Just Because You’re Not Officially Diagnosed Doesn’t Mean Your Symptoms Don’t Matter

By: Katie Coviello

Have you ever had that moment? The one where you’re thinking about something major coming up and all of the sudden you’re having hot flashes, or forgetting how to breath? Or maybe your just way too nervous, for no apparent reason, and just can’t get out of bed that day? Or maybe you’re just feeling overwhelmed and down on yourself for a day or so. Maybe that burger you ate for dinner is starting to creep into your mind when you’re looking at yourself in the mirror, and you think maybe you didn’t deserve it.  

You think, “oh this is fine” because face it - talking about these instances may be hard. It may be hard because you’re not even sure what happened, because you don’t know how to explain it, because it’s scary, because you don’t realize it needs to be talked about, or because you think people won’t believe you.

The idea of being actually diagnosed by something can be scary and overwhelming all on its own, especially in addition to the actual feelings that you are having, right? But just because you are not diagnosed with a mental disorder, doesn’t mean your feelings and experiences are not valid. Whatever it is you are feeling is true and its real, and is deserving to be dealt with in a healthy manner.

I think so many times people assume that if a doctor has not actually diagnosed someone, that whatever it is they are complaining about isn’t real. They think that it’s a temporary feeling, or that it’s entirely made up and maybe that person just wants attention. This is a mindset that needs to be eradicated. Mental health issues are not something to take lightly.

Personally, I’ve never seen a therapist or talked to a doctor about anything mental health related. Should I? Yeah, probably. Anxiety is something I’ve been dealing with on my own for my entire life. For me, I’ve always thought that “I can handle it” or “oh, it’s not that big of a deal I don’t need to get a doctor or a therapist involved” or “they won’t believe me”. That’s bullshit, and I know it. I tell it to myself anyway, and maybe you do to.

Just because I am not officially diagnosed with anything mental health related, doesn’t mean that my feelings and experiences aren’t real or valid. If a friend or family member is trying to talk to you about something they are dealing with, don’t assume that they are lying, embellishing or looking for attention. Just because they are not diagnosed with depression, anxiety or OCD (or a multitude of other things) doesn’t mean they don’t feel anxious, depressed or obsessively compulsive.

So, I implore you to listen to yourself and listen to your friends. Check in on each other. Believe them and believe yourself. Continue your mental health education. And remember, that a doctor’s note is not the only validation you need. Your symptoms matter and so do you.