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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To Be Of Use
— by Marge Piercy
The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
I know Marge Piercy more for her novels, which I love (Gone To Soldiers, Fly Away Home, Vida, Woman on Edge of Time) but she’s a brilliant poet too, and I love this poem for today.
The newness of the novel coronavirus is behind us, but the havoc it’s wreaking on us emotionally (and otherwise, but I’ll leave that to the economists) is very much now and in the future. Here in Florida, our governor just cancelled public schools for the rest of the year.
S#$% is real, ya’ll. We’re all coming to terms in our own way with this much longer and challenging road. And now in addition to the virus danger, we’re also in danger of the impact of fatigue, frustration, boredom, apathy, and cynicism.
We’re in what group therapists call the working phase, the long middle. It’s the slog. (You know how you tend to talk more to your seat partner at the beginning of a flight, and at the end of a flight, but during the middle it feels awkward to chat? That’s the uncomfortable middle). Plane rides aside, it’s where most of the important work happens in relationships, in work projects, and in life in general.
And when people engage, important transformation happens.
Science tells us that helping — helping others, helping a cause — helps our own mental health the most.
This poem reminds me of that. It reminds me that the best way around something is through. Diving right in. Joining with others. Common purpose.
We’re not going through this alone, and we won’t get to the other side of this alone. More than ever, we see how connected we all are.
We humans are hardwired for connection. We’re born wanting to be involved with the world. Find a way to jump in and help others. You’ll help yourself get through this time more than you know.
Be well, wash your hands — and stay connected!
Lisa
