Discrete Self Model

The unspoken assumption behind most of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders): that every human is a neatly bounded, fully knowable individual who can be diagnosed like a glitchy toaster.

Used to justify labeling complex, context-driven human behavior as “disordered” while ignoring trauma, systems, relationships, and late-stage capitalism.

Symptoms may include:
• Taking your emotions personally
• Believing your thoughts are facts
• Assuming “normal” exists
• Diagnosing others on TikTok

Therapist: “Sounds like you might meet criteria for 296.89.”
Patient: “Or maybe I’m just rejecting the Discrete Self Model.”
Therapist: “…I’ll need to consult the DSM-6 for that.”

by seeing March 30, 2025

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distorted

Originating from psychological thriller / sci-fi movies about lucid dream, this term refers the increase of your expectation on the amount of screen time you should be able to have 0.0001 seconds after you lose the self-control not to subscribe 600+ YouTube channels in a row.

After binge-watching those psychological thrillers, my perception of time felt so distorted; I thought I’d only been scrolling for a minute, but it turned into hours!

by Emotional Cruiser September 1, 2025

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