CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – You may have heard a friend say they\u2019re \u201cso OCD\u201d or call an ex a \u201cnarcissist\u201d, but mental health professionals say those words carry more weight than most people realize.<\/p>\n
The casual use of clinical terms, sometimes called \u201ctherapy speak\u201d, has become common in conversations and on social media. But psychotherapist Nancy Lloyd says it can minimize the struggles of people living with real mental health disorders.<\/p>\n
\u201cGaslighting, OCD, narcissism, trauma, toxicity\u2026these are real conditions,” Lloyd said. \u201cBut when they\u2019re misused, it dilutes the severity for people actually living with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lloyd explained that feeling nervous before a test or performance isn\u2019t the same as being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. \u201cAnxiety is a medical condition that changes the nervous system,\u201d she said. \u201cBut now, almost any uncomfortable emotion gets labeled as anxiety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lloyd says \u201cgaslighting\u201d is the most misused term. True gaslighting, she said, is a form of psychological manipulation, not simply a disagreement or a forgotten plan.<\/p>\n
The rise of therapy speak has been fueled by TikTok trends, online searches and everyday conversations. Lloyd said while some people use the terms to better understand themselves, it\u2019s no substitute for professional guidance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best response is active listening,\u201d she said. \u201cReflect what you hear, validate what they\u2019re going through. People feel calmer when they feel heard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lloyd said she hopes the trend shifts toward more thoughtful conversations that reduce stigma and encourage people to seek appropriate help.<\/p>\n
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