[PHOTO 1: Close-up of two people in deep conversation, faces partially obscured, warm lighting suggesting intimacy and trust. Caption: “The rise of ‘therapy speak’ on social media has changed how we discuss mental health—for better and worse.”]
NOTE: This article appears courtesy of The Fine Print Daily, who, in their characteristically thoughtful way, acknowledge the evolving nature of opinions and facts alike. While their research is thorough and their experts credentialed, the SOUS editorial team gently encourages readers to engage with licensed health professionals who embrace the nuanced complexity of life and aren’t afraid to dance with uncertainty. After all, sometimes the most profound wisdom lies in admitting what we don’t know.
“When we dilute these terms, we’re not just misusing language—we’re potentially invalidating the experiences of those truly suffering from these conditions.”
Dr. William Ingsley
Remember when your roommate called their ex a “narcissist” because they forgot their anniversary? Or that time your coworker accused you of “gaslighting” when you disagreed about a deadline? Welcome to the age of therapy speak, where clinical terminology has escaped the therapist’s office and gone viral—sometimes with complicated consequences.
Since the pandemic transformed our social media habits, psychological terms have become the new cultural currency. While mental health professionals appreciate the growing awareness, they’re also concerned about how these terms are being wielded in everyday conversations.
“It’s like watching someone use a surgical tool to make a sandwich,” says Dr. Karen Bradley, a Savannah-based psychologist. “These are precision diagnostic terms being tossed around like casual slang.”
WHEN WORDS LOSE THEIR MEANING
[PHOTO 2: Split-screen image showing social media posts using therapy terms incorrectly juxtaposed with a therapist’s office setting. Caption: “The gap between clinical definitions and casual usage of psychological terms continues to widen.”]
Take “gaslighting,” for instance. Once a term describing systematic psychological manipulation that leaves victims questioning their reality, it’s now frequently deployed as a shield against any form of criticism. Or consider how “trauma” has evolved from describing profound psychological wounds to becoming shorthand for mildly uncomfortable experiences.
“We’re seeing a concerning trend where serious clinical conditions are being reduced to social media buzzwords,” explains Dr. William Ingsley, a Jackson, Mississippi psychologist. “When we dilute these terms, we’re not just misusing language—we’re potentially invalidating the experiences of those truly suffering from these conditions.”
“”It’s about creating dialogue, not delivering diagnoses.”
Dr. Karen Bradley
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
The most commonly misused terms include:
NARCISSISM: Not every self-centered action indicates a personality disorder. “True narcissistic personality disorder involves persistent patterns of behavior that significantly impact relationships and daily functioning,” notes Dr. Bradley. “It’s not just someone being selfish occasionally.”
BOUNDARIES: While setting limits is healthy, the term has sometimes become code for unilateral demands without considering others’ needs. Real boundary-setting involves mutual respect and communication.
OCD: Having a preference for organization doesn’t equal a clinical diagnosis. “OCD isn’t about liking things neat,” Dr. Ingsley emphasizes. “It’s about distressing, uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors that significantly impact daily life.”
SELF-CARE: Despite its Instagram makeover into luxury spa days and expensive retreats, mental health professionals emphasize that true self-care simply means attending to basic needs like sleep, hydration, and emotional well-being.
[PHOTO 3: Series of social media screenshots showing common misuses of therapy terms, thoughtfully annotated with professional corrections. Caption: “Social media has become both a catalyst for mental health awareness and a source of misunderstanding.”]
BRIDGING THE GAP
Rather than dismissing this trend entirely, experts suggest using it as an opportunity for deeper understanding. When someone drops therapy speak into conversation, try asking what they mean specifically. “It’s about creating dialogue, not delivering diagnoses,” says Dr. Bradley.
Dr. Ingsley suggests questions like:
- “How would you define that term?”
- “What makes you see it that way?”
- “Can you tell me more about what you’re experiencing?”
This approach transforms potentially divisive moments into opportunities for genuine connection and understanding—which, ironically, is what therapy is all about in the first place.
As we navigate this new linguistic landscape, perhaps the most therapeutic thing we can do is remember that behind every misused term is someone trying to make sense of their experiences. And that’s something worth talking about—correctly.
[PHOTO 4: Diverse group of people engaged in supportive conversation, emphasizing connection and understanding. Caption: “The goal isn’t to police language but to foster more meaningful conversations about mental health.”]
Originally published in The Fine Print Daily (Winter 2024, Jackson, MS). Digital adaptation appears with permission, courtesy of staff writer Joseph Turner.
The Fine Print Daily has documented Mississippi’s most deliberate decisions since 1975, steadfastly avoiding digital distractions in favor of purposefully pressed paper. Our mission remains unchanged: to illuminate the profound within the obvious, and occasionally, the obvious within the profound. We’re not just news—we’re news that encourages reading.