Why are psychiatrists called shrinks?

On average, 50 million people across the globe are diagnosed with mental health issues. Earlier, mental health problems were considered as taboos, and many people shied away from discussing them open-endedly.

Do you know that the role of psychiatrist is far more valuable than you may think? Unlike any other health issues, mental health disorders also need the proper line of treatment, as the delay in treatment has worse consequences.

But you may have heard from your dear ones – I am off to shrinks? Now you may be thinking shrinks sounds weird and very casual. You may desire to find out why psychiatrists are called shrinks.

Well, there is an interesting story behind it! The term “shrinks” gained popularity through the Amazonian tribe.

How did the term “shrink” get its origin?

The word “shrink” is the blend of language, creativity, and slang. So, the Amazonian tribe of South America used to preserve the head of the enemy. The warrior of the opponent tribe took the head, which is without hairs and shell. 

These people followed the process for days to make it in the perseverance form. These heads were the achievements to them. These people were known by the term headshrinkers.

In an ancient time, headshrinkers were those who used to shrink the head in physical form. But over time, the mental health experts are also referred to as “shrinks,” as they are known to shrink the problem, or mental issues. 

Eventually, the headshrinkers are known as someone who messes with your head. It is an American slang term where all the psychiatrists, like psychologists, therapists, counselors, and psychologists, are called “shrinks.” 

The slang “shrink” and its connectivity with Media and Novels

“Shrink” is slang and a rebellious word. The word is considered derogatory. But some movies and TV shows changed the perception of people towards the slang. 

Earlier a lot of stigma was associated with the mental health issues. People either escape seeing the psychiatrist, as it was not accepted by the society, or they hide the problem. But many movies, TV shows, and even novels highlighted the importance of psychiatrists.

The term “shrink” started gaining acceptance in the 1960s and 1970s when Hollywood introduced it in movies. TV shows like Annie Hall, Sybil, Good Will Hunting, and Ted Lasso in 1990 were based on therapists and protagonists. 

The motive of Hollywood is to destigmatize the visit to a psychiatrist, so they coined the term, which seems to be lighthearted and casual. 

Say, for example, if you say that, “I am seeing the psychiatrist today,” you may think many times before speaking, as stigma and taboos are associated with it. But with a casual sentence, “I have to show up to shrink,” the attitude can change drastically. 

The latter one is casual and easy to say. 

The positive aspect of the term shrink

Now you know why psychiatrists are called shrinks. But it has implications on the patients and on the psychiatrist. Though, for patients, it could be a trouble-free word to say.

• Close network—”shrink” is a casual and humorous word. Telling your loved one, “I have an appointment with a shrink,” is a more relaxed way. \
• School Kids—Among kids there is a lot of stigma related to mental health issues at such a tender age. So the word “shrink” has the potential to make kids feel calm to some extent. 
• Colleagues—your colleagues may be mature enough to understand the bad phase you are going through. But still, using the word “shrink” can help to squeeze down the stigma and judgemental thought process of people around. 

Are psychiatrists OK with being called shrinks?

The answer to the question may be no; the role of the mental health professionals is arduous. Do you know that people struggling with mental health issues even have suicidal thoughts and self-harm urges?

The role of the professionals is to dive deep into the patients’ mental condition and help them in every way possible so they can again live a happy and normal life. 

Their role is vast, from prescribing medication to therapy sessions and coping mechanisms. So, if you call them “shrink,” the term can humiliate them and seems to be unprofessional. 

The psychiatrists have to put in a lot of effort; they have many years of study and research, and calling them shrinks can be a big turn-off for psychiatrists.

Final words

Why are psychiatrists called shrinks? Simply, they shrink down your problems and help you to choose the right path and direction. 

They help you to narrow down your issues by prescribing medicine and therapies and helping you to know the coping strategies that can help in the long run.