WMAN AM & FM (WMAN-AM)
WMAN AM & FM (WMAN-AM)
Keeping Ashland Healthy - Episode 112 – What’s in a name, really?
Keeping Ashland Healthy - Episode 112 – What’s in a name, really?
Keeping Ashland Healthy - Episode 112 – What’s in a name, really?
Tuesday 20th January 2026
Explore why psychiatric diagnoses aren't diseases and how reframing mental 'illness' can change mental health care.
17 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Compassionate
Educational
Honest
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Get the buttons here!Rethinking Mental Health Labels: More Than Just a Name
Episode Overview
- Psychiatric diagnoses are descriptive labels, not explanations.
- Reframing mental illness as human distress can improve care.
- Context and relationships are crucial in understanding mental health.
- Over-reliance on medication should be avoided.
- Language plays a significant role in shaping mental health perceptions.
"When we reduce distress to diagnoses, we risk overmedicalizing normal human pain."
What makes a name so important? In this captivating episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, hosts David Ross and Rick Ford tackle the complex topic of psychiatric diagnoses. With a focus on the impact of language, they question the conventional view that conditions like depression and anxiety are diseases caused by chemical imbalances. Instead, they suggest these diagnoses are descriptive labels, not explanations for underlying issues.
By reframing mental 'illness' as human distress, they argue for a more compassionate approach to mental health care. The episode draws on the insights of psychologist Jonathan Shedler, who argues that psychiatric diagnoses don't map onto clear biological processes. Ross and Ford discuss how these labels can lead individuals to over-identify with their diagnosis, affecting their sense of identity. They stress the importance of understanding mental health struggles within the context of relationships, trauma, and societal pressures.
Listeners are encouraged to rethink how they view mental health and consider the broader implications of labeling. The hosts advocate for a personalised approach to therapy that prioritises understanding each person's unique context. They caution against the over-reliance on medication and highlight the need for informed consent when it is used. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how we talk about mental health and what it means for communities like Ashland.
By shifting the focus from fixing broken brains to supporting individuals through their distress, Ross and Ford aim to foster a more supportive and understanding community.