My Label Collection and Fred
Have you ever gone into a bar or maybe gone to a party and watched people peel labels off of beer or other bottles? Maybe this is something you do yourself? Some people I asked said, "Oh, I collect them. I like to try new beers and I put the labels in a box later." Other people could not explain why they did it, though I have some ideas. So, what about my label collection? What kind of labels do I collect? Chances are, you collect them, too, if you have a BPSI or MI.
I collect labels that some people called diagnoses. Here is a partial list of the labels in my collection:
- ADHD
- Depression (clinical of course)
- Aggravated Depression
- Depression with ADHD
- Depression with Anxiety
- Dysthymia
- Anxiety (NOS)
- Mixed Personality Disorder (NOS)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder Type II
I missed quite a few others! I am not particularly worried about what labels are "correct." I have a "disorder" as opposed to a disease. To me, a disorder is something that defies accurate classification as a disease or injury. A disease, say diabetes, is a definitive diagnosis because it can be tested and treated. Sure, the observations might be a hint a person has diabetes, and some of the same observations might indicate a person has depression. Blood tests help make the determination of a diagnosis between the physical illness diabetes and a mental illness, or disorder, like depression.
I decided to call my label collection "Fred." I have no idea why I chose Fred instead of some other name, but it is easier to say, "Man, Fred is just being a pain today." than, "Man, I feel so horrid because of my [insert labels]." People might ask me who Fred is, and then I can either explain and educate, or just say, "I'd rather not discuss Fred, thank you!" People who know me learned to laugh with me. Some people just think I'm strange. Okay, so I'm strange, so go ahead and laugh. Laughter makes the world a happier place!
JD 5/29/2014
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