Having a mental health diagnosis does not define who you are. Whether your diagnosis is biological or environmental, this diagnosis is A PART of who you are, but it is not WHO YOU ARE. I'll give you an example. A person with a sprained ankle has a sprained ankle. THEY are not a sprained ankle, but they HAVE a sprained ankle. Your diagnosis does not identify you, and you should not seek to be addressed as such. We aim to embrace everything that makes you unique, and a part of that is your diagnosis. There may have been a time when the symptoms of your diagnosis served as a means to help you survive. This part of you was valuable to your existence and may not be necessary or helpful today. With support, you can learn tools to help you manage appropriate behaviors for this space and time so you can show up as you are. 

• Shareela Allen, LCSW