Why I believe labels can set you free

As an NHS nurse, I saw many patients who were struggling to understand what was going on with their health. One woman once said to me, “I just wish I knew what was wrong with me, then at least I could do something about it.” 

That moment stuck with me because it reminded me of my own journey with mental health.

For years, I felt overwhelmed - constantly tired, with a racing mind that couldn’t focus. I was misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression (although these are co-existing conditions with ADHD), and even wondered if I had bipolar disorder. 

But nothing seemed to fit. Nothing explained why I felt this way.

It wasn’t until I was finally assessed and diagnosed with ADHD that everything clicked.

That label didn’t box me in - it set me free. 

It gave me a framework to understand who I was, to stop blaming myself, and to seek the support I needed. I could finally move forward with knowledge, self-compassion, and strategies that actually worked.

So, I often wonder: why are labels so often seen as a bad thing?

Labels are not about limitations - they are about understanding. They help us find the right support, the right strategies, and the right community. Without them, we’re left guessing, feeling lost, and blaming ourselves for struggles that aren’t our fault.

For me, understanding that I have ADHD changed everything. And for so many of the people I work with, receiving the label is their first step toward finally moving forward with their lives.

What do you think? Have labels been helpful or limiting in your own journey?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!