These psychological terms are commonly misused and are now part of popular slangs.
When we misuse psychological terms (or therapy speak), the result is that we self-diagnose, misdiagnose, or attribute attitudes and behaviours to actions that make no sense.
Here are five commonly misused therapy terms:
1. Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation in abusive relationships that often causes victims to question their perception or reality. It’s often used to avoid reflecting on their role in disputes, but it’s incorrect when it doesn’t allow for self-reflection and responsibility for actions. If someone points out what you’ve done wrong, it’s not gaslighting.
2. Trauma
Not everything is a traumatic event. Trauma is exposure to death, serious injury, or sexual violence. It is not more than just a stressful event. Trauma is exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or child abuse, experiencing war and sexual violence. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of trauma like fatigue, racing heart, sweating, feeling jumpy and digestive problems.
3. Narcissism
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a specific diagnosis characterized by admiration and a lack of empathy. However, online people believe that OCD means excessive cleanliness, but this isn’t so.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition causing uncontrollable thoughts and behaviours, often referred to as “OCD.” This term can be misleading and stigmatize individuals without a diagnosis, as it often refers to a single action or behaviour without a diagnosis. People often describe rude behaviour as narcissistic, despite its long-term and pervasive nature. Deducing a diagnosis is difficult, and terms like “narcissistic” are speculative. A proud or egoistic person is not narcissistic.
4. Boundaries
Boundaries are crucial in communication, as they help people understand their needs and desires. However, many people overlook the importance of setting boundaries that consider their desires, leading to self-centeredness and ignoring the second piece of the puzzle. You can be an inconsiderate and mean person under the guise of setting boundaries. Also, you can’t set boundaries for other people.
5. OCD
Many people believe that OCD means excessive cleanliness, but this isn’t so. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition causing uncontrollable thoughts and behaviours like constantly feeling the gas is on, so you constantly wake up to check it. This term can be misleading and stigmatize individuals without a diagnosis, as it often refers to a single action or behaviour without a diagnosis.
