Normal or not-normal?

 

Normal or not-normal?

By Dr. Ashoke Priyadarshana

Even if you expect life to be perfect and happy; yet, life does not always owe you happiness. Salvador Dali the famous artist states that one shouldn’t fear for perfectionism since there is nothing as such. Besides, suffering also becomes a part of human life and good life is centered somewhat to pain, says Viktor Frankl the famous   Austrian Neurologist who was in Hitler’s concentration camps as a victim. Therefore, happiness is what people are frequently searching for; yet, life may react opposite. Disequilibrium in mental health might be experienced by some when life does not flow as planned. Frustration, unexpected incidents in life, and disasters might result in psychological imbalance and some may even be susceptible to mental disorders as a result. According to Engel, the major factors that cause mental disorders can be viewed through three dimensions as biological, psychological and social. Therefore, all these factors altogether can make someone not normal.

Defining not-normality is indeed a hard nut to crack since what is perceived as normal to a particular community may not be normal to another. Therefore, that leaves a dilemma in defining what not-normality is. Even if there are controversies as such, it is worth discussing as to how it could be recognized if someone behaves not-normal.

Four D’s

 The famous ‘Four D’ concept is widely used in determining not-normality. The four D’s are: deviation, distress, dysfunction, and danger.

‘Deviation’ is used as a major criterion in determining not-normality. If a person becomes deviant from accepted pattern of behaviour, it might be a clue of not -normality. Once again the so called ‘accepted pattern of behaviour’ can be debatable; but a person with deviant emotional, cognitive and behavioural tendencies can be detectable. For instance, a person with psychotic issues could show deviant tendencies in relation to aforementioned dimensions. Additionally, a person in a depressive state might remain isolated deviating from his day to day life. His social withdrawal can be a form of deviation.

 

Dysfunction

Deviation along with dysfunction is another criteria used to determine not-normality. Psychological difficulties might often cause the person to be dysfunctional. In a severe depression condition, one might show disinterest in what he has been continuously engaged in and lack of interest in pleasurable activities could also be detectable. By and large, one’s day-to-day functioning could be disturbed as a result. People while getting along with each other try to lead productive life in response to the social demand; yet, there can be some who are not capable enough of adjusting to the social demands.

Distress

Distress alias psychological pain is considered another criteria used in determining not-normality.  Psychological pain could be experienced at different levels by different individuals. People may even commit suicide if psychological pain is unbearable.

Danger

As noted before, extreme psychological pain might cause someone to commit suicide. There can be situations where people become harmful to themselves and others. In a previous article, it was discussed about the process of committing suicide. Additionally, there can be individuals who might be harmful to others. For instance, people with sadistic behavioural tendencies can be harmful to others.

In recognizing not-normal behaviours, it is much needed to be focused on the severity and the duration of such tendencies. If you experience such tendencies or if you witness someone experiencing such issues, it is advisable to seek professional support.

Sometimes situations may hard to be changed; yet, the way you think can be changed. Mind is the forerunner.