This study examines the relationship between depression self-labeling and coping strategies in a large sample of U.S. college students. The authors found that approximately one-fifth of students (22.2%) self-labeled as having depression, while 39.0% met diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). After controlling for depression symptom severity, self-labeling was associated with lower perceived control over depression, more catastrophizing, less perspective-taking, refocusing, and reappraisal, and more positive attitudes towards medication but not therapy. The study suggests that self-labeling can influence how individuals cope with emotional distress, potentially leading to both positive and negative outcomes. The findings add to our understanding of the prevalence and demographic correlates of mental illness self-labeling among young people, challenging the theory of widespread over-identification of mental illness in youth. The study also highlights the importance of exploring the role of self-labeling in illness self-management and the potential heterogeneity in its effects. However, the study is cross-sectional and has limitations, including the need for longitudinal designs to establish causal relationships.This study examines the relationship between depression self-labeling and coping strategies in a large sample of U.S. college students. The authors found that approximately one-fifth of students (22.2%) self-labeled as having depression, while 39.0% met diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). After controlling for depression symptom severity, self-labeling was associated with lower perceived control over depression, more catastrophizing, less perspective-taking, refocusing, and reappraisal, and more positive attitudes towards medication but not therapy. The study suggests that self-labeling can influence how individuals cope with emotional distress, potentially leading to both positive and negative outcomes. The findings add to our understanding of the prevalence and demographic correlates of mental illness self-labeling among young people, challenging the theory of widespread over-identification of mental illness in youth. The study also highlights the importance of exploring the role of self-labeling in illness self-management and the potential heterogeneity in its effects. However, the study is cross-sectional and has limitations, including the need for longitudinal designs to establish causal relationships.