One of the questions that employees in the field of mental health frequently encounter is "Am I normal?" In this article, we will seek an answer to this difficult question together. First of all, we should talk about the concept of health. The World Health Organization defines health as "a state of physical, mental and social well-being". Nowadays, many analyzes, examinations, etc. examine physical well-being. We can detect it with . There is even a name for this job: "check-up". So, can a spiritual and social check-up be done? Who will we call normal, who will we call abnormal, and how will we do this?
The term 'normal' means that it statistically fits the majority and does not remain in extremes. Statistical methods are frequently used in medicine and the lower and upper limits of normal are determined according to the findings. In that case; Could conforming to the majority be the criterion of normality in terms of mental health? For example, in a society, the majority use smartphones, do not put their phones down, and do not spare time for their families and children; If a small number of people use their phones only at work and spend quality time with their family and children, should we call the majority or the minority normal in this society? When we examine the historical process, the great figures who left their mark were those who did not conform to the majority and tried to change them. Therefore, the statistical definition can be both relative and sometimes invalid in mental health.
Clinically, it can be considered normal for the individual not to have excessive anxiety or significant psychopathology, and at the same time to be satisfied with himself, comfortable and happy in his social relationships. But if someone who is extremely selfish, easily lies to others, and is insensitive to society's problems is content with his situation, has good social relations, and is happy, is this person 'normal'? On the other hand, can we call a person who tries to help everyone, is honest, works for the benefit of society, but is anxious and anxious, abnormal? Anxiety, sadness and suffering in a person's life may be symptoms of a psychological disorder; Depending on the situation, there may be natural reactions that are not considered abnormal. In fact, in some cases, it may be abnormal not to be sad, not to cry, not to feel anxious.
According to psychoanalysis, the criterion of normality is the balance between id, ego and superego. A mentally healthy person can satisfy his/her lower self (id) impulses. It is accepted that he is someone who is able to adapt to his environment (ego) and listen to the voice of his superego. However, in this definition, the satisfaction of instincts, adaptation to the environment, and the expectations of the superego are relative and always open to discussion. When Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was asked about the conditions of normal, he answered "work and love". Hundreds of books have been written and will be written on these two words.
As we said at the beginning, it is very difficult to define 'normal'. The famous philosopher Aristotle, who lived before Christ, said, "There is no perfect soul without a mixture of madness." In the 19th century, Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler gave the following advice to his student Gustav Bychowski: "Don't give a normal certificate to anyone, I wouldn't even give it to my wife." Today, according to Prof. Dr. Orhan Öztürk, the boundaries of normality and non-extreme abnormality are not clear and their criteria are relative. Statistical and clinical views all have more or less truth in the assumption of adaptation to the environment; But it is relative and may change from age to age, from society to society, and even from person to person.
As a result; Inconsistent, inappropriate, excessive and inadequate behavior can be seen in every person. However, if these behaviors are continuous or repetitive and disrupt their functionality and/or interpersonal relationships; He/she should consult a physician, psychiatrist or clinical psychologist working in the field of mental health.
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