WHY DO WE INSIST ON USING THE WORDS ‘NORMAL’ OR ‘REGULAR’ TO DESCRIBE OURSELVES?

The Power and Importance of Language to Our Mental Health

One of my fascinations of late has been to watch crime documentaries, particularly those that surround murderers and serial killers. Now given the headline of this article, you’re probably wondering, ‘what gives?’

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE

In no way am I studying these situations to become a prolific killer. Far from it! It’s more about gaining an understanding of the psychological mindset behind those involved such as the criminals and victims, as well as the police, journalists, criminologists, profilers, etc. and their views surrounding the cases. I believe it will help me assist others in my mental health career, particularly with those individuals who have been deemed unacceptable either by themselves or by society.

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

The latest crime documentary I watched was about someone, whom we’ll call the offender, supposedly murdered their boss out of the blue. Those who spoke about the case described the offender as a ‘normal’ and ‘regular’ person before the murder occurred. Investigators used those words to describe them because the offender had maintained a…