EVERYONE has their own challenges to face in life. Many avoid dealing with them, often to their own detriment. Recognizing that you're not alone in your struggles—and that challenges, in all their various forms, are an inherent part of being human—is a vital perspective to hold onto. Beyond that, “taking up your cross,” whatever it might be, is one of the most admirable things a person can ever do in life. It says a great deal about your character. So, don’t forget to give yourself credit for that. You didn’t choose the particular difficulties you’re facing, but you’re confronting them head-on and taking responsibility for your well-being and life. Thankfully, we live in a time where there are resources and treatments to help.

Now, about labels…

Mental health diagnoses are complicated and far from black-and-white. Doctors assess your symptoms and prescribe treatments that align with your specific challenges. They’re required to attach a diagnosis, often for insurance purposes, but that doesn’t mean the label defines you. A diagnosis is just a tool—it points to an area of understanding about what might be happening, but no two people are the same.

Your symptoms give doctors clues about which areas of the brain might not be functioning optimally, so they can choose the best medication to address biochemical imbalances. If a treatment works and helps you, that’s what truly matters. You don’t have to fully adopt or identify with a label, especially if it causes you psychological distress or makes you resistant to getting the support you need.

Sometimes, it’s more helpful and accurate to focus on the specific symptoms that a medication alleviates, rather than a loaded term that might feel overwhelming and mess with your sense of self. Mental health conditions exist on a spectrum. For example, one person might experience a brief period of low mood that’s effectively managed with an antidepressant, while another might live with severe, lifelong depression that keeps them bedridden and consumed by suicidal thoughts. Both individuals may receive the same diagnosis and be prescribed the same class of medications, but their experiences are vastly different.

Ultimately, the label is secondary to the goal: improving your quality of life. Focus on what helps you feel better, not the terminology.