Therapy Culture: Are We Healing or Hiding Behind Labels?

In recent years, talking about mental health has become much more common—and that’s a good thing. What used to be a private, even shameful topic is now something we discuss openly. This shift has helped millions of people feel less alone and more willing to seek support. But, like anything, this change isn’t perfect. As a therapist, I’ve seen both the positive and the challenging sides of this evolution.

Let me be clear: I’m not against mental health awareness. In fact, I celebrate it and what I can from my end. But I also believe it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. Awareness is powerful, but it’s not a free pass to use terms loosely or label every hard moment as a crisis.

The New Language of Mental Health

Words like “boundaries,” “gaslighting,” “toxic,” and “trauma” are everywhere now. They’ve moved out of therapy rooms and into our everyday conversations. On one hand, this is great—it gives people the words to describe what they’re feeling. But on the other hand, it can sometimes make things too simple.

For example, feeling sad after a breakup is now often called depression. Being nervous before a big event is labeled as anxiety. A disagreement with someone might be called toxic. While these terms are important, using them too loosely can make us see normal emotions as problems. It can make us feel like we’re broken, when really, we’re just human.

The Problem with Labels

Here’s the thing: we don’t fight anymore—we block. We don’t solve problems—we label them. A disapproval becomes “gaslighting.” A rough patch in a relationship? Instantly “toxic.” We set boundaries—which can be healthy and necessary—but sometimes we use them as an escape hatch to avoid the messy, uncomfortable work of understanding each other.

Think about it: Your partner forgets to call you after a long day, and suddenly it’s “emotional neglect.” A friend cancels plans last minute, and they’re “selfish” or “toxic.” While these terms have their place, using them too quickly can turn everyday misunderstandings into full-blown chaos.It’s like we’ve stopped trying to work through the hard stuff. Instead of saying, “Hey, that hurt my feelings,” we jump to labeling the other person as “narcissistic” or “manipulative.” Instead of having a tough conversation, we block, unfollow, or cut people off. Boundaries are important, yes, but they’re not a substitute for communication or growth.

Social media has played a huge role in this change. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of mental health advice. Some of it is helpful, but a lot of it is oversimplified or just plain wrong. People who aren’t trained professionals are giving out diagnoses and quick fixes. This has led to a culture of self-diagnosis. People watch a 60-second video and suddenly think they have a specific condition. Words like “narcissist” get thrown around so much that they lose their real meaning.

Frank Furedi, in his book Therapy Culture: Cultivating Vulnerability in an Uncertain Age, warns us about this very phenomenon. He argues that as psychological language becomes more mainstream, we risk turning normal human experiences into pathologies. Furedi explains that therapy culture encourages us to interpret everyday struggles—like stress, sadness, or conflict—through a clinical lens, often framing them as signs of fragility or dysfunction. This, he says, can undermine our resilience and make us see ourselves as perpetual victims rather than active participants in our own growth.Here’s the catch: Labels can feel empowering in the moment—like we’re taking control of our lives. But they can also keep us stuck. They stop us from seeing the gray areas, from having hard conversations, and from growing through challenges.

Awareness with Responsibility

The way we talk about mental health has changed dramatically, and that’s a good thing—mostly. It’s opened doors for millions, reduced stigma, and given people the language to express their pain. But with this progress comes responsibility. Awareness is powerful, but it’s not a free pass to use terms loosely or label every hard moment as a crisis.

Let’s be real: not every bad day is depression, not every argument is gaslighting, and not every difficult relationship is toxic. These terms carry real weight, and using them too casually can dilute their significance. For instance, if your partner brings up something that’s bothering them, it’s not necessarily gaslighting—it might just be an attempt to communicate. And if a friendship feels challenging, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s toxic—it might just need some effort and understanding. Life is messy, and relationships take work. Instead of rushing to label every struggle as a crisis, let’s embrace the complexities of being human and focus on navigating them with care and intention.

So, what can we do? First, let’s think before we label. Ask yourself: Is this really anxiety, or am I just stressed? Is this relationship toxic, or are we just going through a rough patch? Second, be careful about who you listen to. Not every Instagram post or TikTok video is created equal. Just because someone has a big following doesn’t mean they’re qualified to give mental health advice. Look for trusted, trained professionals—not self-proclaimed gurus.

And finally, let’s not lose sight of our humanity. Life is messy. Emotions are complicated. Relationships take work. Growth isn’t about avoiding discomfort—it’s about facing it head-on.

If you’re on your own mental health journey, remember this: You’re not defined by your struggles. You’re not a diagnosis, a label, or a checklist. You’re a real, complex, imperfect human being—and that’s okay. Healing isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real. So let’s keep talking about mental health, but let’s do it thoughtfully. Let’s use awareness to empower, not to oversimplify. Let’s pick our words carefully, choose who we listen to wisely, and remember that growth happens when we’re willing to face the messy, beautiful reality of being human.

Because at the end of the day, mental health isn’t just about awareness—it’s about understanding. And understanding starts with being real.

Warm Regards, Mousumi

Bibliography

Furedi, F. (2004). Therapy Culture: Cultivating Vulnerability in an Uncertain Age. Routledge.

Therapy Culture I Mental Health Matters I Healing Not Hiding I Self Awareness I Growth Mindset