Labels, do we need them?

Labels. I am too going to add my 2 cents to this debate, do we need them?

My answer is clear, YES.

Society believes and understands things better when they're labelled, it makes things "official". This applies to just about anything that is labelled in any way, you trust what the label says (what it says on the tin).

I work with both diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHDers, which is also due to to diagnosis waiting lists. However most GPs or Psychiatrists will tell you, if someone is wanting to get diagnosed with a condition or disorder of any kind, it is highly likely that they do in fact have it. No one is going to make the effort if they don't need to.

Once you have that diagnosis and label, you can move forward and come to terms with that fact that you actually have it. That will not only help you, but also help those around you to understand that this is "serious" and not just a throwaway comment you and they say about you. It will suddenly make the puzzle pieces fall together and make it all make sense and allow you to be vulnerable, providing acceptance.

This is why with any of my undiagnosed clients, where possible, I recommend that they get that diagnosis, for once I support that tick box exercise. However, one thing to be very clear on is that no one needs a medical diagnosis in order to get any adjustments at work. The Equality Act of 2010 does not require you to have a medical diagnosis to prove your disability.