What Is Normal?
Human beings express their individuality through thought, emotion, and behavior. In many cases, we wonder if a person’s behavior, thoughts, or expressions of emotions are to be considered “normal.” Learn the difference between normal, situational, and abnormal.
NORMAL
Thoughts, the expression of one’s emotions, and behaviors appear to fall within the normal range. They are appropriate for the situation, the culture, and the social norms by which the person is expected to live. Functioning and distress levels may fluctuate, but within a relatively narrow range.
SITUATIONAL
Thoughts, the expression of one’s emotions, and behaviors are reactive and influenced by the situation or event. May include temporary changes in habitual behaviors and may be inconsistent with the culture and social norms by which the person is expected to live. Functioning and distress may fluctuate over a wider range.
ABNORMAL
Thoughts, the expression of one’s emotions, and behaviors appear to consistently fall outside the normal range. They are often inappropriate for the situation, the event, the culture, and the social norms by which the person is expected to live. Functioning is generally low, and distress level can be very high.
Example
How most people think, feel, and behave most of the time in the normal circumstances of life, i.e., as appropriate to their culture, social norms, place of residence, place of work, family, circle of friends, and acquaintances.
Example
Temporary higher distress and lower functioning caused by the death of a loved one, loss of a job, the end of a meaningful relationship, a natural disaster, a pandemic, and other life-altering events and circumstances.
Example
Chronic or long-term symptoms of personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, etc. which severely impair the person’s ability to function and cause significant distress or hurt to self and others.
Counseling or Psychotherapy?
Generally, neither counseling nor psychotherapy is required or sought by the individual or the couple. However, even in the presence of normal mental health, functioning, and distress, counseling may be needed to problem-solve, reduce conflict, and strenghten relationships.
Counseling or Psychotherapy?
Required or sought by the individual or the couple at times of lower functioning and higher level of distress. Psychotherapy may be required to treat clinically diagnosable mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, etc. Medication may also be temporarily necessary.
Counseling or Psychotherapy?
Generally required or sought by the individual. Supportive therapy and long-term medication are necessary as a standard of care. Counseling may be ineffective if not administered by a clinically trained therapist. Specialized treatment facilities may also be indicated in the most severe cases.