How odd your pdoc said you weren't normal. My therapist says everyone is messed up, herself included. She definitely anti the normal label.
J has been counseling for 27 years now, thousands of clients, inpatient, ran a large inner city addiction program, and now in private practice. She says she has seen so many people from all levels of society, backgrounds, etc. that after awhile you realize it's really everybody. Everyone is not normal. Everyone has pain and shame. Everyone has disease, fears, secrets, toxicity. Etc. everyone will die and lose others to death. it scares us all.
I was once in a not normal rant and how sick I was and I was the only one. J asked me why the lobby was full of clients and there is a waiting list every day of people trying to get in or start as new patients.also how many more must there be all over and the many more who aren't seeking help right now. Good point.
I have a friend who is a pastor she worked at a giant rehab/addiction facility for awhile in Washington DC hearing confessions. Eight hours a day people caught in various addictions would confess to her their sins and receive absolution. She said after awhile the whole idea of levels or badness of acts and thoughts washed away. Each were just people, like all other people, with burdens, pain, and regret. If for a few minutes, they could unpack their sorrow and shame and have a reprieve, a reminder that there is love in the world and peace. They all left with a blessing. Btw the way my pastor friend, she is far from normal too.
I grew up in a very stigmatized household. It is a relief to finally have people in my life who aren't trying to be normal. They are themselves. I want to be me too.