A person on Quora asked this question , and this is how I answered it:
This is an interesting question.
Many people on Quora believe they have some mental illness. Yet, they have never been diagnosed by a licensed person. They go online take some so-called test and come up with the diagnosis themselves. Worse, they will falsely believe because they may have some of the symptoms without having debilitating symptoms that they have the diagnosis.
Why do people do this?
Because these people are looking for answers to why their lives may not be how they thought they would be. In many instances, the diagnosis is used as a way to get out of doing things they do not want to do because their ADD or depression makes it too hard for them. Some do it for sympathy because they cannot gain the attention they desire positively.
Sadly, people do this to themselves because those who have these problems would do anything so they do not have to live with them because they can be very destructive to living a contented and productive life. I know because I have worked with thousands of psych patients and hypnosis clients over the past 30 years who have found this to be true.
If someone feels they are dealing with the symptoms of a mental illness, they should be seen by a licensed professional to be diagnosed so they can at least know if they have the problem or not and go from there. Because people who self-diagnose get it wrong and with it cause themselves more harm in the end.
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About Suzanne
Suzanne Kellner-Zinck founded Dawning Visions Hypnosis in 2002, She has become an innovator in the use of hypnotism and neuro-linguistic programming in the areas of obsessive compulsive disorders such as: eating disorders, sexual addiction and substance abuse as well as working with those with anxiety and mood disorders.
Her clients have come to work with her from across the United States and as far away as Africa to help them to finally be freed from these emotional issues that once ruled their lives. Today she is in the process of bringing her work to many more in the form of ebooks and other downloadable formats.
She is a member of American Holistic Medical Association and the American College for Advancement in Medicine.
Prior to founding Dawning Visions Hypnosis, Kellner-Zinck worked within vendor programs for the mentally ill working to help them to live up to their fullest potential. Many of her previous clients were able to move out on their own and find fulfilling work.
Kellner-Zinck is a Certified Trainer of Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic programing through Tad James Company, Inc. and a Master Hypnotist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming through Advanced Neuro Dynamics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and political studies from Curry College.
Dawning Visions Hypnosis is teaching people that they can indeed leave their unwanted behaviors behind as they move forward to living fulfilling and joy filled lives.