The Power of Labels: What Are You Telling Yourself ? 

I remember growing up and hearing people call me names in school such as “teacher’s pet” or “redhead.” I knew I was a good student and responsible which led me to be chosen by various teachers for assignments, however, the label placed on me was hurtful. I disliked when people saw me in the hallway and referred to me as a teacher’s pet rather than my name. As I got older and started talking to more people about my past experiences, I realized I was not the only one battling with the effects of labels. Many times, we do not realize it, but we label situations and people without knowing the result, much of the person, or situation. I then realized the power that labels carry in our lives and the effects they have on our world and thoughts. 

      Over the course of my internship, I have heard people say, “I am not good enough” or “I am embarrassing.” Considering the situation had something to be embarrassed about, we automatically label ourselves as the situation. In other words, we create these assumptions of people and scenarios that shift our focus and mindset to view the individual or scenario through that lens only.  Essentially, what we are doing is causing ourselves limitations due to our labels; if I consider myself a boring person, I would be less social due to not wanting to be with others. However, we might not appear boring to someone else, but our perspective of ourselves caused us to not surround ourselves with others. I have heard different conversations where people call each other names because they heard something about that person without knowing who that person truly is. 

      Applying this idea to our lives, we realize that labeling situations as “the worst day ever” or “what a sad life,” we realize our beliefs are what caused our labels. We label people liars, cheaters, pretty, fat, handsome, rich, poor,  rude, racist, etc., which then affects how we view this individual. Therefore, I began to research different ways that labels affect us negatively, which all led to the idea that we shape our expectations although diminishing the potential or capacity of the person. Therefore, I started to wonder, if labeling each other negatively causes an impact on our mental health, what if we started to label each other in a positive way? What would change? How would we be different mentally and physically?

      We become the people we tell ourselves we are and let others say we are. In other words, if we were to believe in ourselves and be conscious of the labels, we have placed on ourselves, we would know how to get out of that label and discover our potential. Furthermore, engaging in positive affirmations and reminding ourselves of the person we were, who we have become, and are yet to be, are key pointers that steer us away from negative self-labeling. Just like we often use labels to organize our pantry or distinguish our sugar from the salt container, we should use labels for our benefit and not to tear each other down. Have the courage to build yourself back up without letting the world depict who you are and will become. Choose what makes you happy as long as it is healthy. Also, surround yourself with people who appreciate and care about you for who you are not for your labels. My hope is that you can create your own identity and not base it off of your diagnosis or past experiences. Be comfortable being yourself and know you have the authority and free will to change your destiny and how you want to be remembered.

Written by : Rachel Garcia; Masters Level Intern at Olive Branch

If you need support, live in the Chicago area, and would like to speak to a professional counselor, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.

Reference:

The Power of Labels