Why we need to stop saying 'I'm so OCD' or 'everyone's got ADHD'

People are increasingly using terms like “I’m so OCD” or “everyone’s got ADHD” to describe their daily lives, according to experts in mental health. This casual use of diagnostic labels has sparked concern among psychologists, who warn that it risks trivializing serious mental illnesses and discouraging individuals from seeking proper treatment. The phenomenon reflects a growing openness around mental health discussions, which has led to a blurring of lines between clinical diagnoses and everyday language. While this shift has contributed to reducing stigma and encouraging more people to seek help, it has also raised alarms among professionals. Clinical psychologist Louise Cowpertwait of MindMatters explains that some clients have delayed seeking assistance after hearing such remarks, believing their experiences were not severe enough to warrant professional attention. Kirsty Ross, a professor at Massey University, highlights that while early recognition of symptoms can be beneficial, there is frustration among some patients when serious conditions are reduced to mere personality traits or social media slang. For instance, she notes that individuals struggling with ADHD might feel discouraged from pursuing assessments due to the perception that such conditions are widespread. Sarah Watson, founder of Totally Psyched, echoes similar sentiments. She reports that many young people, particularly those in adolescence, find such comments annoying or upsetting. One client, a woman, ended a friendship after repeated references to OCD stereotypes made her feel more ashamed rather than understood. Experts suggest that this pattern of casual labeling is driven by a desire to explain intense emotions or behaviors without necessarily diagnosing them. Dr. Watson explains that people often use these terms to convey that an experience feels unusually overwhelming, even if it isn't clinically defined. She adds that responses to such statements typically involve reassurance that the intent is to be understood, not to dismiss genuine distress. This trend has been labeled “concept creep” by Australian psychologist Nick Haslam. The term refers to the gradual expansion of psychological concepts to include a broader range of experiences than previously recognized. Social media, Haslam argues, plays a role in accelerating this process, as studies show that mental health conditions are frequently trivialized online, with users often remarking that everyone is “a little bit OCD.” Victoria University of Wellington lecturer and clinical psychologist Kris Nielsen acknowledges that heightened awareness can aid personal understanding and connection with others. However, she cautions against overreaction, noting that societal awareness varies widely. Some communities may still lack sufficient knowledge, while others may be overly familiar with certain conditions. Haslam’s research indicates that concept creep is more prevalent among younger and more progressive populations. He warns that viewing a wider array of experiences through a clinical lens could lead to self-diagnosis or self-labeling. A 2024 US study he co-authored found that individuals with broader definitions of mental illness were more likely to believe they had one, even without a formal diagnosis. Concerns extend beyond individual perceptions to potential impacts on personal agency. Another 2024 study revealed that students who self-identify with depression tend to adopt less effective coping strategies, perceive less control over their situations, and develop more favorable views toward medication than therapy. These findings, although correlational, highlight the complex interplay between labeling and behavior.