The One You Feed Why We Need to Rethink Mental Illness with Sarah Fay
Oct 1, 2024
In a thought-provoking discussion, Sarah Fay, an award-winning author and mental health advocate, emphasizes the need to rethink mental illness. She explores her own experiences with misdiagnoses and the dangers of self-diagnosing, especially in the age of social media. Fay critiques mental health perceptions shaped online and the complexities of recovery versus clinical definitions. She advocates for understanding personal narratives in mental health and shares effective strategies for navigating the recovery journey with empathy and resilience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Misdiagnosis and Identity
- Sarah Fay was diagnosed with six different psychiatric conditions, accepting each label as a self-fulfilling prophecy.
- She emphasizes that mental illness is real, having experienced it for 25 years, but diagnoses can be misleading.
DSM's Flaws
- DSM diagnoses are subjective, biased, and lack scientific validity; two professionals can diagnose the same person differently.
- The DSM's influence by Big Pharma and its evolution into a bestseller raise concerns about its widespread use and impact.
Social Media Diagnoses and Stigma
- A TikTok study revealed 83% of mental health advice is misleading, with 91% of advisors lacking training.
- Some diagnoses are now considered "cool" (anxiety, depression, ADHD), while others (psychosis) face increased stigma.
