My Bipolar Journey

Normal describes what is usual, typical, or expected, conforming to a standard, average, or regular pattern. It applies to behaviors within societal norms, expected patterns, or standard measurements like temperature or health. But is there truly such a thing as normal. It has different meanings for different people. I think normal is the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. When you are manic, you cannot tell the difference. Your mind is not able to determine the difference. And although there is a rush of feelings and emotions, it is also very dangerous. During my mania in the summer and fall of 2023, there were 15 incidents where the police were called. I was arrested 5 times because of verbal harassment; fortunately, it didn’t go any further. But it did result in spending 24 days at Bordeaux before being sent to the psychiatric ward of the Valleyfield Hospital for 4 months.

Key Characteristics and Usage Examples

• Social and Emotional Functioning: Someone who can navigate daily life without immense effort, maintain relationships, and experience typical emotional responses to situations.
• Social Conformity: Often implies following established rules, laws, and cultural conventions—e.g., getting a job, marrying, or adhering to a “9-to-5” routine.
• Absence of Impairment: A person without significant psychological, emotional, or physical impediments to daily functioning.
• Examples: A person who enjoys popular culture, holds a regular job, engages in typical socialization, and maintains a stable daily routine (e.g., waking up early, working, managing household chores).

So, what is normal? I think it’s different things for different people. A retired person may be comfortable staying home and limiting their socializing. Whereas, a working person may be happy working 50 hours a week and partying every weekend. As long as you are not breaking the law, your normal can be anything that you want it to be as long as it makes you happy.