By Aparna S
January 8, 2025: It is often said that insanity and normalcy walk hand in hand, separated only by the veil of societal acceptance.
Normalcy is largely a matter of perspective, which shifts with time, age, culture, and location. For example, many practices that were once considered socially acceptable are now viewed with contempt and even prohibited by law, such as child marriages, polygamy, and sati in India.
What was deemed normal in the past may now be regarded with disgust. Conversely, once unacceptable behaviours have become integrated into our daily lives. This indicates that the concept of normalcy is dynamic, and the distinction between normal and abnormal is often thin and blurred.
The same applies to normalcy in the context of mental health. It is frequently stated that “truly insane individuals believe their world is the only rational one.”
No overt symptoms define mental health; rather, normalcy encompasses the majority of adults on a continuum, while abnormality represents what remains. Thus, a person whose behaviour deviates from societal norms or adversely affects their functioning and those around them may be considered abnormal.
‘My sanity, your madness’
This framework illustrates how we define normalcy and abnormality from a psychological perspective. However, it is crucial to remember that being normal is relative, as is being mentally sound. “My sanity could be madness to you, and yours could be madness to me.” Ultimately, what matters is how these states affect one’s existence and coexistence—specifically, how well an individual can care for themselves while blending harmoniously into their society.
Both normalcy and mental health are concepts with fluid definitions that are deeply intertwined. They are influenced by cultural, social, and individual factors. What one society considers “normal” may be unconventional or even pathological in another context. This relativity highlights the complexity of addressing psychological well-being on both global and individual levels.
The majority is not always right
Normalcy is largely shaped by societal norms. Over the years, there have been paradigm shifts in societal viewpoints on various issues that have also reflected changes in the concept of normalcy. For instance, views on homosexuality have evolved significantly. Therefore, “normal” is not an absolute state but a flexible construct that evolves.
In mental health contexts, “normal” often aligns with statistical averages or majority behaviours. However, the majority of behaviours are not necessarily conducive to good mental health. For example, high-stress levels are a byproduct of modern lifestyles and societal conditions; while common, they do not promote mental wellness.
Each individual’s experiences, genetics, and environment create a unique mental health landscape. What may appear as a debilitating condition for one person could be manageable or even adaptive for another. For instance, introversion might be pathologized in an extroverted society despite being a valid personality trait.
Cultural aspects
Mental health diagnoses and treatments are heavily influenced by cultural norms and differences. Cultural factors can either facilitate or hinder mental health outcomes. Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping perspectives and interpreting experiences within a society; however, it can also fuel stigma surrounding mental health issues.
When certain behaviours or conditions deviate from societal norms, individuals may face judgment or exclusion, exacerbating their mental health challenges. Reducing stigma requires acknowledging the diversity of human experiences and expanding the definition of normal to include a broader range of behaviours and states of mind.
Relativity: The “new normal”
Recognizing the relativity of normalcy can foster a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health.
Promoting awareness of diverse human experiences can help society move toward greater inclusivity and understanding—key factors in reducing stigma, improving mental health outcomes, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and understood regardless of their mental health status.
Normalcy and mental health are not fixed concepts; they are deeply relative and shaped by societal, cultural, and individual factors.
Embracing this relativity allows for a more nuanced understanding of psychological well-being and paves the way for more inclusive and effective mental health care. In the context of mental health, finding balance and coping is more important than merely trying to “fit in.”
(Dr Aparna S is a consultant psychiatrist and an Assistant Professor at the Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Tiruvalla, Kerala. Views expressed are her own and not of an organization or company.)
