caroline Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy’s daughter.
