What Do You Call Normal What Does Normal Mean To You

[Sammyiam]

When we all talk about PTSD the most common thing I hear is ..... I wish I was normal

I say it all the time, then I started to think what is normal actually, what does it feel like, sound like, look like, smell like ............

What do you think normal means to you ?

Maybe normal is only the setting on your dishwasher, and there is not a normal as we all seek ?

 

[digger]

I don't even have a dishwasher.......... ;)

 

[Sammyiam]

I have for four years and used it about three times, I can't stand the thought of dirty dishes in there.......... Yuckkkkkk

Looking at me from in there all day waiting to be cleaned

 

[GWhizz]

No such thing as normal in my opinion. I think the individuality and culture of each walk of life needs to be considered.

I finally told my partner last night about some of my sexual abuse and naively asked him if it was a normal experience as I know no better from my upbringing. He assured me my childhood would have been significantly abnormal when compared to most. Yet if I compare it to people on this site for example, it's not so abnormal. It totally depends on the circles we find ourselves in at any given time.

Just to make a further joke about the dishwasher comment - do you clean your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher?! I always do so the dirt never sticks and the dishwasher drain won't block. Yet I've lived with my fair share of people who thought this was completely ridiculous and defeated the whole point of using a dishwasher as it was effectively twice the work in their opinions. Crazy thinking right?!

Then again, some 15-20yrs ago, the idea of sharing your deepest secrets with some complete strangers online in full public view, would have seemed outrageous at the time

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

I think loosely we mean functioning, as in being able to hold down a job, have friends, a partner and family that isn't abusive. Still having natural good and bad times, but not being plagued with debilitating anxiety, depression, dissociation and flashbacks. For me it is the idea that I could be happy, have a few good things and a good life.

I think of it as the feeling of home (a good/happy one), it's where you belong - it doesn't have to be lavish or luxurious, just safe and has all the basics to keep you going; you can go away for a while and visit others or try out other things but it's always the place to come back to. Not everyone will like everyone else's home, but most won't mind and some may be envious of others' but it's the place that's just right for you at its heart.

Maybe this is naive, it sounds too romanticized but really all I mean is moderate comfort, moderate safety and being able to get on with most people's approval but those who don't approve, don't really matter.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Normality is overrated.

 

[greenleaf]

How many cat dishes is normal? (Trick question; happy cats = safe feelings; well fed cats = happy cats)

 

[Justmehere]

I don't want to be normal. I want my PTSD symptoms to go away and to fully be my quirky self. :D

 

[Underdog]

For me, being normal would mean being able to fully be myself again and doing all the things I love and want to do without having to constantly push myself through mental blocks. It would be nice if at times I was as passionate within about the things I still long to be so passionate about.

 

[Deleted member 27340]

I personally use it instead of "healthy". To not be psychologically damaged, mentally ill or suffer from any kind of chronical illness, as well as being neurotypical.

I am aware that it's not a correct definition, but using the word "normal" is often simpler as it's easier to put in a joke (I use humour as a coping mechanism).

 

[Go Hungry]

How many cat dishes is normal? (Trick question; happy cats = safe feelings; well fed cats = happy cats)

The safest answer to that is: As many as there need to be. My fur babies will let their disapproval be known. In.. errm... fragrant ways..

 

[.Bubbles.]

If I say "I want to be normal" I simply mean "I don't want this mental illness, and wish those things had not happened to me" pretty much.

But I'm with justmehere - I'm good with being quirky. But quirky without the suffering? Yes please.