In recent years, words like gaslighting, trauma, triggered, and boundaries have become part of everyday conversations—especially among young people. This shift, often called therapy speak, comes from growing awareness about mental health, thanks to social media and easy access to psychological information. While it’s great that people are more open about emotions, the casual (and sometimes incorrect) use of these terms can create problems.
When Mental Health Terms Lose Their Meaning
One concern with therapy speak is that it can water down serious psychological terms. Words that once described specific clinical conditions are now used for everyday frustrations.
For example, gaslighting originally described a form of psychological abuse where someone manipulates another person into questioning reality. But today, it’s often used to describe simple disagreements—like a friend saying, "You’re gaslighting me!" when someone has a different opinion. A viral tweet in 2022 even joked about someone feeling "gaslit" because their friend liked pineapple on pizza. This kind of overuse makes it very difficult for people who experience real manipulation to explain what’s happening to them.
Similarly, words like trauma and toxic are now thrown around casually. A tough day at work is called traumatic, and a friend who cancels plans is toxic. When these terms are overused, they can minimize the struggles of those facing genuine mental health challenges, like PTSD or emotionally abusive relationships.
The Rise of Self-Diagnosis
Another issue is that young people are increasingly turning to social media to self-diagnose mental health conditions. Social media platforms have helped reduce stigma around mental health, but misinformation spreads easily.
Take the TikTok trend of self-diagnosing ADHD. In 2021, videos with hashtags like #ADHD and #ADHDAwareness racked up billions of views, with creators listing symptoms like "zoning out," "procrastinating," or "forgetting small tasks." While these are real ADHD symptoms, they’re also common experiences for people without the disorder. Many viewers began assuming they had ADHD without consulting a professional, leading to possible misdiagnoses and missed opportunities for proper care.
Another trend, often called "depression aesthetic," shows users romanticizing sadness with melancholic music and dark filters. While this can help people feel less alone, it can also lead some to believe they have clinical depression when they might just be going through a rough patch.
Therapy Speak as an Emotional Escape
Some people also use therapy language to avoid difficult conversations. Phrases like "I’m setting a boundary" or "You’re gaslighting me" can sometimes be used to shut down discussions instead of working through disagreements.
A well-known example is actor Jonah Hill, who was accused in 2023 of misusing therapy language to control his ex-girlfriend. In leaked messages, he repeatedly said he was "setting boundaries," but what he was really doing was making demands about her clothing, friendships, and social life. This shows how therapy language can sometimes be twisted to justify controlling behavior.
When people use psychological terms as conversation-enders, it can harm relationships by discouraging open communication. Instead of addressing conflicts in a healthy way, some rely on therapy speak as a shield against accountability.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has helped normalize mental health discussions, but it also encourages oversimplification of complex topics.
For example, narcissist is a clinical diagnosis for a personality disorder, but on social media, it’s become an insult used for any difficult ex or boss. Similarly, quick therapy-related posts and TikToks often lack the depth needed to understand these concepts properly. Since social media thrives on short, catchy content, mental health discussions are often reduced to bite-sized slogans that lack nuance.
A Balanced Approach to Mental Health Conversations
Despite these concerns, therapy speak isn’t all bad. The fact that young people feel comfortable talking about mental health is a huge step forward. More people are seeking therapy, setting boundaries, and prioritizing emotional well-being.
However, it’s important to use mental health terms correctly. Some ways to keep discussions meaningful include:
Thinking critically about the words we use and ensuring they fit the situation.
Recognizing the difference between normal struggles and actual mental health conditions.
Seeking professional help instead of relying solely on social media for mental health information.
Final Thoughts
Therapy speak has changed the way we talk about emotions—for better and for worse. While it has increased awareness and reduced stigma, it also carries risks when used carelessly. By using mental health language thoughtfully and responsibly, we can create conversations that are both empowering and accurate.
As mental health awareness continues to grow, the key is to ensure that the language we use remains meaningful—helping people without diminishing the seriousness of real psychological challenges.
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