Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by William Gardner, PsyD. William Gardner, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice located in San Francisco, CA’s financial district. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gardner provides individually tailored psychotherapy for adults using cognitive behavioral techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning. Dr. Gardner earned his PsyD from Stanford University in 2009, specializing in evidence-based practices. He then completed a post-doc fellowship at Kaiser Permanente.
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Having a normal life may sound like a simple goal, but it's actually a complex concept. What's normal for one person may not be normal for another, especially in a different culture or society. At the same time, the idea of normalcy is constantly changing. To have a normal life, you'll need to decide what is normal for you. While some individuals enjoy their uniqueness and individuality, other people need routines and structure.[1] Discover what you consider to be normal and create daily routines that work for you.
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Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat should I do if I don't feel normal?
William Gardner, PsyDWilliam Gardner, Psy.D. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice located in San Francisco, CA’s financial district. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gardner provides individually tailored psychotherapy for adults using cognitive behavioral techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning. Dr. Gardner earned his PsyD from Stanford University in 2009, specializing in evidence-based practices. He then completed a post-doc fellowship at Kaiser Permanente.
Clinical PsychologistStart by defining the term "normal." Then, try to challenge some of the assumptions that you associate with being normal.
Tips
- Even eccentric or great individuals often require daily routines to accomplish their goals.[16]Thanks
- Help others when you can. Getting outside of yourself to be of service to others can help you keep life in perspective.Thanks
- Being 'normal' is not the same as being 'happy'.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/association-between-major-mental-disorders-and-geniuses
- ↑ Sparrow, T., & Malabou, C. (2015). Plastic Bodies: Rebuilding Sensation After Phenomenology. Ann Arbor: Open Humanities Press.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/changepower/201009/routines-comforting-or-confining
- ↑ http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-high-school-graduation-rate-hits-new-record-high
- ↑ http://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/server_files/files/Bridge%20That%20Gap-v8.pdf
- ↑ Kim, J., Heo, J., Lee, I. H., & Kim, J. (2014). Predicting Personal Growth and Happiness by Using Serious Leisure Model. Social Indicators Research, 122(1), 147–157. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-014-0680-0
- ↑ Bélanger, J. J., Pierro, A., Kruglanski, A. W., Vallerand, R. J., De Carlo, N., & Falco, A. (2015). On feeling good at work: the role of regulatory mode and passion in psychological adjustment. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 45(6), 319–329. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jasp.12298
- ↑ Lin, N., Dean, A., & Ensel, W. M. (2013). Social Support, Life Events, and Depression. Academic Press.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201208/do-pets-help-or-hurt-our-health-look-the-research
- ↑ http://observer.com/2014/02/a-month-at-a-time-why-i-quit-travelling-and-started-living-mini-lives/
- ↑ Sparrow, T. (2011). Ecological Necessity. Thinking Nature, 1. Retrieved from http://issuu.com/naughtthought/docs/ecological_necessitybytomsparrow
- ↑ Richardson, C., & Skott-Myhre, H. A. (Eds.). (2012). Habitus of the Hood. Bristol: Intellect Ltd.
- ↑ Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (1 edition). New York: Viking.
- ↑ http://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/pages/peer-support-groups
- ↑ Malabou, C. (2012). The New Wounded: From Neurosis to Brain Damage. (S. Miller, Trans.) (1 edition). New York: Fordham University Press.
- ↑ http://mentalfloss.com/article/12500/11-historical-geniuses-and-their-possible-mental-disorders
About This Article
If you’re trying to have a normal life, begin by working through anything that’s making you feel you’re isolated from everyone else because until you do this, it will be hard to feel “normal.” If you’ve experienced a traumatic event, like growing up in a violent household or getting kicked out of your home, you might feel different from others who seem to have what you don’t. To help you express your emotions and move past your inner pain, try to find a counselor or trauma support group, so you can talk freely about your feelings. You can also find practical ways to rebuild your life by asking your counselor or support group friends for help in finding housing or a job, so you can bring normal activities back into your life. For more advice from our Counselor co-author, including how to find emotional balance, keep reading.
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