March 27, 2025
Julia Lopez
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Care coverage, and treatment planning are improved with an appropriate diagnosis. Fighting the stigma around a major depression diagnosis can help people get the care they need.
Diagnosis plays a critical role in the treatment and management of depression, but the stigma associated with it can be a significant barrier. Most people still don’t feel comfortable talking about mental wellbeing at work, a number that has actually gotten worse over time. Additionally, the American Psychiatric Association reports that only 3-5% of workers use their available Employer Assistance Programs (EAPs) to address their mental health.
Benefits are going largely unused because people still feel shame and shadow when talking about mental health. There is no country, culture, or society on Earth where people with mental health issues are treated with the same value as those who do not experience mental health difficulties.
It’s understandable why people shy away from receiving a formal diagnosis. However, having an accurate assessment and diagnosis can be very helpful to the treatment process, gaining access to care, and understanding the healing journey.
Here’s why diagnosis is important and how we can address the stigma:
A diagnosis provides a clear understanding of what someone is experiencing. Depression can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when symptoms are not well understood. A formal diagnosis helps individuals and their loved ones make sense of the challenges they're facing, validating their experiences and providing a framework for understanding their mental health.
A diagnosis is the first step toward accessing effective treatment. Without it, people may not receive the care they need or the insurance coverage that they need. Access to therapy, medication, or lifestyle interventions are better determined with an appropriate diagnosis. Treatment can significantly improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and prevent depression from worsening.
Mental health is complex and highly individualized. A diagnosis allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment to the specific type of depression a person has, whether it's major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), or another subtype. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.
A diagnosis can help people realize they are not alone. Depression is a common condition, and understanding that others share similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and shame. It also connects individuals to support groups and communities where they can share their journey and learn from others.
Understanding a diagnosis also helps some people gain access to meet their needs by being able to specifically seek out support groups, therapists, or providers who specialize in that area. Moving from confusion to clarity can be an empowering part of the healing process, and become an introduction to people who can help.
Early diagnosis can prevent depression from escalating into a more severe form. Left untreated, depression can lead to more serious health issues, including chronic pain, substance abuse, and even suicide. Recognizing and addressing depression early can save lives.
Stigma often stems from misunderstanding or fear. By educating the public about mental health and normalizing discussions around it, we can shift the narrative from one of shame to one of acceptance and support.
Even when someone receives a diagnosis of depression, it's important to create space between a diagnosis as a therapeutic tool, and the person who is being helped.
Using non-judgmental, compassionate language when discussing mental health can reduce stigma. When someone has a depression diagnosis it can be helpful to invite them to separate the illness from themself. When someone has an illness it can be difficult to not let it become a defining label.
If you're receiving care you can talk to your provider about how you feel about diagnoses. If you prefer to keep formal diagnostic chit-chat to a minimum - that's ok! Your care, making progress, and exploring way so improve your wellbeing is more important content anyhow.
Sharing stories of individuals who have successfully managed depression can inspire others to seek help. These stories can show that a diagnosis is not the end but the beginning of a journey toward healing. Having the courage to open up about an experience of having a major depression diagnosis helped others feel seen, and inspires empathy. For every person who may harbor fear or stigma surrounding depression, there is likely another person who finds relief in knowing they are not alone.
Creating environments where people feel safe to talk about their mental health without fear of judgment can reduce the stigma. This can be done in workplaces, schools, and communities. As conversations open up more people may be inspired to take advantage of mental health benefits, and get the help they need sooner.
Diagnosis is not about labeling someone; it’s about identifying a problem so that it can be addressed effectively. By working to reduce the stigma, we can ensure that more people feel empowered to seek the help they need without fear or shame.
