ABSTRACT
Many explanations have been offered for the rising prevalence of mental health complaints. I present an account that attributes some of this increase to historical changes in mental health-related concepts that are propelled by broad cultural trends. I argue that rising attention to harm, coupled with the pervasive influence of the mental health industry, has led to concepts of mental health and illness becoming increasingly expansive. This process of “concept creep” promotes the adoption of diagnostic identities and a tendency to over-pathologize experience and behavior. These trends not only increase the number of people who are identified as having mental health problems and seek treatment for them but may also worsen mental health through a range of self-fulfilling and iatrogenic processes. I review research that demonstrates the semantic inflation of mental health-related concepts and the potential adverse implications of broad concepts. I conclude by proposing steps that policymakers should consider in response.