A formal diagnosis of a psychological disorder can be beneficial, but can yield negative results as well. On the positive side, putting a label to one’s condition may better help them acquire the resources they need. This includes medication, therapy, or coping strategies (UCLA). In a classroom setting, one might be able to receive testing accommodations that they need with a diagnosis. Another positive is that people do not have to feel so alone once they know that other people experience the same thing and it helps to eliminate the unknown of not knowing what is “wrong” with them. A con of receiving a formal diagnosis is that it may lead to the person feeling stigmatized because often people only see a diagnosis and not the person; this can sometimes lead to them receiving treatment that is not necessarily right for them (UCLA).
I think that some people might be hesitant to see a therapist or psychiatrist because of the fear of opening up to someone who might not understand them. Also, one might be scared that they will be seen as “weak” if they are too vulnerable. Physical illnesses are often viewed differently than mental illnesses because physical ones are more tangible and have observable symptoms, while mental ones are sometimes more complex because you can’t just take a measurement to see what exactly is wrong.
I think it would be difficult to work with someone with schizophrenia as a teacher or counselor because of the symptoms associated with it, such as delusions or unpredictable behaviors (openstax). I think it would be harder to make progress with someone if you aren’t completely sure what kind of mindset they are in on a day to day basis.
Besides straightforward expression of suicidal thoughts, social withdrawl, deep feelings of guilt or anger, increased alcohol or drug use, changes and eating or sleeping patterns, recklessness, or giving away one’s posessions are all signs that someone may be considering suicide. If you know someone who is suicidal, you can be there for them to talk to about what they are feeling and show support, but also you should recommend that they seek professional help for what they are experiencing. In some cases, you should report it to someone or contact emergency services.
References
\/. (2023, June 16). YouTube. Retrieved November 26, 2023, from courses.tfc.edu/moodle/pluginfile.php/671263/mod_resource/content/2/Chapter%2015%20from%20OpenStax.org.pdf
Adelman, H., & Taylor, L. (n.d.). Just a Label? Some Pros and Cons of Formal Diagnoses of Children* Diagnostic labelling of children who manifest learning, behavi. UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools. Retrieved November 26, 2023, from smhp.psych.ucla.edu/pdfdocs/diaglabel.pdf