Is it normal to be abnormal?

Dear editor,

Recently, I listened as a teenage girl talked about her boyfriend’s professionally diagnosed emotional disorders. I was surprised she spoke of these disorders as if they were status symbols.

I don’t want to insinuate emotional disorders are reasons to be ashamed. But, they don’t equal bragging rights, either. These disorders can certainly be a burden to bear.

My colleagues and I have often discussed how common mental and emotional illnesses have become. Our personal observation is they are more prevalent now than ever, though we know of no research done on this increase.

Supposing we are right, the question is “why?” I suggest three contributing factors:

1. Dropping of traditional morals. In the 1960s, my generation began to dump the traditional moral system. The results are devastating. In 42 years of pastoral counseling, I have observed that those who believe and practice old fashioned morals are generally more balanced emotionally.

2. Decline of the family unit. This is probably the biggest factor. Multitudes of studies prove those who grow up in a stable family with mother and father are mentally and emotionally far ahead of those who do not.

3. Media/technology provides unceasing activity and instant gratification. Peace and quiet are so unusual today, when they occur, some people can’t handle it. Constant stimuli are the norm. Has anyone researched the possibility Attention Deficit Disorder is induced by technology?

Following society’s norms is often called the “rat race,” which may end in a “rat trap.”

Steve Casey
Stonewall, La.