Mental health is finally part of our everyday conversations—and in many ways, that’s progress. We see the terms on TikTok, in group chats, even on T-shirts. But as words like “bipolar,” “ADHD,” and “OCD” become part of pop culture shorthand, something important is getting lost: their meaning. What once were serious clinical diagnoses are now used casually—sometimes even playfully—stripped of their weight and worn like labels. This shift may seem harmless, even well-intentioned, but it has real consequences. When we misuse mental health language, we don’t just dilute its meaning—we risk minimizing real suffering and reinforcing the very stigma we’re trying to dismantle.
It’s one thing to open up dialogue about mental health—it’s another to oversimplify or misrepresent it. Using clinical terms without understanding their depth doesn’t just water down the conversation; it can distort how we see people who live with these conditions every day. To truly reduce stigma, we need more than awareness—we need accuracy, empathy, and education. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly misused diagnoses and what they actually mean in real life.
Take, for example, how “bipolar” is often used to describe someone who’s moody, or “ADHD” to label someone with high energy. Terms like “schizo” for someone disorganized, “borderline” for someone seen as dramatic or difficult, or calling your partner a “narcissist” or labeling a preference for order as “OCD” all fail to recognize the deeply debilitating effects of these disorders. When we toss these terms around casually, we risk dismissing the real, often overwhelming challenges faced by those living with these conditions. Beyond this, such misuse contributes to the stigma surrounding mental health. It can make people less likely to seek help or open up about their struggles, for fear of being mocked or misunderstood. And when these labels are misused, it can also perpetuate the harmful idea that mental health conditions are exaggerated or “trendy,” which ultimately leads to less empathy and fewer resources for those who truly need them.
Let’s look at what some of these terms actually mean and why it matters:
- Bipolar disorder isn’t just being “moody.” It involves intense mood swings (both manic and depressive) that can disrupt relationships, careers, and overall life stability.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) isn’t about liking a tidy desk. It’s a constant battle with intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsions to perform rituals to quell overwhelming anxiety.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) isn’t just being “dramatic.” It’s dealing with chronic emotional pain, a deep fear of abandonment, identity struggles, and turbulent relationships, often rooted in trauma.
- Schizophrenia isn’t just “acting weird.” It’s living with hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive difficulties that can make it nearly impossible to tell what’s real.
- ADHD isn’t just being “scatterbrained.” It’s persistent difficulties with focus, impulse control, and self-regulation, making even routine tasks feel daunting.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) isn’t “being socially awkward.” It’s a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, behavior, and social interactions, often misunderstood or misrepresented.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) isn’t just someone being “self-centered.” It’s a deeply ingrained personality disorder marked by grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, often masking fragile self-esteem.
These examples highlight just how widespread the misuse of mental health terminology is, and it’s not just about mislabeling, this affects how we view those who live with these conditions and shapes how they are treated in society.
Why Labels Matter: The Power of Language in Mental Health
The importance of using mental health language correctly can’t be overstated. Words are powerful; they shape perceptions, either fostering empathy and understanding or reinforcing judgment and stigma. When mental health terms are misused, they diminish the gravity of these conditions and the people who live with them. Accurate language isn’t just a technicality, it plays a critical role in reducing misunderstandings and discouraging stigma.
On the flip side, when mental health terms are used correctly and respectfully, it can validate the struggles of individuals, providing a framework for understanding their experiences. When someone says, “I’m struggling with depression,” or “I have ADHD,” they’re not just talking about symptoms, they’re acknowledging the complexity of their mental health and their need for support. Properly using these terms helps people feel seen and heard, which is crucial in helping them navigate their struggles. Conversely, when mental health terms are distorted into exaggerated labels, it makes it harder for individuals to identify with legitimate diagnoses or to seek the professional help they need.
Social Currency and the Rise of “Self-Diagnosis” Culture
In the age of social media, a new trend has emerged where individuals turn to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to self-diagnose and share their mental health struggles. Terms like “bipolar,” “ADHD,” and “borderline” are increasingly used as forms of social currency, allowing individuals to connect with others and gain validation online. Self-diagnosis culture is especially prevalent among younger generations, where mental health language often becomes part of one’s identity in the digital space.
While these conversations can foster community, they also risk oversimplifying complex conditions. Research has shown that people may engage in self-diagnosis to seek social validation or to feel connected (Siedlecki et al., 2019). But self-diagnosis, particularly when done based on fleeting emotions, can dilute the seriousness of mental health issues. It’s important to note that self-diagnosis is often not grounded in clinical evaluation, which can perpetuate misunderstandings and further stigmatize those who genuinely struggle with mental health disorders.
This trend may also be motivated by the desire for “social currency.” Studies have shown that mental health diagnoses, when discussed openly online, increase visibility and social capital (Liu & Zhang, 2021). Yet, this trend highlights the need for careful, informed use of mental health language. We must balance the importance of open conversations with the responsibility of using accurate terminology that doesn’t minimize the lived experiences of those with legitimate diagnoses.
A Counterargument: Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma
While the misuse of mental health terms has serious consequences, some argue that the casual use of such language can help reduce stigma and promote awareness. By incorporating terms like “bipolar,” “ADHD,” or “OCD” into everyday conversation, we may create a space where people feel more comfortable talking about their mental health struggles and seeking help. In this sense, normalizing mental health conversations is a vital step toward reducing stigma.
A 2018 study showed that open discussions about mental health can increase empathy and understanding among peers, ultimately reducing discrimination (Hollingsworth et al., 2018). However, this benefit should never come at the cost of accuracy or sensitivity. It’s crucial to find a balance between reducing stigma and ensuring that the language we use remains informed and respectful.
The Need for Thoughtful Language in Mental Health Conversations
Words matter, especially when it comes to mental health. As we strive for greater awareness and understanding, it’s essential to use language with care. The casual misuse of psychiatric terms may seem harmless—or even well-intentioned—but it often does more harm than good. It trivializes deeply painful experiences, reinforces stigma, and can discourage people from seeking the help they need. Mental health isn’t a trend; it’s a reality for millions. When we prioritize empathy, education, and accuracy in how we speak, we create space for people’s struggles to be seen and respected. Thoughtful language is a powerful tool, it can validate, support, and ultimately help build a more inclusive society where mental health is taken seriously.
References
Hollingsworth, D. W., et al. (2018). The impact of mental health awareness programs on reducing stigma in college students. Psychiatric Services, 69(3), 235-241. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201700059
Liu, F., & Zhang, Y. (2021). The impact of social media on self-diagnosis and identity formation among young adults. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 24(6), 389-395.
Mickelson, K. D., et al. (2020). Self-diagnosis and social media: Examining the impact on mental health stigma. Journal of Mental Health, 29(4), 470-476.
Siedlecki, K. L., et al. (2019). Understanding the relationship between social media use and self-diagnosis of mental health disorders. Psychological Reports, 122(5), 1865-1883.
