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Not a Label, a Lifeline: Mental Health Diagnoses

  • Writer: Tami West
    Tami West
  • Oct 8
  • 2 min read


This week Michelle leads us through a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation about mental health diagnoses in honor of World Mental Health Day.


We laughed about pumpkin spice lattes, shared personal stories (Tami’s prom anxiety spiral, Michelle’s Dunkin’ Donuts “wake-up call”), and dug into what diagnoses like depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder really mean—and what they don’t.


Too often, phrases like “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” or “I’m so OCD” minimize real struggles. Michelle reminded us that a diagnosis isn’t about weakness—it’s about compassion, clarity, and knowing you don’t have to fight alone.


We also touched on:

  • The spectrum: situational sadness vs. clinical depression; everyday worry vs. debilitating anxiety

  • Generational views: why some still see mental illness as a crutch

  • The role of genetics in depression (Michelle’s family story)

  • Language matters: how casual jokes about mental illness can perpetuate stigma

  • Support: it’s not about fixing someone—it’s about compassion and presence


Grab our list of resources and basic diagnostic information in The Resource Vault!


Next week, as promised, we’ll shift from diagnoses to resources: the practical tools, hotlines, and hidden gems that can help.


“You can’t know what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes.” – Michelle


And remember: we’re giving away mugs to the first 5 people who leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen!



Connect with us


And, until next time..... Consider Yourself Hugged!!

Michelle & Tami



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About Tami & Michelle:

Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP

Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder.


Tami West, PhD

Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.


Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:


General Resources

National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org

Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org

Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/


**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional.

If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.

 
 
 

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