Hazel, a ۱۶-year-old girl, is sitting in my office during our first meeting. She adjusts her red glasses and stares at me with her brown eyes. These days, meeting young girls like Hazel is no longer the same as before. They talk more than ever about feelings of failure and mental illness.
Therapeutic Language or Labeling?
The new generation of girls, instead of expressing their emotions, uses more psychological words and phrases. They quickly use terms like 'anxiety', 'depression', and 'disorder', which not only does not help in truly understanding their feelings but also places them within a limited framework of illnesses. This approach can lead to more serious harm and makes it feel like young girls are identifying themselves as 'patients' instead of striving for improvement.
Disturbing Changes in Behavior
As a psychiatrist with ۲۰ years of experience, I have witnessed noticeable changes in how girls deal with life's challenges. These girls are looking for labels that identify them as 'patients' instead of seeking solutions. This situation not only harms their self-esteem but also prevents them from trying to improve and face their problems.
In today's world, social and media pressures have contributed to the formation of this mindset. They live in a world where every feeling must be attributed to a label. For this reason, they easily call themselves 'broken' or 'crazy', without understanding the impact these interpretations have on their mental health.
Ultimately, this generation must learn that emotions are natural and human and do not need labeling. Instead of feeling broken, they should seek learning and growth. This shift in thinking can help them achieve a healthy and meaningful life.
