Clinical Terms We’re Probably Misusing

We’ve seen & even sometimes used (intentionally or unintentionally) clinical terms that are used to diagnose an individual with mental illness. I’ve been told several times myself that ‘you have OCD because you check locks so much’ but it really is a security concern for me & yet so many of us throw these words casually at each other.

The issue with using these terms is that we’re placing clinical definitions on people —including ourselves— who may not have clinical issues but maybe sometimes made to believe so. Some of these terms are:

1. Anti-social

People refer to introverts or people who like to mind their own space as anti-social individuals. Anti-social behaviours are actions that harm or lack consideration for the well-being of others.

2. Narcissistic

Narcissistic is not being a mean or a selfish person. Narcissism is referred to as a a set of behaviours where a person has disregard for people. They lack emotion in multiple situations, and they are concerned solely with themselves.

3. OCD

OCD does not refer to someone who’s organised or like to keep or see things as they are. Rather, people who suffer from OCD compulsive thoughts or behaviours that are seen as unreasonable.

4. Bipolar

Bipolar is not changing your mood. We all have mood changes throughout the day. Bipolar is clinically defined as having an issue with going from a manic to a depressive state. It has nothing to do with the gamut of emotions you might experience throughout the day.

5. Anxiety

Anxious is not being excited or nervous. Anxiety is being worried about something in the past, present, or future in a way that is disruptive to your ability to function.

6. Depressed

Depressed is not feeling sad because something happened to you on any given day. Depression is a set of behaviours. When it is complemented with issues like trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating then that may indicate depression.

I hope that now we can have a better understanding of these medical terms & be mindful of using them and ensure that we don’t place inappropriate labels on one another.

*These terms are being used solely for educational purposes. Please do not diagnose yourself or somebody around you based on these definitions. Consult a psychologist if you feel like seeking help.

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Add up the numbers corresponding to your answer for each question

Have you recently lost much sleep over worry?
0 Not at all
0 No more than usual
1 Rather more than usual
1 more than usual

Have you recently felt constantly under strain ?
0 Not at all
0 No more than usual
1 Rather more than usual
1 more than usual

Have you recently been able to enjoy your normal day to day activities ?
0 More so than normal
0 Same as Usual
1 Less so than usual
1 Much less than usual

Have you recently been feeling unhappy and depressed ?
0 More so than normal
1 About the same as usual
1 Less so than usual
1 Musch less than usual

Have you recently been feeling reasonably happy, all things considered ?
0 More so than normal
1 About the same as usual
1 Less so than usual
1 Musch less than usual

If you have a score of 1 or 2 then you need to reflect on your current mental health. If possible, meet an expert in this area.