Increasingly, we've noticed people feeling defined by their diagnosis, even in some cases seeing it as a "reason" for issues that arise in their life. Comments like, "It's my depression kicking in," or "My anxiety is really bothering me this week," or "I'm bipolar and lately I have more lows than highs." The general focus on labels for misunderstood thinking causes both individuals and therapists to focus on the problem, what they perceive as wrong, rather than finding hope for cure and relief from temporary distress.

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