I agree with the quotes posted,
'normal is relative' and 'society creates normal.' So does culture.

I don't believe that 'normal' or 'abnormal' should be placed anywhere near the discussion of health, unless to describe a baseline of general health (ie. vitals, organ function, temperature, etc.)

So if there is no clear cookie-cutter representation of 'normal' how could it still be used as a definition?

I enjoy how the article points out that the notion of normal is becoming even more narrow: '"We've narrowed healthy behavior so dramatically that our quirks and eccentricities—the normal emotional range of adolescence and adulthood—have become problems we fear and expect drugs to fix."'

So yes, I do agree that many are overmedicated, but the conformity that many are expected to epitomize often leads to stronger emotions and increased anxieties. So thus comes the question: does society's expectations of 'normalcy' (as outlined via the media and mainstream sources) cause or increase mental illness?

So with the definition of normal (speaking in terms of mental health) we reach a dilemna: if we strive to be normal, we forego some vital part of our individuality... OR we resist the face of the 'normal' (because we will never be defined thus) which will inevitably label us as further 'abnormal'.

I honestly can't name anyone I would consider 'normal', I either don't know them well enough or know them too well. haha.