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How Can Anyone Diagnose Another Person Mentally Unless They Are Qualified ?

(204 Posts)
nina1959 Tue 10-Jan-17 17:19:49

I'm shocked at how widespread it is. I am well read on psychology, CBT and a few other things and I would love to able to shout from the rooftops....YOUR FAMILY AREN'T DERANGED, THEY JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE!
The sad thing is on Mumsnet it seems prolific, almost arrogant, kind of a one size fits all summing up that if they can't get on with family it's because they're mentally deranged. I can see it's also used as a convenient excuse to shove family out of sight, out of mind by attaching a label to their mental state. Unless the person is qualified, they shouldn't do it.
Very much an issue with today's lack of responsibility on social media.

I hope it changes soon. x

Christinefrance Tue 10-Jan-17 17:10:11

I agree nina I have noticed these terms being used frequently. As a mental health nurse in a previous life I think a lot of people don't realise how serious some illnesses are. For example saying one is depressed when actually you are just sad, OCD is very debilitating and impacts greatly on the sufferers life, it's not just about worrying if the gas is turned off.
I think people should be more careful about using these terms.

DaphneBroon Tue 10-Jan-17 17:08:29

How I agree Nina and I wonder if it has increased even in the years I have been on GN.
When I challenged one "member" as to her qualifications for her relationship counselling advice I was told she was "on a lot of family forums"!!
Well I listen to Radios 2 and 3, but it doesn't make me a musician!!
Seriously though, the proliferation of social media and forums like MN has meant everyone is an expert. If it's on Google it must be true. Having opinions is one thing, giving them another, but influencing the actions of others with amateur psychobabble could be extremely dangerous.

nina1959 Tue 10-Jan-17 16:36:28

I've just spent several days in bed with a really bad dose of flu and as a result, I've spent some time online reading up on thoughts about relationships, in particular family rifts and estrangement. It seems to fall into two camps, one is the very unpleasant, serious abuse and the other, petty rifts and disputes.
The thing that amazes me though is the new age terminology bandied about especially by adult children who are diagnosing their parents and then posting online that they are narcissists mostly with a bit of bipolar here and borderline personality disorder there, etc, etc.
Unless they are qualified professionals, really, it just seems sad that a family member or members, have got a major communication issue going on yet they're written off and then labelled a narcissist. It's clear that this trend is encouraging others to follow suit.

I had a sad life with my parents, it never got resolved. They were just who they were and looking back, even though it wasn't good, at least I escaped and made my own way. Despite all, I could never openly trash my parents on a forum and blame them for everything. Makes sad reading really.

Nina x