It is okay for you to tell a person your opinion of their diagnosis.

• A. It depends
• B. Not sure
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (C)

Understanding boundaries in peer support is key: you don’t provide medical opinions or diagnoses. Diagnoses are professional judgments made by qualified clinicians, based on assessments and medical criteria. Sharing your own opinion about someone’s diagnosis can mislead, undermine trust, or cause unnecessary harm.

Instead, focus on support you can offer. Validate how the person feels, discuss how the diagnosis affects daily life, and help them identify coping strategies and practical steps. If they’re unsure about their diagnosis, encourage them to talk with their clinician and offer to help them prepare questions or understand information they’re given. You can acknowledge the clinician’s role and, when appropriate, help them connect with resources or support groups, while avoiding making or disputing medical judgments yourself. If a person expresses immediate distress or danger, follow safety guidelines and connect them to appropriate crisis resources.