3 ms·

The viewpoint is based in the reality we live in where we stigmatize abnormality. The correct response isn't to try and normalize abnormality, but to try and re

by least 6y ago

The viewpoint is based in the reality we live in where we stigmatize abnormality. The correct response isn't to try and normalize abnormality, but to try and remove the stigma surrounding it. Suggesting that it is normal actually creates a stigma for those who are suffering from it from pursuing treatment because they're supposed to feel that way because it's "normal."

podgaj 6y ago
In no way do I think my symptoms are normal and just different. What I am saying is that what causes my symptoms is a different response to a similar environmental input that most people do not react to, ie, diet. I want you to consider it being like an allergy, not that I have some sort of histmagenic response, just that when you take my trigger away I have no symptoms.
zepto 6y ago
Who said anything about normalizing abnormality? If by abnormality, you mean traits that are far from the center of a population normal distribution, then I agree that this is essential information for a person to have about themselves. Nobody is encouraging people to think they aren’t different from the norm, when they in fact are. Abnormal, disordered, or diseased are very different things, and should not be confused. As for treatment - nobody should seek treatment because someone else has told them they are abnormal, or because they are not close to the center of the bell curve for a given trait. This is simply a bad reason. People should seek treatment if it will help improve their quality of life, and they are willing to accept the trade-offs that come with it. Whether they are ‘normal’ or not is irrelevant.
- least 6y ago
  > Who said anything about normalizing abnormality? It's implicit in the original comment i responded to. > If by abnormality, you mean traits that are far from the center of a population normal distribution, then I agree that this is essential information for a person to have about themselves. Nobody is encouraging people to think they aren’t different from the norm, when they in fact are. People are encourage others to think they aren't different from the norm, this is prevalent throughout society at large, not just in cases of mental wellbeing. > Abnormal, disordered, or diseased are very different things, and should not be confused. Disorders and Diseases are both abnormalities. > As for treatment - nobody should seek treatment because someone else has told them they are abnormal, or because they are not close to the center of the bell curve for a given trait. This is simply a bad reason. This isn't true. Symptoms can manifest without an individual noticing it themself. Another trusted person telling you about these abnormalities to your behavior or physicality is a perfectly valid reason to seek treatment, even if it doesn't result in anything. > People should seek treatment if it will help improve their quality of life, and they are willing to accept the trade-offs that come with it. Whether they are ‘normal’ or not is irrelevant. Which was largely my point from the get go. The exception being cases where their lack of treatment being a danger to others.
  - zepto 6y ago
    You seem to be someone who has a very deep trust in medicine and in particular psychiatry to produce good outcomes for people. I can respect that difference of opinion.
    - least 6y ago
      I don't have a particularly deep trust in either medicine or psychiatry. My personal experiences with dealing with humans in either has been largely negative. That said, I largely attribute that to the people i've interacted with and not with medicine in general.
      - zepto 6y ago
        It’s unclear why you’d be such an advocate for unquestioningly seeking treatment if you neither trust medicine in general, nor have had good experiences with it yourself.

by least 6y ago

podgaj 6y ago

In no way do I think my symptoms are normal and just different. What I am saying is that what causes my symptoms is a different response to a similar environmental input that most people do not react to, ie, diet. I want you to consider it being like an allergy, not that I have some sort of histmagenic response, just that when you take my trigger away I have no symptoms.

zepto 6y ago

Who said anything about normalizing abnormality? If by abnormality, you mean traits that are far from the center of a population normal distribution, then I agree that this is essential information for a person to have about themselves. Nobody is encouraging people to think they aren’t different from the norm, when they in fact are. Abnormal, disordered, or diseased are very different things, and should not be confused. As for treatment - nobody should seek treatment because someone else has told them they are abnormal, or because they are not close to the center of the bell curve for a given trait. This is simply a bad reason. People should seek treatment if it will help improve their quality of life, and they are willing to accept the trade-offs that come with it. Whether they are ‘normal’ or not is irrelevant.

least 6y ago
> Who said anything about normalizing abnormality? It's implicit in the original comment i responded to. > If by abnormality, you mean traits that are far from the center of a population normal distribution, then I agree that this is essential information for a person to have about themselves. Nobody is encouraging people to think they aren’t different from the norm, when they in fact are. People are encourage others to think they aren't different from the norm, this is prevalent throughout society at large, not just in cases of mental wellbeing. > Abnormal, disordered, or diseased are very different things, and should not be confused. Disorders and Diseases are both abnormalities. > As for treatment - nobody should seek treatment because someone else has told them they are abnormal, or because they are not close to the center of the bell curve for a given trait. This is simply a bad reason. This isn't true. Symptoms can manifest without an individual noticing it themself. Another trusted person telling you about these abnormalities to your behavior or physicality is a perfectly valid reason to seek treatment, even if it doesn't result in anything. > People should seek treatment if it will help improve their quality of life, and they are willing to accept the trade-offs that come with it. Whether they are ‘normal’ or not is irrelevant. Which was largely my point from the get go. The exception being cases where their lack of treatment being a danger to others.
- zepto 6y ago
  You seem to be someone who has a very deep trust in medicine and in particular psychiatry to produce good outcomes for people. I can respect that difference of opinion.
  - least 6y ago
    I don't have a particularly deep trust in either medicine or psychiatry. My personal experiences with dealing with humans in either has been largely negative. That said, I largely attribute that to the people i've interacted with and not with medicine in general.
    - zepto 6y ago
      It’s unclear why you’d be such an advocate for unquestioningly seeking treatment if you neither trust medicine in general, nor have had good experiences with it yourself.