Who’s “Normal” and Who’s Not?

When “Normal” Meets Personality Disorders: A Friendly Chat About Shared Traits

Ever noticed how we all have bits and pieces of ourselves that can seem a bit, well, 'off'? You're not alone. It's pretty common to see some overlap between what we call 'average' and traits linked to personality disorders. This can lead some of us to think we might have a disorder when we really don't. This chat is all about clearing up that confusion and reminding you that having certain traits doesn't mean you've got a personality disorder.

Getting to Know the 'Average' Joe or Jane

So, what do we mean by 'average' person? It's a big umbrella term that covers a whole bunch of behaviors, feelings, and thoughts that are seen as pretty standard or typical in society. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and these can change a lot depending on things like personal experiences, cultural background, and where we grew up. Some common weaknesses might be things like putting things off until the last minute, doubting ourselves, or finding it hard to handle stress.

Meet the 'Average' Personality Disorder Sufferer

On the flip side, someone with a personality disorder has ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that are pretty different from what most people expect. They're stuck in their ways and these patterns can cause them a lot of distress or problems in their life. These disorders, which include things like Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Avoidant Personality Disorder, have their own unique symptoms. But it's super important to remember that these symptoms are often just extreme versions of traits that 'average' folks have.

Where Traits Overlap

Given the wide range of human behaviors and feelings, it's no surprise that the 'average' person might see some of their own traits or weaknesses in personality disorders. For example, someone might notice they're a bit of a perfectionist (a trait you often see in Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder) or they might be really sensitive to rejection (a trait common in Avoidant Personality Disorder).

But here's the thing: these traits are on a sliding scale. While we all might feel or act these ways sometimes, it's the intensity, how often it happens, and how much it messes with your daily life that separates a personality disorder from just being human.

Beware the Self-Diagnosis Trap

In this day and age, it's super easy to fall into the self-diagnosis trap. While it's great to be self-aware and informed, it's just as important not to jump to conclusions based on a few traits. Diagnosing mental health issues is a complex process and should be left to the pros who can look at the whole picture of a person's experiences, behaviors, and symptoms over time.

Wrapping Up: Celebrating the Spectrum of Normal

So, in a nutshell, it's totally 'normal' to see bits of yourself in traits associated with personality disorders. This doesn't mean you have a disorder, but rather, it highlights the beautiful complexity and diversity of being human. We're all on a spectrum, and it's this variety that makes us all unique.

Remember, it's okay to have weaknesses and to see yourself in different traits. But if you find that certain behaviors are causing you a lot of distress or making it hard to get through your day, it's important to reach out to a mental health professional. They can give you a full evaluation and guide you towards the right support and treatment.

At the end of the day, if you genuinely feel you may have a PD and are prevented from seeking professional help by social, environmental, relationship or religious issues then please read on, and we hope this book offers some help.