In an era where mental health awareness is at an all-time high, capacity expert and certified coach RaQuel Hopkins is urging people to rethink how they engage with it.
In a powerful Instagram video posted on Feb. 16, 2025, Hopkins tackled three major trends that she says are making people emotionally weaker, not stronger.
1. Turning Labels into an Identity
Hopkins pointed out how mental health labels, meant for understanding, have become personal brands. Instead of using diagnoses as a tool for growth, she noted that many people now use them as a reason to stay the same.
“I have ADHD, so I can’t focus. I have an anxious attachment, so I can’t trust people.”
According to Hopkins, statements like these stop people from working through their challenges and, in some cases, even weaponize relationships.
2. Pathologizing Normal Life Struggles
She also cautioned against the overuse of clinical language to describe everyday difficulties.
“Not every challenge is trauma. Not every difficult person is a narcissist. Not every workplace is toxic just because you don’t like your boss.”
Hopkins explained that by labeling normal hardships as harmful experiences, people rob themselves of the ability to navigate life’s natural struggles.
3. The Obsession with External Validation
Another concern? The rising need for constant validation.
“At some point, we stopped striving for growth and started chasing external validation.”
Hopkins stressed that not everyone will understand or validate you—and that’s okay. Learning to stand firm in who you are, even when no one claps for you, is essential for true mental strength.
Bonus: The Myth of the ‘Safe Space’
As a final thought, Hopkins challenged the idea that life should always feel comfortable.
“What even is a ‘safe place’? Life doesn’t come with trigger warnings. Growth requires friction.”
She explained that needing environments that cater to emotions doesn’t build mental resilience—it builds dependence. True safety, she argued, comes from knowing you can handle yourself in any space, not just the ones that feel good.
Mental Strength Over Comfort
Hopkins’ message is clear: mental health should empower, not limit. While it’s important to prioritize well-being, she warns that some modern trends are doing more harm than good.
Instead of clinging to labels, avoiding discomfort, or relying on validation, she encourages people to focus on inner strength and self-reliance.
