Understanding Normal from a Psychiatrist’s Viewpoint
by Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD, FAPA.
What constitutes normal? Up to now, science hasn’t precisely pinpointed what is deemed normal. We’re quite familiar with what’s not, but the boundary of what is considered normal is broad. In mental health, “normal” is a challenging and elusive idea, much clearer than abnormal.
As psychiatrists, we aim not just to identify and heal mental maladies but also to grasp psychological wellness. Normality’s definition in psychiatry is a continually evolving, dynamic concept, sculpted by cultural, social, and personal elements.
This shifting terrain is tough to capture precisely. Several elements, which we’ll discuss, play a role. Hence, if you ever feel peculiar or “not normal,” chances are you might be mistaken. Normal isn’t necessarily what we presume it to be.
Normalcy’s Fluid Nature:
Defining normalcy is tricky due to its fluid nature. What’s seen as normal behavior in one culture could be odd or even pathological elsewhere. Societal norms shift over time; what was once labeled abnormal might now be commonplace.
Culture’s Influence on Norms: Culture significantly shapes our perspective on normalcy. Societies have their own belief structures and values that define behavioral bounds…
