What danger can arise from labeling or diagnosing individuals?

Labeling or diagnosing individuals, particularly in the context of mental health, can result in stigmatization and biased observations. The act of labeling someone with a diagnosis can lead to a fixed perception of that individual, which often does not encompass the complexity of their experiences or behaviors. Once someone is diagnosed, they may be viewed through the lens of that label, which can narrow people's understanding of them and their potential. This can lead to negative stereotypes or assumptions that influence how others interact with the diagnosed individual.

For example, a person diagnosed with a mental health disorder may be treated differently in social, academic, or professional settings, often facing assumptions about their abilities and behaviors that may not be true. Such stigma not only affects the individual's self-esteem and identity but can also discourage them from seeking help or disclosing their struggles due to fear of being judged. Thus, while diagnoses can provide insight into certain patterns of behavior, they can simultaneously contribute to a kind of labeling that is more harmful than helpful.