My Terrifying Thought - I'm Afraid a Therapist Will Tell Me I'm Crazy!

Countless times, I’ve had clients tell me they thought they were crazy or that friends and family had labeled them as such. Others have even asked me outright, “Does that make me crazy?”

Understanding the Fear of Being "Crazy"

In 2007, when I began my journey as a graduate school intern, I had no idea how often I would encounter concerns about being “crazy.” Yet, it happened almost daily. The clients I worked with were genuinely worried about being:

• Thought of as crazy

• Called crazy

• Diagnosed as crazy

  
  

And is it any wonder that this was one of their biggest fears? According to Etymonline.com, “crazy” originated in the 1570s as a term for “diseased” or “sickly.” While this definition has evolved, the meaning assigned a decade later wasn’t much better.

By the 1580s, society defined the word “craze” as “broken, impaired, full of cracks or flaws.” When the letter ‘e’ was removed and ‘y’ was added, it came to mean “deranged, demented, of unsound mind or behaving as such.” In short, to be called crazy implied a sickly or diseased mind.

The mid-1700s saw a similar transition, with “crazy” being associated with “mental unsoundness.”

The Question of Sanity

But can a person really be crazy?

People often say things like:

• You are driving me crazy.

• This (fill in the blank) is driving me crazy.

• I’m going crazy.

• You are crazy for paying so much, getting another degree, quitting your job, etc.

  
  

Mental health therapists utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose clients. The DSM has undergone several updates and is currently in its 5th edition, known as DSM-5-TR. The “-TR” stands for textual rendition, meaning various diagnoses were updated with descriptive text based on literature reviews.

The Truth About "Crazy"

Do you want to know a secret?

There is no diagnosis of crazy!

That’s right. Nowhere in the DSM-5-TR does it say a person can be diagnosed as crazy. A person might feel crazy or believe their thoughts seem crazy, but this is based on societal perceptions of the term.

But your therapist cannot diagnose you as crazy.

Taking the Step to Therapy

Going to therapy may be a big step for you. It might feel scary or even overwhelming. In my experience, therapy encompasses all of those feelings and more. It can also be a healing journey, a time for positive change, and an opportunity to develop healthy habits that allow you to grow.

If you believe therapy is right for you, I encourage you to take that step. You can find a therapist by searching Psychology Today or ZenCare. Alternatively, you can ask someone you trust for a recommendation.

If you’re not ready for a friend or loved one to know you’re considering therapy, you can reach out to your primary care doctor or another healthcare provider for a recommendation.

You can also contact the member services number on the back of your insurance card to see if a representative can help you find a therapist who accepts your insurance.

Embracing Your Journey

Therapy may challenge you to become a stronger, healthier version of yourself. You might feel like you’re going crazy or worry that others will think you’re crazy for seeking help.

Just remember, there is no diagnosis of crazy.

So, don’t let this worry stop you from making that call and scheduling your first appointment.

Final Thoughts

Therapy Tip: It's okay to be nervous about going to therapy.

You are not alone in your feelings. Many people share similar concerns. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Embrace this journey toward healing and growth. You deserve it.

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Empower Yourself: Take the first step today. You have the power to reclaim your voice and achieve your personal goals. Let’s embark on this journey together.