The Peril of Pop Psychology: Why Casual Diagnoses Harm Mental Health Discourse

In a recent online video, a content creator highlighted a growing concern regarding the casual attribution of mental health conditions to everyday negative behaviors. The creator, who previously shared an experience with a messy flatmate, addressed a comment suggesting the flatmate's actions 'sounded like depression.' She argued against the trend of diagnosing individuals with conditions like depression or ADHD based on behaviors such as untidiness, chronic lateness, or forgetfulness. According to the creator, this practice not only trivializes serious mental health disorders but also broadens the perceived scope of their symptoms to an 'absurd' level, potentially hindering genuine understanding and treatment. She emphasized that many behaviors might simply stem from a lack of respect or poor upbringing, rather than a diagnosable condition, urging for a more responsible approach to discussions around mental well-being.