Bonneville International

Counseling On Demand

Bonneville International

  • No, Your Spouse PROBABLY Is Not Bipolar

No, Your Spouse PROBABLY Is Not Bipolar

Friday 12th October 2018

Dr. Fred Riley explores the pitfalls of self-diagnosing and diagnosing a partner, stressing the need for professional mental health advice.
14 minutes
Informative
Educational
Supportive
Authentic
Thought-provoking

About this podcast

Counseling On Demand
Author:
Bonneville International
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

The Dangers of Playing Therapist: Why Self-Diagnosing Can Backfire

When you look at yourself, be careful with self-diagnosis, but also recognize that it's a good thing that you're looking at yourself because you're headed the right way in terms of the parts of the relationship that you can change.
Ever caught yourself thinking you or your partner might have a mental health disorder? In this eye-opening episode of 'Counseling On Demand', Dr. Fred Riley tackles the common but risky habit of self-diagnosing and diagnosing loved ones. Dr. Riley explains that many people come to therapy convinced they already know what's wrong, often based on online quizzes or their own assumptions. But diagnosing yourself or your partner can lead to misunderstandings and even more stress. Dr.
Riley points out that self-diagnosis is often influenced by what we want others to see or what we fear most. For example, you might label your partner as bipolar just because you don't want to deal with their mood swings. This kind of labeling can put a strain on relationships and lead to unfair judgments. Instead, Dr. Riley emphasizes the importance of getting a professional diagnosis from a qualified therapist.
Online questionnaires might seem like a quick fix, but they're rarely accurate. Dr. Riley advises against using these tools as they can mislead you into thinking you have a condition you don't. The episode encourages listeners to seek help from mental health professionals who can provide an objective and accurate diagnosis. If you're dealing with mental health issues or relationship problems, this episode is a must-listen.
It offers practical advice on why professional guidance is crucial and how it can make a significant difference in understanding and treating mental health conditions.