A Diagnosis Does Not Define You

In therapy, one of the most common concerns people share is fear of being “labelled.” Receiving a diagnosis—whether it’s depression, anxiety disorder, OCD, or anything else—can feel heavy. Many worry that it reduces them to a single category, overshadowing their individuality.

But a diagnosis is not the same as an identity. It is a clinical tool, a way for professionals to communicate patterns of symptoms so that effective treatment can be provided. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) describes clusters of behaviours and experiences, but it does not describe the whole person sitting in front of us.

Think of it like a map. A map of Bangalore or Melbourne can help you get around, but it doesn’t capture the full vibrancy of the city—the smells, the laughter, the little hidden cafés. Similarly, a diagnosis offers guidance, but it cannot capture the depth of your life, your values, and your strengths.

There is also growing recognition in psychology of the importance of a person-centred approach. Humanistic theorists such as Carl Rogers argued that every individual has inherent worth and potential, regardless of labels. In practice, this means therapy should focus not only on reducing symptoms but also on enhancing wellbeing, resilience, and self-acceptance.

Moreover, research in positive psychology reminds us that people are more than the sum of their difficulties. Strengths, coping skills, creativity, relationships—all these exist alongside the challenges of living with a mental health condition. For many, a diagnosis can even become a starting point for growth, self-understanding, and advocacy.

It is natural to feel conflicted about labels. Some people find relief in having a name for their struggles, while others feel boxed in. Both reactions are valid. What matters is remembering that you are never just your diagnosis.

You are not “anxious.” You are a person experiencing anxiety. You are not “depressed.” You are a person navigating depression. The person always comes first.

In short: a diagnosis can be useful, but it never defines your story. You do.